Senior Osvaldo Moreira-Gonzalez Chooses Hofstra University
Osvaldo Moreira-Gonzalez is headed to his dream school in the fall. The Huntington High School senior has known for many years that he wanted to attend Hofstra University and that’s exactly where he will be studying as he pursue his future goals.
“I would have to say that Hofstra has been my dream school since seventh grade,” Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez said. “I remember researching the school and knowing it was for me. The reason I picked Hofstra was because I know that I won’t just be known as ‘student number 500.’ My professors will actually know my name and work with me. I know that I will be receiving the best education that I can get.”
Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez will leave Huntington will many wonderful memories of teachers and classmates. “Being able to go to someone like Mr. [Robert] Gilmor for help when needed really has allowed me to get through high school,” the teenager said. “One of the best memories I will be leaving Huntington High School with will be the Awareness Weekend I attended during my junior year. It really changed my life in a positive way and helped me open up more with people.”
The senior has engaged in challenging studies this year, including Advanced Placement Biology, AP Literature and Composition, AP Spanish Language & Culture, Economics, Chamber Choir H and pre-calculus.
“I am in United Amigos, a club a bunch of my friends and I began to allow for bilingual students to become comfortable with the school and environment and their peers,” Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez said.
A member of the Spanish Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez said he especially enjoyed AP Biology with teacher Deborah Beck. “She really helps students out with any school work that they may be struggling with,” he said.
The teenager has benefited from many close and productive relationships with teachers. Among his favorite courses has been Living Environment Honors with teacher Anna Fabela. “If I hadn’t taken her class, I probably would not be going into school for biology,” Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez said. “She introduced the course to me in a way that I will always love it.”
Another personal favorite was AP U.S. History with teacher Mr. [Kenneth] Donovan. “Although I really didn’t talk in the class, Mr. Donovan really prepared me well and with that I really enjoyed learning about U.S. history.”
Still another especially enjoyable class has been Chamber Choir with teacher Veronica Mainville. “Now without this class, I really don’t think I would be able to make it through school,” Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez said. “She has prepared me so well for my future and for any music related things. I love this class and the teacher.”
The teenager has had a very special relationship with science teacher Rosario Lorenzana. “She has been my mentor all throughout high school,” Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez said. “Without Ms. Lorenzana I would have never pushed myself to take challenging classes. She has helped me in every aspect and really thank her for all the time she has spent on preparing me for the real world. I really do consider her like my ‘school mom’ because she’s been there to guide me through my journey.”
Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez considered LIU Post, Dowling, Farmingdale and Nassau Community College before finalizing his plans at Hofstra. “I picked Hofstra because I knew that if I had picked something other than my dream school, I would’ve regretted it,” he said.
“I plan on studying biology,” Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez said. “I’m still not 100 percent sure what I want to do with bio, but I’m leaning more towards secondary education.”
Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez is looking forward to life at Hofstra and beginning the next phase of his life. He plans to make the most of his college experience.
“Some advice I have for incoming freshmen would be to always push yourself to take as many honors and AP classes as possible,” Mr. Moreira-Gonzalez said. “They really will help you out in the long run. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do because if you feel like you can, go for it! Make sure you do really well freshman year. Start off strong to then be able to relax senior year. Work hard.”