By Jonnae Greene
Baldwin High School
Instead of holding onto heavy emotions, Angie Larrea writes through them.
The rising junior at Hempstead High School has lived in the village her entire life. Growing up with her parents, older sister Bianca and three pets, her family life has been marked by both love and conflict.
Angie recalled that “my older sister and my dad … did have a lot of conflict. Watching that growing up caused my mind to think certain things doesn’t make sense.”
Moreover, it caused her to become more guarded with others. “Growing up, I’ve had trust issues with friendships, relationships,” she said.
Angie also experienced a falling out with Bianca. She said after a fight, “the first four, five months of this year, we did not speak at all. I would just avoid her.”
Eventually, through letting go of the past, they were able to rebuild their connection. Looking back, Angie believes these experiences changed the way she views relationships. “It has caused me to be more appreciative of the people around me,” she said.
Since the beginning of high school, Angie has taken time to write in her daily journal and create poems. “It’s like a way for me to speak my feelings, but in ways that are as complex as I feel them,” she said.
In her school’s slam poetry contest, she entered a poem about her relationship with her father. She ranked among the top entrants. “I felt so raw and accomplished that I presented something that was so personal to me,” she said.
Angie values understanding people. She often speaks about her best friend Elisena, whom she has known since first grade. During the summer, Elisena goes on trips with her family, limiting their communication.
This enables Angie to reflect more on herself. The summers apart strengthen their friendship. “It has taught me that although you take time for yourself, that doesn’t mean you love the person any less,” she said.
Angie is involved in multiple activities, such as swimming, softball and wrestling. She also takes Advanced Placement courses such as AP English Seminar and AP World History.
In AP English Seminar, Angie faced challenges in group presentations, where she learned the importance of cooperation and time management. She has been in the top three of her class for all of sophomore year. Bianca said Angie “continues to succeed in whatever she puts her mind to.”
However, between her high academic performance, sports and family, she can become overwhelmed. Through journaling, Angie unwinds while finding clarity and peace. “I journal to calm my stress,” she said.
As for participating in the Robert W. Greene Institute for High School Journalists, Angie said: “I want to join this program because I want to meet new people. Getting to know new perspectives and new mindsets is a big aspect of my development.”
Angie is interested to see if this field fits in her future. “I hope to become more knowledgeable in journalism,” she said.