Q & A: Maddie Apostolis

How did your experience in high school go as a whole? Any notable challenges?

My high school experience, I would say, is a good one. My freshman year, I was at Fitch High
School in Groton, Conn. around people I’d known since fifth grade. After I moved away, I had a
pretty big culture shock. I started Wando my sophomore year, in what people say is notably the
hardest or most difficult part of a teenager’s life I suppose, but I found it very easy to find my
own connection to such a big school — mainly through the people I met, the people I’m still
friends with and will continue to be friends with for quite some time. And now, at the end of my
high school career, even through school’s cancellation and not being able to physically hang out
with any of my friends, I am so grateful. I’m grateful to have experienced the American public
education system as I did and I don’t think I’d change anything.

What do you think was special about your high school career?

What I think is special about my high school career is my friends. I never belonged to one
particular friend group. I didn’t come to Wando knowing half of the student population, I came
with no expectations and only one standard, really, and that was respect. But through my high
school journey, both academically and socially, I fell in love. With my friends, the thrown-
together pile of absolutely wonderful people that I surrounded myself with. I’ve met lifelong
friends that have given me all of their love and I’ve given it all right back. There is no job, or
amount of money, or… leaked releases of “The Weeknds” music that I will ever take over a
moment with my friends. I learned what fake friends looked like, I knew them the second I saw
them. But they never scared me, I have all of the good ones right beside me. They were all I
ever needed. They are still all I will ever need.

What was the highlight of your high school career?

The highlight of my high school career was also my most proud accomplishment. In the fall of
2019, I had the privilege of directing a department-wide production where I, along with the
theatre department, made a show come to life. It was something that I will never experience to
that extent again, it was truly unique and bold and different and I owe it all to the people I
worked with to accomplish such a wonderful thing. "Murder Mystery” was my baby, I watched it
grow with every practice and tech rehearsal, just like I watched the people who were involved
the show grow. Every problem that arose I didn’t have to face alone. I changed, as a leader and
a friend, because of that show and I’m forever grateful.

What do you think you will be remembered for?

I hope to be remembered for my confidence. I know saying that sounds a little too self-
confident, but I truly believe that my assertiveness, both in knowing what I wanted and pursuing
what I wanted, (even if it was a short-term goal) is something that I hope people can use me as
an example for. I was never afraid of confrontation, and I was never afraid to voice my opinion.
Don’t be afraid, of yourself and your own voice or of the voices of others. There is nothing more
powerful than progressive steps towards a goal—use your own power for sure.

Next year, what do you plan on doing?

I was admitted to four of six colleges that I applied to, and I’ll be taking a gap semester before
attending Boston University in January with the intended major of chemistry with a minor in
Spanish. My summer semester is in London, and from there? All I can hope for is an adventure,
new experiences and people, cultures and beliefs — the end goal? To be President of the
United States of America. Hopefully not the first woman, but if I need to be, I won’t be afraid.