Written By: Owen Weems, Staff Writer
INVOLVED: From sports, to clubs, to academics, Dhannasshy Sanchez has really had an impact on many through her involvement across campus and beyond.
A jack of all trades – someone who has dedicated their time to become exemplar in a wide variety of skills and and activities. This phrase has been used throughout the years to describe a myriad of big names from a wide variety of locales, but no one better fits this description than Dhannasshy Sanchez (Nashy for short), a senior here at Poly who has really dedicated herself to the many activities in which she is involved.
School can prove to be stressful. The expectation to get good grades and be a stellar student while still leaving time for family, friends, and leisure leaves many utterly overwhelmed. This, however, did not seem to apply to Dhannasshy. She still found time to be an active member and leader in a wide range of school activities. The list of involvements is endless: she was “secretary for Interact Club, a Bear Boss for Bear Pals,” along with being “involved in MECHA, Yearbook, and Baile Folklorico.” While somehow finding the time for all of this, she juggled classes and being a captain of the distance Track and Field team. She not only just participated in these extracurriculars, but excelled in them, showing the qualities of a real leader. She has really “[gotten] out of [her] shell” to become an active participant in a variety of events. She has used every opportunity given to her, including the Poly Bear Bowl, to learn so much and become a better person. She explains that the importance of her clubs is the interactions she has, as it gives her an opportunity to “learn from [others]” as she also offers advice in any way she can. Her clubs have offered her an invaluable opportunity to create lasting memories and help craft Poly’s campus into a better experience for all. Clubs such as Bear Pals and MECHA have offered Dhannasshy chances to learn, and in the end that is what high school is all about. Most important of all, she took advantage of the outlets given to her to “[learn] patience, understanding, kindness, and inclusivity.” Dhannasshy really shows that if you set your mind to it, you can make the most out the high school experience. Through dedication to her clubs she helped make Poly into a better place.
While clubs are a big part of high school life, Dhannasshy will also miss the environment, teachers, and friends that made high school such an enriching experience. She made close bonds with many “teachers [that] will always have a special place in [her] heart.” The connections that people create are what make high school so special, and Dhannasshy will always be thankful for the teachers and friends that pushed her to be the best that she could be. But she has had the same effect on her peers as well. With a positive attitude, she has worked to motivate those around her to improve. Dhannasshy encapsulates what it means to be be an active member of the Poly community.
Although it is always sad to see a friend and member of Poly’s community graduate, it is also exciting to see them transition to a new chapter of their life. For Dhannasshy, she is looking “forward to being independent and trying new experiences” that college life will surely bring. She plans to pursue her higher education by taking courses in STEM such as molecular biology and chemistry, so that she can one day reach her goal of “working in the medical field.” The determination and hardworking attitude of her many high school experiences will carry on into future endeavors.
It is important to commemorate all the seniors for their hard work and dedication throughout these 4 years of high school. Dhannasshy has shown that involvement and empathy are critical parts of the high school experience. As a final piece of advice to the incoming seniors of next year, she wants them to know that it is “important to stay organized with college applications, exams, and other responsibilities” while still taking the time to “make memories” and enjoy what senior year has to offer.
Good luck Dhannasshay!