Some call the United States a melting pot of culture and language. Others use the analogy of a salad bowl to convey the message of mixing together many unique lifestyles in relatively close proximity.
Neither analogy is lost on Benilde-St. Margaret’s senior Lauren Goldstein, whose passion for learning Spanish (among her many other accomplishments) has paved the way for success in our increasingly diverse country. “I’ve [been taking] Spanish my whole life,” Goldstein says. “In grade school [at Holy Name of Jesus in Medina], we were required to take Spanish.”
But requirement was no match for Goldstein. “For almost every year I can remember, my family has gone to Mexico for spring break,” she says. “Just being part of that culture only for a week got me interested in the language … and inspired me to get better at it so I can communicate with the people when I’m there.”
Her vacations also inspired a different kind of travel. She hopes to pursue mission work or education abroad in college—possibly to Honduras or Guatemala—paired with her interest in biochemistry research.
During her sophomore year of high school, Goldstein was recognized for excellence in Spanish and is a member of the World Language Honor Society, based on her top-tier grades. She also plays varsity soccer for Benilde-St. Margaret’s, is a Link Crew commissioner, and is a member of National Honor Society, the Red Knight Volunteer Corp and Knight Life. “[I’m looking forward to] making memories with all the great friends I’ve made since it’s our last year to be together before we go off to college,” Goldstein says. “I’m excited to make those memories and hit all the milestones.”
