4-10-2024 5:06am

SENIOR'S NURSING PATH

Hunt Valley Life Staff

GRADUATING SENIOR PROFILE: DESIREE MIRANDA DARDON, FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

Celebrating the Class of 2024

By TEAM BCPS

DESIREE MIRANDA DARDON, FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL

BCPS schools attended: Owings Mills Elementary School, Franklin Middle School, and Franklin High School

Tell us about a teacher, assignment, field trip, or extracurricular activity that had a significant impact on you?

I remember when I first met Ms. Manuel, my theater director. She was like a guiding light in my life, always there to support me and encourage me to be my true self. She saw the potential in me that I didn't even see in myself. Ms. Manuel always took the time to listen to me, to understand me, and to take me out of my comfort zone. She believed in me when no one else did.

Ms. Manuel showed me that it's okay to speak my mind, to be bold and confident in who I am. She always knew exactly what to say to make me laugh and to make me calm my nerves. She helped me break out of my shell and become the strong, independent woman I am today. She taught me the importance of self-expression and staying true to myself, no matter what anyone else thinks.

[Ms. Manuel] helped me break out of my shell and become the strong, independent woman I am today. She taught me the importance of self-expression and staying true to myself, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Ms. Manuel was always there for me, guiding me through the ups and downs of life beyond just everyday school. She inspired me to take life day by day, to never give up, and to always believe in myself.

I will forever be grateful for the impact Ms. Manuel had on my life. She helped me find my voice, my passion, and my purpose. She truly changed my life for the better, and I will always cherish the memories and lessons she taught me. Thank you, Ms. Manuel, for believing in me and showing me how to be the truest version of myself.

What did you accomplish that you are most proud of?

I am most proud of my time as stage manager at my high school. I have made my fondest memories in the theater. I loved every minute of it, even the stressful moments because I was always there to cheer everyone up. Or someone was always there to turn a negative mood into a silly one. Theater isn’t something I ever thought I’d enjoy, being on stage wasn’t something that I gravitated towards. But once I discovered my love for the background action, I never turned back. I am most proud of all the productions I successfully led and all the things I learned about myself along the way. Being accepted into the International Theater Honor Society was an exciting moment for me as well, and I’ll forever be grateful for being introduced to it by my close friends.

What’s next for you?

I plan on attending a four-year institution, majoring in nursing. However, beyond academics, what’s next for me is years of exploring and learning new things about myself. I am excited for the opportunity to find myself beyond the realm of my home, to discover new things about myself every day. To value each moment and memory I make as if it’s my last, to remember to appreciate the little things. I am very excited for college and the person I will become at it. But I am more excited to be studying things I love and taking the first step in my nursing journey.

However, beyond academics, what’s next for me is years of exploring and learning new things about myself. I am excited for the opportunity to find myself beyond the realm of my home, to discover new things about myself every day.

Favorite quote

“I am out with lanterns looking for myself.” – Emily Dickinson

Favorite movie

"When Harry Met Sally"

ABOUT DESIREE MIRANDA

"Desiree Miranda excels academically while handling a variety of extracurricular and community activities, thereby demonstrating her outstanding time management skills and her ability to use time to her advantage. Desiree has demonstrated her outstanding leadership skills by serving as the founder of the Hispanic Culture Club, the social media manager for the Environmental Club, the president of the Student Government Association, the president and founder of the Book Club, stage manager for our theatre productions, and a member of the Principal Advisory Panel. Desiree has also been inducted into multiple honor societies including the National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, Rho Kappa – the Social Studies Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, and the International Thespian Honor Society, where she serves as the secretary.

"Despite her hectic schedule, Desiree still finds time to participate in a variety of community activities. She has participated in numerous campus and community cleanups, volunteered at our blood drive, as well as participated in a partnership with a local elementary school where she reads to children. In addition, Desiree is very involved in her church and enjoys participating in outreach programs through their youth ministry. Desiree 's involvement with these programs reflects how friendly and compassionate she is towards others. She is a kindhearted and caring young lady who truly enjoys helping others."

--Tanya Scott, school counselor