Par High Senior's Tip to Freshmen: Get Involved

All this week, Parsippany Patch shines a light on the best and brightest at the township's  and . It's our way of congratulating all the seniors for their hard work and wishing them all good luck in their futures before graduation takes place Wednesday. 

The students were chosen by their respective principals, Natalie Betz and Dr. Nancy Gigante and were given the option to participate. 

Today, we feature a chat with PHS all-around student Krystal Kaiser, 18.

How long you've lived in Parsippany: I’ve lived in Parsippany my entire life basically, since I was four.

College/Work Plans: I plan on studying at Immaculata University in Malvern, Penn.; it’s about two hours away. I am going to major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Psychology! 

High school activities: Well throughout my high school career, I definitely took advantage of being involved. I played field hockey year-round for the school and club teams (I plan on continuing by playing for Immaculata's team), I tried softball my freshman year but that was not as successful as I had hoped so I switched to spring track, and I dance at in Lake Hiawatha! I also joined clubs; I was apart of Interact, Peer Buddies, Ambassadors National Honor Society (where I was elected recording secretary) and, one of my favorites, Student Council (where I held a role as secretary for the New Jersey Association of Student Councils and I was vice president of my Junior class).  

What do you plan to do this summer? This summer before college I plan on spending a lot of time with the people I care about, especially my family. However, in July I will be vacationing to Europe as well! I will also help at two different church’s Vacation Bible Schools, something I started just two years ago and really enjoy. Besides that, I really just want to relax and enjoy what’s left of being home like this!

What career are you thinking of, and why? I want to be a stylist or window display creator for any fashion company willing to take me. I knew that I was too obsessed with clothes to let it just be an outfit, it needed to be a way of life because I know I will enjoy it. I want to have a psychology education to fall back on as well because I am passionate about emotions and helping others.

What is the most important thing you take away from your high school experience? My high school experience has taught me who I am. I found my true friends and I will forever be grateful for everything I have. I realized that life is too short to be anyone other than the true you.

What was the biggest challenge you overcame during your high school career? My biggest challenge was public speaking. In fifth grade I had one of those typical tragic stories where I ran out of the room crying during a forensics presentation. However, being persuaded into running for State Office, despite the speech I had to make in front of 400 people who were from all around New Jersey, truly changed me. I felt unstoppable. If I could work hard, overcome my fear and end up winning, I can do anything.

What was your favorite part of high school? My favorite part was definitely Student Council or field hockey. I am also really cheesy when it comes to high school experiences and I undoubtedly enjoyed every dance, Mr. PHS, etc. High school is what you make of it.

What was your least part of high school? My least favorite parts would be waking up early and the stressing I had.

What was your favorite class? My favorite class was English. It used to be something I struggled with when I was in elementary school but now I have grown to be in Honors/AP classes. Every English teacher I had was amazing.

Were you involved in volunteerism or community service through a school group?  My aunt died a few years ago due to breast cancer so I have always felt strongly about the fights against it. Every breast cancer walk and tricky tray are a priority. I also helped with church retreats and vast causes our school supported (troop support, school supplies, etc.) Student Council really helped me help others.

What was your most memorable high school experience? To choose just one is almost impossible. Aside from traveling to Arizona and Virginia for field hockey tournaments or St. Louis and Canadaigua for State Office I would have to say some of my favorite memories come from chilling out at Mara's, a local café in Denville, with my best friends. I also will never forget the happiness felt winning Homecoming Queen! It was definitely an honor and something I would not mind reliving.

What would you recommend about your school to an incoming freshman? What advice would you give to someone on how to make the most of high school?  BE INVOLVED. Enjoy every minute and don’t be afraid to try new things, even if it scares you. Also don’t be a Negative Nelly because if you are too busy being upset and dwelling on things you could miss all of the wonderful things right in front of you.

What excited you about your school and how can others work to keep your school great and spirit-filled for the future? School events and different staff members fueled me to give the school spirit. I wanted every event to be better than the last so I tried to keep a positive attitude. With a positive attitude the entire atmosphere changes.

Do you credit anyone in particular for inspiring you in your high school education? Who is this person and how are they special and inspiring to you? My mother is definitely the one I owe all of my inspiration to. We lived in a one-bedroom apartment and she was a single mom my entire life, up until three years ago. She worked two jobs, sometimes at ungodly hours, and yet I never heard this amazing woman complain for anything she sacrificed. She has taught me all of the important life values I carry today and I consider her to be my best friend and other half. I know that I can tell her anything and she’ll be there with open ears and a passionate, understanding heart. I love her and thank her for all she has ever done and all she continues to do, I will never forget.

I also thank the school's staff and administration for their unwavering support in everything I did.