As the years progress, high schoolers around Northwest High School (NWHS) begin to think about what their future will look like. An exorbitant amount of planning, preparation, and persistence must go into creating a fruitful future. Junior Lilliana Affarano is a talented and bright student at NWHS who has a shining future ahead, with a life of dedication and perseverance supporting her momentum.
“My parents,” said Affarano. “They’ve always pushed me to do more things, get involved in everything.”
In nearly every case of a well-known success story, the person mentioned has a relative or loved one to help them get to that grand position.
In addition to people, it is often a life lesson that can change a person’s trajectory as well. Affarano, like many students around the school, has had many memorable occasions that have taught her how to live the way she does.
NWHS Band Director Bryan Mangiavellano has run the band program for several years, and has noted many skills students can pick up by performing for the band.
“Band teaches discipline and perseverance. It teaches kids to continue working even if it gets hard,” said Mangiavellano.
The lesson of perseverance is just as important as any other, created by the geniuses of the past. Giving up is one of the most lethal killers of dreams that the world has to offer, and time in the band can combat that deadly opponent.
“Mangiavellano has this saying,” said Affarano. “‘Umquam Porro’. It means ‘Ever Forward’. Don’t stay in the past. Keep moving.”
Many pieces of advice are life-changing and revolutionary, and Affarano’s is like no other. Comparable to the likes of Bob Marley and Lady Gaga, everyone has journeys that propagate wise learnings, just like Affarano has.
In addition to wise learnings, Affarano has expressed another aspect of a great journey, and that is a great beginning.
“It [starting early] is important,” said Affarano. “If you make steps early, you’ll be set on what you want to do, and it makes things a whole lot easier.”
To begin early is to be prepared for whatever comes in the future, be they successes or failures, boosts or obstacles. In the choice between preparation and unknown circumstances, Affarano clearly stands on the correct side of the debacle.
“I’ve always liked music,” said Affarano. “So the more music I have, the better my life feels, the happier I am.”
Hobbies are quintessential in determining the path of one’s future, especially in Affarano’s case. Music has always been a major source of passion for humanity across generations, and Affarano’s choice to pick it up shows exactly where she belongs.
Affarano’s journey towards a music-centered career sets the stage for a bright future full of success and prosperity. Her message lights the way for others as they aspire to have fruitful futures, just as she will.