We spotlight each of our Eighth graders and ask them to reflect on their Middle School experiences and share some of the highlights and what they are most proud of.
Meet Emilia Retuerto
What is one of your favorite highlights from the middle school program?
My favorite highlight from the Middle School program was our class trip to Spain. It was a trip everyone had been looking forward to with great excitement. At first, I was nervous about staying in another country without my family for 10 days, but the moment I arrived in Spain, I realized I had nothing to worry about. I had an incredible experience, trying new foods, speaking with locals, practicing the language, spending time with my host family, and most importantly, building strong relationships with my friends and teachers. Throughout the trip, I created so many unforgettable memories that I know will stay with me for a lifetime. Although I felt a little sad when it was time to come home, I returned with a heart full of joy and a truly memorable experience.
What skill(s) did you develop thanks to your Montessori/IB education that are you most proud of?
During my time at Princeton Montessori, I developed many valuable IB learner profile skills. The two I am most proud of are time management and open-mindedness. On class trips, especially to Spain, I had to be open-minded when trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. Whether it was trying new foods or learning to communicate in a different language, I learned the importance of being adaptable and receptive to new experiences.
At school, managing my time effectively became crucial. With the amount of homework and projects, I had to prioritize tasks and plan ahead to stay organized and meet deadlines. These time management skills have helped me succeed and will continue to support me in high school and beyond.
What will you miss the most after you graduate from PMonts?
The part I will definitely miss the most about PMonts is the strong sense of community and the relationships I’ve built with all my friends and classmates. From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed into a supportive and caring environment, which made all the difference in my experience. One of the things I will miss most is spending time with my friends, both during class and at recess. Whether we were working together on projects, sharing laughs in between lessons, or playing games outside, these moments truly made my time here special. We’ve shared so many memories, and those simple moments of connection will always hold a special place in my heart.
Additionally, the trips we went on, like the class trip to Spain, allowed us to bond in unique ways. The experiences we shared during these trips strengthened our friendships and created lasting memories that I’ll cherish forever. These shared experiences helped us grow not only as students but also as individuals, and the friendships I’ve made here will be something I’ll always remember as I move on to the next chapter of my life.
