From India to Westford Academy, freshman Ushita Saxena’s dedication earned her the Student of the Quarter award from school social worker Patti Lonergan, a prize to commemorate her perseverance.
Student of the Quarter is an award that is given by a faculty member to a student for qualities that make them stand out.
Despite only arriving in America this summer, Saxena has already made an impact on the WA community. Saxena was born and raised in India before moving to Westford this August, following a job opportunity her father was offered. While the main reason for her move her father’s job, living in Massachusetts also allows Saxena to save up for college in the U.S. and get a better education. According to Saxena, she moved to Westford without knowing anything about who she would meet or what clubs she would join, but she still approached the change with enthusiasm.
“I feel like putting in [all my effort] helped me settle in better and figure out [the] logistics behind this place. I am still getting used to Westford, and America in general, and it has a bit of a different style than back home,” Saxena said. “But putting all my best efforts will make it a lot easier for me to actually see the full potential of this place and be a little less homesick.”
Saxena explained that she has been supported by many people during her transition to Westford, including Lonergan.
“[Lonergan has been supportive] because she has been really nice to me,” Saxena said. “Also, [band teacher Adam] Shekleton because he inspired me to join the marching band, so he gave me the option to sign up even though it was one month late for me. I think these two people are really inspiring.”
According to Saxena, her goals for the future are to try her best to be a good person, and to help people as much as she possibly can.
“Her accomplishments aren’t necessarily the type of accomplishments you’re going to see on a piece of paper. She is kind, she is super curious, our classrooms are better because she is in them.” Lonergan said. “Our hallways are better because she is around. She truly has a lot of gratitude inside of her for many things. I also think her spirit is something that we can all aspire to.”
Lonergan also highlighted how Saxena is really brave for adapting to the new environment despite not knowing anybody, and not knowing much about the culture or how the high school works.
“I think a little bit of the language barrier is [tricky] because the dialects of English over here [are] a little different,” Saxena said. “So a lot of times I will be pronouncing words a bit differently and people will correct me, and it is a little embarrassing. But I think that it is a little difficult [for others to] understand [me sometimes as well].”
According to Saxena, she misses her friends, and to get through this, she talks to them about her homesickness and adjustment to America. They give her support and advice, and she also uses her own logic to solve the problem.
“I’ve known [my friends] since kindergarten, practically my whole life before moving to America. I now just talk to them over messages,” Saxena said.
As Saxena continues adjusting to her life at Westford Academy, according to Lonergan, the Student of the Quarter award highlights her perseverance and hard work. Saxena hopes to keep learning and to make new connections, and to take new opportunities she has in America.
