From starting gymnastics as a young girl to becoming team captain of WA’s Varsity Gymnastics team in 2025, and even speaking on social media panels about her experience as a teenager, senior Jynjer Jozokos seems to have made a place for herself here in Westford. However, as college looms closer, Jozokos is leaving Westford Academy behind and making the decision to move to Hawaii.
Instead of going to college in-person, Jozokos plans to take online classes and complete her general education courses—the foundational classes that provide basic knowledge for a student’s undergraduate degree, also referred to as gen-eds—during the two years she’ll be living in Hawaii.
“I figured since I’m going to be out in Hawaii for two years, I’d do my gen-eds online, then transfer into a nursing program when I come back,” Jozokos said.
Her decision to major in Health Sciences will act as a placeholder for Jozokos to finish her medical gen-eds and continue her studies to become a nurse once she returns from her stay in Hawaii.
“I chose Health Sciences because getting a nursing degree can be hard to do online,” Jozokos said. “My hope with this major is to transfer credits to a nursing program and become a labor and delivery nurse.”
But the move won’t come without some drawbacks. According to Jozokos, moving to an entirely different environment where there are no familiar faces can be tough, and leaving means saying goodbye to a place filled with so many memories.
“I’ll miss seeing my closest friends in the halls or in classes everyday. I met my best friend during high school and I can’t imagine going to school without her by my side,” Jozokos said. “I’ll also miss all the memories I [have made, like] going to homecoming, cotillion, and getting ready with my friends before the Friday night games.”
That being said, Jozokos won’t be completely alone once she makes the move, since her long-distance boyfriend will be waiting for her once she touches down in Hawaii.
“I met a guy who is in the army and stationed in Hawaii. We started talking and later on started dating. We’re in a long distance relationship and it’s definitely had its ups and downs, but he’s always the person I turn to when I’m stressed out or just need a good laugh on the phone,” Jozokos said.
The long-distance relationship has been a little difficult for the both of them, and moving closer means being able to finally see him in person. This opportunity for closer proximity is one of the leading reasons behind the move.
“What inspired me [to move to Hawaii] the most would be being able to live there with him, while also following my own dreams to go into the medical field,” Jozokos said.
This kind of decision isn’t seen frequently at WA, but Jozokos seems prepared and excited for the new opportunities and experiences the trip will give her.
“When I move out to Hawaii I hope I’ll start a new chapter, become more independent, experience a different culture, and step outside [of] my comfort zone,” Jozokos said.
