Enduring Core Values

Connecting with God has meant a lot to Aleksandra Seremak. The Paramus Catholic senior achieved that at Campus Ministry retreats, led by religion teachers Michael and Amy Shea, a married couple and her greatest influencers.

“I discovered how in tune I am with my spirituality and how I want to be closer to God,” said Seremak, 18. “I think they’re a really big influence on that.”

Seremak attended School 8 for fourth and fifth grade. She said her otherwise Catholic education has given her a unique outlook.

“I like learning the reasons why things are the way they are,” she said. “Not just a snippet of a quote, but the full background.”

Seremak’s favorite class was Robotics. It was less “sit down and learn” and more hands-on with James Phelan’s guidance. She liked how he gave the class instructions and tools, and then let students see what they could achieve.

Outside of school, Seremak is an assistant at a small

Polish pharmacy, Variety Drug, in Garfield. This August marks two years of filling prescriptions, scanning, and getting items ready. She is in the front on weekends since she’s not only able to work fast, but she’s fluent in Polish.

When she’s not working, she enjoys reading. Her recent reading list has included The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen. She also likes to crochet.

“It’s a very ‘grandma’ sort of hobby,” laughed Seremak.

This fall, Seremak will study accounting at TCNJ. She hopes to minor in financial and actuarial studies. Growing up in Clifton and attending PC strengthened her core values. Her hometown’s diversity prepared her for the future, while Seremak knows that she wants to keep religion close.

“PC has given me an outlook that’s not always visible in the public eye,” said Seremak, “and it is something that I definitely want to pass down to my children.”