Clifton Inspired

How has living in Clifton influenced the person you are today?

Cole Esbin wears leadership well in all areas of his life.

The PCTI Senior Class President has showcased his abilities at the Wayne high school, as well as separately in his Clifton community. Esbin, 18, has volunteered at the Clifton Public Schools’ summer arts program, the Integrated Summer Enrichment Experience (ISEE).

“Being able to work with kids from all different backgrounds to put on a show and see all of our work on display is something that I have always enjoyed,” said Esbin.

Esbin has utilized his leadership skills further, within the professional world. He works at Stop & Shop on Broad Street as a Front End Clerk. The job sees him working as a cashier, self-scan assistant, Service Desk associate, and part-time Assistant Customer Service Department Head.

He credited his mother, Serpil, as his greatest influence.

“She always pushes me to be better and to have better goals for myself,” said Esbin.

Yet Clifton also played a pivotal role in his formative years. Prior to PCTI, Esbin attended School 13 and WWMS. He said he’s “especially grateful” for the opportunities that the school gave him. He specifically made mention of Mr. Anthony Lanzerotti, Jr. and the WWMS Music Department. “My creativity and opinions were always embraced,” said Esbin. “The biggest lesson that I have learned is the ability to advocate for myself and have my own voice.”

Roman Albano: Without Clifton, I wouldn’t have made contact with some of my closest friends to date. I wouldn’t have volunteered at my local church and I wouldn’t have obtained a job at Clifton Code Ninjas. Without Clifton, I wouldn’t have become who I am today. Clifton’s unique educators have impacted me profoundly, resulting in my current class rank. I am forever grateful for the skills and lessons that they’ve taught me — to always look forward and to never be discouraged.

Antonio Bordamonte: Growing up and living in Clifton was a great thing. I would not be the person that I am today if I had not moved to Clifton when I was 10-yearsold. All of the friends and teachers that I have met have influenced who I am today throughout the eight years that I have lived here. Being taught by amazing teachers at Clifton has impacted my learning positively. A lesson that I have learned that I will take with me throughout my life is if there is something that you want, you have to be willing to work for it no matter the circumstances.

This fall, he will begin his studies at the University of Vermont. He’ll focus on Economics with a double major in Statistics. His eventual plan is to attend graduate school and later earn a PhD in Economics and become an Economist.

His academics at PCTI helped support his goals. His favorite classes were Academy of Finance 4 with Ms. Nicole Modak and Discrete Mathematics with Mr. Michael Pettenio.

“[Discrete Mathematics] showed me the real world applications of mathematics,” he said.

His peers and school ultimately helped him “break out of my shell.” Esbin enjoys skiing and was able to ski competitively by joining the school’s Downhill Skiing team.

“Take every opportunity that is presented to you,” he advised the rising seniors, “and live without looking back on your decisions.”

Claudia Natoli: I would walk everywhere and I loved getting to know my surroundings. It taught me to recognize my surroundings. Lessons that I will take with me are to be yourself and always try your best.

Ceasar Diaz: The people and environment helped me and still helps me to keep bettering myself everyday. I am now able to be independent and not rely on other people. I always remember that you only live once. Cherish your memories and take every chance you can get to help you grow.

Mark Leszczynski: The people that I’ve met here and the experiences that I’ve had have shaped me as an individual. I will take that everywhere that I may go in the future. My personality and identity have come almost entirely from the fact that I grew up in Clifton. The teachers that I’ve had have taught me so much about the world. The experiences that I’ve had taught me about life in general. I’ve learned to be a better person and I’ll take these lessons with me everywhere that I go in life.

Kiara Negron: The city showed me many values and morals when it came down to diversity. I believe that everyone in Clifton comes from different backgrounds and cultures and are always sharing their own mindset and beliefs, which is good to hear if you ever need good advice. A skill that I will always take with me is commitment; to never give up and always accomplish your goals. A lesson that I will never forget is to never let your fears take over.

Marlene Muhammad: Clifton is home to a diverse community of people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Growing up in such a diverse community exposed me to different perspectives, ideas, and customs, increasing my cultural competence. Clifton has a strong sense of community, with a range of local events and activities that bring people together. Growing up in a tightknit community instilled a sense of belonging in me and allowed me to foster social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership.

Hisham Ettayebi: I have learned so much and have made so many friends that have constantly supported me and helped me to reach my goals. Throughout these four years of track and cross country, I have learned that no matter how difficult a challenge could be, one has a lot more strength to push through their challenges than they think. Pain will make you doubt whether or not you can reach the finish line. If you stay strong, you will see that you are able to cross the finish line.

Michelle Marin: I’m fortunate enough to be in a diverse community where I am accustomed to everyone’s culture and different backgrounds. I was also fortunate enough to have some of the best teachers. I’ve learned many things from them that I will forever cherish and take with me wherever I go.

Clifton has exposed James Troller to learning about many different cultures and experiences, and he has done that by leading CHS’ hockey team and Scouting.

He said that his city is all-the-more special since he might otherwise have not learned as early in life about the things that make Clifton a diverse community. That appreciation led to him investing in his hometown as a member of Troop 23.

“My Eagle project was based here in Clifton at the First Lutheran Church, 1337 Van Houten Ave, beginning last August,” said Troller, 18. “We restored an overgrown garden bed, realigned the stone wall, and trimmed the trees on the other side, as well as put in a path to a gate.”

Troller hopes to continue giving back to his community. It may look like helping with other Eagle projects, or simply raking leaves and acts of community service.

Sergio Ortega: I didn’t speak English fluently when I entered CCMS but now I speak more fluently. Now I can go anywhere and always be ready if there is an emergency, and not depend on someone when I can do it myself.

Theresa Joseph: The community is very welcoming to everyone due its diversity. It also allowed me to experience and befriend people from many unique and differing backgrounds.

Fernando Rosa Mejia: Growing up here taught me how to always look out for myself. A lesson that I will take — that a grade or a number doesn’t define who you are.

Romeo Gonzalez: If I had the choice to go back in time and choose where I’d want to grow up, it would be in Clifton. Clifton has introduced me to the most influential people, organizations, and opportunities. I will remember all those lessons and use them to help and guide others.

Cole Esbin: The biggest lesson that I have learned being from Clifton is the ability to advocate for myself and to have my own voice.

He plans to stay local while he attends MSU. Ideally, he will lay his own roots someday as he starts building a future career. “It may be a big city but everywhere I go, I find a way to run into someone that I know here,” he said.

“I can always find ways to interact with the community through street fairs, parades, flea markets, and all of the events in this town.”

Krishi Patel: Clifton’s diversity has allowed me to be myself and embrace my culture, which inspired me to create the Hindu Student Association. Clifton helped me to realize I don’t need to fit in with everyone; being different is OK.

Yasmina Abufasha: I’m well acquainted with many of my neighbors and that is what have ingrained in me a sense of belonging in my community. Growing up in Clifton has taught me to appreciate all people, not just those who are similar to myself.

Ian McCarrick: Living in a city that’s diverse and has different groups of individuals is unique. For my father 40 years ago, it was completely different.

Andrea Garcia: Teachers are helpful, but you also must put in your own effort.

Jineen Khalil: The school system in Clifton is the best— a bit tough sometimes, but that is what makes me want to push myself to my limits. It taught me to appreciate what I have and to be patient and work hard, which are things that I’m taking with me when I start at university.