The future is bright for senior Miruna Cioc as she recently committed to Harvard College and is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Linguistics. Cioc plans on going to law school as well and envisions how her major in Psychology will support her ambitions. “I see these subject matters as pertinent to law not in the sense that they teach me legal statutes, but more so about how to interact with people. Winning a case in a courtroom requires a lot of psychology to connect with the jury and persuade them to see your argument,” Cioc said. Cioc believes that her major is generally applicable to law school and fosters her critical thinking skills.

It’s not every day that someone gets accepted into an Ivy League school, so the feeling of getting accepted into Harvard was one that Cioc will truly never forget. Cioc recalls feeling relieved, excited, worried, ecstatic, and everything in between. “I was enthusiastic to see that many years of hard work paid off and that I was one of the few people to get accepted. However, as I am sure is common, it later sunk in how I would have to move from home and begin a new life in Cambridge. I would also say this turned into excitement because I can’t wait to see what people I meet and the memories I will make. Overall, it’s been a roller coaster of emotions,” Cioc said. 

In preparation for her future, Cioc has been very involved here at West and is an active leader. From being a tutor in the Lit Center to being the National Honor Society President, Cioc has been devoted throughout her past four years here. For the majority of her high school career, Cioc was thoroughly involved in mock trial and was the lead counsel for her entire career and became captain at the end of her freshman year. For those that aren’t familiar with mock trial, it was a club focused on analyzing various cases—anything from murder and armed robbery to drug overdoses, to murder by the mafia. Then, you build a case and take it to court, imagine law and order in the courtroom. “I loved mock trial and plan on continuing it at Harvard,” Cioc said.

Cioc is also grateful for her opportunity to work with special ed classes where she works with a community class during her study halls, helps out in arts appreciation as well as integrated P.E.. Cioc has built many friendships through this and will truly miss everyone she has met. 

Also, tutoring in the lit center has provided such memorable experiences for Cioc. “I have been a literacy center tutor for three years. Through COVID, then hybrid learning, and now a “normal” school year, I have been going to the Lit Center to work with students on subjects ranging from Spanish to English to even Physics. I loved connecting with students and sharing my knowledge or providing tips,” Cioc said.

Cioc has been an inspiration for many in the lit center. “Miruna, from the first day that I met her, was really a stand out student and somebody that takes initiative, demonstrates leadership,  goes above and beyond as a tutor and as a student. I’m obviously aware of her academic achievements, but what impresses me the most is the person that she is and the heart that she has and how she cares about. When I heard that she had committed to Harvard, it was really no surprise to me,” Lit Center Assistant Reine Hanna said.

Many upperclassmen begin to think about their future and how to find their own success. For Cioc, being aware of her goals came with ease. One strategy Cioc utilizes is goal-setting. “I always set goals for myself whether that’s getting into Harvard, finishing a homework assignment, or getting a good grade on a test. My ambition and perseverance allow me to keep going and structure my life in a way that motivates me to work harder. If I did not accomplish my goal, I grow even more ambitious so that the next time, it will be fulfilled. Similarly, if a goal is accomplished, I feel even more motivated to set a harder one for myself and achieve the next,” Cioc said. 

Along with this, Cioc expresses how she set a career goal for herself early on and recommends others to do so as well.

“This helped me when generating a theme for my college application, selecting a major, and even selecting my courses in high school. By no means do you have to plan your entire life, but having an idea of the direction you want your life to take allows you to make choices efficiently and sets you up for success,” Cioc said.

Cioc also has lots of advice for students preparing for their post high school plans. Academically speaking, Cioc’s biggest advice would be to get to know yourself as a student. Once you do that, many things fall into place: study habits, what classes you can/want to take, how you approach applying for college, etc. “When you know yourself as a student, you know how to maximize your studying and become efficient because time is precious,” Cioc said.

Adding on to the concept of knowing yourself as a student, Cioc advises that preparing for college early is a must. Apply for those leadership positions, establish relationships with teachers and counselors, don’t be afraid to ask for help when writing your personal statement, discover a passion project, and so on. “The time to start bunkering down and getting ready for college isn’t junior year, it’s a process starting your Freshman year. I would also advise that you know what you want to do,” Cioc said.

A struggle for many students is balancing school work and social life, and it is truly important to keep academics as the top priority. Cioc agreees and she strives to set clear schedules and deadlines for herself to complete her work. Having a solid schedule in place keeps students on track and can help manage where and how one’s time is spent. With this said, Cioc is able to organize her time efficiently. “I also remind myself after having a long week to spontaneously go out with my friends and just enjoy their company and laugh with them. Sometimes I need a break from school work, and going on ice cream runs with my friends helps clear my mind and gives me a good reset to go back to my school work,” Cioc said. 

As the end of the year approaches, looking back at her memories, Cioc recalls her favorite moments as a high school student. Many of her friends are inspired by her as well. “I am just so beyond proud of her. I knew she would get into Harvard from the start because when Miruna sets her mind on doing something, she works so hard to make it happen that there is no possible way it can’t. She has always been the most hardworking and driven person I know and she has sacrificed so much to get to where she is now,” senior Rachel Lee said.

“From showing profound school spirit at football games where we were decked out in theme outfits, to going to Culver’s or Portillo’s late after the game, I made so many memories. Another memory was spirit week. My friends and I went all out and shared some good laughs in seeing each other wear baggy outfits to imitate Adam Sandler or dress up as barbecue dads,” Cioc said. Cioc is excited to experience her final memories that will wrap up her senior year as she gears up for Harvard.

“I’m looking forward to all of the opportunities and experiences Harvard has to offer. Whether that’s through internships, courses, bonding events with other freshmen, or simply being in Cambridge, I look forward to my experience. I look forward to learning from the professors there and being one step closer to a legal career,” Cioc said. It is no doubt that Cioc is on the right track and is ready to see what her future has to bring. I am so proud of her and so glad to have gotten to know her and work with her this year.  I have no doubts that she is going to go on and do amazing things,” Hanna said.