When Weehawken High School senior Desiree Romaguera took the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) for the first time last year, she didn’t think much about checking the box that asked her for her background.
“I just marked ‘Hispanic,’ like I always do,” said Romaguera, whose parents hail from Cuba. “I’m used to marking that when I take tests or fill out applications.”
She never dreamed it would have such positive implications.
When Romaguera scored an 1150 on her PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, she was considered as a candidate for the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program.
Of the 125,000 students nationwide who identify themselves as Hispanics when taking the test, the top 4,300 students are recognized. After a further check into the students’ academic background, the top 3,000 nationwide are selected as members of the program.
Romaguera, who is ranked among the top three in her senior class, was named as a recipient of the National Hispanic Recognition Program, which can provide scholarships to the colleges of the students’ choice.
The National Hispanic Recognition Program, which was established in 1983, is a College Board program that provides national recognition of the exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors and identifies them as strong candidates for post secondary institutions.
The College Board’s mission is to be a great educational organization dedicated to preparing, inspiring and connecting students to college success and opportunity, with a commitment to excellence and equity.
Romaguera had no idea that she was eligible for such an award.
“Until I received a letter in the mail with the certificate, I didn’t know anything about it,” Romaguera said. “But I’m really excited about it. I got word right before I applied to Rutgers, so I added it to the application.”
Romaguera, who received even a higher score (1250) when she took the real SAT, is in the process of applying to several schools in the hope of eventually becoming an obstetrician.
She has applied to Rutgers, The College of New Jersey, Columbia and New York University, with the ultimate goal being Columbia.
“I would love to go there if I could get in,” Romaguera said. “I know it will take a lot of money to go there if I get in.”
Romaguera said that she will be a biology (pre-med) major in college with the hope of studying obstetrics.
“When I’m home and I’m watching television, I’m always watching The Health Network and watching them delivering babies,” Romaguera said. “I just find that whole thing fascinating, being able to bring life into the world. I know that sounds kind of strange.”
Sure, while other teenagers are glued to the screen, watching MTV and American Idol, Romaguera is intent on watching newborns enter the world.
“I think I’ve always wanted to become a doctor,” Romaguera said. “My uncle is a doctor (internist), so I have it in my family. I know my parents were very excited when I told them that I wanted to be a doctor. I know they want me to live up to my potential and they want me to push myself as far as I can go.”
Romaguera is also an accomplished tennis player. She was the No. 1 singles player for the Indians this fall and has been a member of the varsity team for the last three years.
Romaguera also juggles her busy class schedule with a part-time job, working at Regal Theaters in North Bergen.
“Whenever I have a break, I can see the movies for free,” Romaguera said. “I love movies and music. They’re passions of mine.”
Romaguera said that “Underworld” is the latest movie that she’s seen and recommends.
“I love that movie,” she said.
Romaguera said that she is always worrying about her grades.
“I study real hard all the time,” Romaguera said. “Whatever I get, I earn. I can say that. I’m real excited about college. I’m taking three AP (Advanced Placement) classes now just to get ready.”