This week we Take Five with Amanda Gerity, an eighth grader at Macopin Middle School. Amanda has great pride in being a Highlander and passion for soccer. Go to our Web site, westmilfordmessenger.com, to see our Bonus Five with Amanda.
1) How did you get involved with soccer?
When I was younger I played many different sports, like softball, soccer, I took art classes and other activities. I played softball for a long period of time but as I got older I wanted to try something new. I'd currently been playing recreational soccer and really wanted to tryout for a travel team as their goalie. The first practice I went to was my tryout and it was insanely nerve racking considering I didn't know any of the girls, but luckily I made it through the tryout and was accepted onto the Tigers as their new goalie.
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is a really close friend of mine, Nicole. Her mom and my mom are really close and we grew up together. Since day one, she's been one of those people who could cheer you up whenever, and really just inspires you to be yourself. She has done so many great things, for her community and her school and never passes up opportunities to try something new. She inspires me to be myself, and explore new things and opportunities. Hopefully as I grow older, I can follow her footsteps!
3) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
My favorite teacher of all time? That's a hard one. I think the teacher I liked the most was my 5th and 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Errichiello. She was the one teacher all the girls could tell the latest drama too and not think we were all going crazy. She knew how to cheer you up after something horrible happened and told you straight up how ridiculous is was to be crying over a guy who broke up with you in the 5th grade. She was an amazing teacher who taught me so many great things and life lessons I will remember forever.
4) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
To me, being a highlander means your closet should always be filled with black and gold. Going and supporting our friends and peers at home games and protecting anyone like family. Being a highlander is being proud to live in West Milford.
5) What is your favorite movie, book or character and why?
My favorite movie is Elf, with Will Ferrell. I love this movie because my favorite actor is Will Ferrell, and my favorite time of the year is Christmas time! I've watched this movie at least a thousand times, and my family always watches this around Christmas time and it’s becoming a tradition for us! We love the making jokes calling each other “cotton headed ninny muggins” This has to be one of the best Christmas movies out there.
The Christmas season will be upon us in no time, Amanda. Get ready for some Elf viewing!
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Bonus Five
6) What would most people be surprised to know about soccer?
I think most people would be surprised to know that soccer isn't just about running with a ball up the field and scoring a goal. Its mainly about communication and teamwork. If no one on your team talked with each other, nobody would be able to pass and get it to each other's feet because you can't tell what the other person is thinking!
7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
If I were on a deserted island and I could only bring three things I would bring: a soccer ball to keep me entertained when I was bored, a camera so I could take pictures of everything I wanted so that when someone came to get me I could print the pictures and remember my time trapped on the island, and a survival handbook, so, well, I could survive.
86) Share a favorite moment with your team.
My favorite moment with my soccer team would probably be when we went a few seasons undefeated and won the championship game and went down a flight.
9) What do you do with your time when you are not playing soccer?
When I'm not out on the soccer field, I like to hangout with friends, go to the movies, buy anything that has to do with the autumn season, and tie dye random stuff!
10) Share something no one knows about you.
In the future, I hope to help and inspire people to be themselves and not to be afraid to stand up for themselves and make a few enemies along the way!