Warren Student Interviews a Rising Star
Warren Township Schools
As a cross-curricular activity for his REACH and Spanish classes, grade 5 Angelo L. Tomaso (ALT) student Benjamin B. recently interviewed local rising star Melina Rebimbas for the school’s newspaper.
Rebimbas, a trilingual Rutgers Preparatory High School student, former Central School Eagle, and Warren Middle School Wolverine, and elite soccer player, sat down with Benjamin over Zoom on Wednesday, November 2, and discussed topics such as her unique ability to speak three languages, growing up in Warren, and her recent participation in the U-17 FIFA World Cup as a member of the U-17 Women’s National Soccer Team.
In front of a small audience that included students, staff, Principal Christine Smith, and the District Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Mingle, Rebimbas described her family dynamics to Benjamin, who asked if speaking multiple languages provided her with a better appreciation of different cultures.
“All the different cultures coming together and combining as one in my big family is really special,” Rebimbas, who speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and English, explained. Rebimbas notes that as she grew up and understood where her family members hailed from, her desire to embrace and celebrate her family’s culture grew stronger.
Rebimbas went on to explain how speaking multiple languages also helps her form relationships with athletes from all over the world. While playing against Spain and Brazil in the recent FIFA World Cup in India, Rebimbas was able to converse with her opponents on and off the field and build unique relationships with athletes like herself.
Benjamin asked Rebimbas how she got to where she is today. “I started playing soccer when I was three. I played Rec soccer from five to eight, and then I played for the Watchung Hills Soccer Club before joining my current team (PDA).”
Rebimbas explained that soccer is her passion. “It has never felt like work to me. I’ve always wanted to train and put in the hours of practice. I think that’s why I’ve gotten as far as I have, and I know I have so much further to go, and I’m so excited.” Rebimbas was named High School Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year.
Benjamin then asked Rebimbas how she managed her schoolwork while playing high-level soccer and traveling outside the country for games. “I developed good study habits at an early age and have always loved school.” Rebimbas, who takes both AP and Honors classes, told Benjamin that she tries to maintain a healthy balance of fun, happiness, and the willingness to study and work hard in school.
As the interview questions ended, Benjamin asked Rebimbas if she had anything extra that she wanted to share. Rebimbas took a moment to reflect before responding, “If you have a passion, follow it; follow your heart. If you find something that you love, there should be nothing stopping you from doing it. There are so many things out there in this world; once you find your little thing, just go out there and do it.”
Both Benjamin and Rebimbas received high praise from Principal Smith. “Ben took this opportunity as a journalist seriously and interviewed Ms. Rebimbas like a professional! We are truly grateful for Ms. Rebimbas taking the time to inspire our students to work hard and to find their passion.”
The district looks forward to following Melina’s academic and athletic career and thanks Señora Noralys Rebimbas and Ms. Nancy Andrews for coordinating the interview between Benjamin and Melina.
Photos by Warren Township Schools
