Jonathan Giglia

Please tell us about your current plans after high school. And what inspired you to choose this path?

I will be attending the Rutgers University School of Engineering to pursue an education in Biomedical Engineering. I’ve always wanted to become an engineer, but I was inspired to choose BME after I was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis in my collarbone and was operated on and rehabilitated with the aid of biomedical innovations.

Please tell us a little bit about your family.

My mom is a Clinical Nurse Educator, and has been at the forefront of organizing and training medical professionals to help combat the spread of Covid-19 in primarily Outpatient care. We’re extremely proud and appreciative of her during these trying times as she strives to create a better world for us all. My dad is a General Manager for a security company that guards Apple retailers. He’s been working very hard from home to take care of everyone. My sister, Ava, has been practicing and auditioning from home, waiting to take the MHSN stage and rock Chicago as Velma Kelly. My entire family has always been extremely supportive and encouraging of me throughout my entire life and I couldn’t have gone this far without them by my side.

What are a couple of your favorite local restaurants in the community?

Applebee’s and Houlihan’s are very consistently good, and my favorite was a small Italian restaurant named Rigaletto, which despite having excellent food and service, had closed its doors a few months ago. (Unrelated to the pandemic)
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Out of everyone that I’ve met during my time in Middletown, there are few that are quite as interesting as my sophomore year English teacher, John Russoniello. He always has a new talent or quirk that eventually, you really stop questioning and just chalk it up to “That’s Russ.” He’s super funny and made my time in his class an absolute joy.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

I would want to travel to the CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia to be able to sit in on and witness history in the making, as the current response to our situation holds tens of thousands of lives in the balance.

What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

The Godfather is easily one of the greatest masterpieces of film and is my decisive favorite. My favorite TV show so far is Bojack Horseman.

What is the best advice your ever received from a teacher? Who was that teacher?

My best piece of advice came from a part time Percussion Instructor for the MHSN marching band, Dylan Segalowitz. “Good, but you can do better.” It’s a phrase I’ve modeled my practice and study by. It’s easy to settle and become complacent with “good enough,” but those who can push further and realize their potential can open any door that they seek for themselves.

What is your go to band to listen to?

I personally listen to a variety of artists, but typically Logic is my first choice.

If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?

I’d love to meet some of the great people I’ve met from the Rutgers Class of 2024 community. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time these past few weeks getting to know and having a great time with many new friends. Of course, our first meeting should be on College Avenue in New Brunswick.

What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

Being close to the shore has always been a benefit we often take for granted, but it gives our community a bright and welcoming personality.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

In 5 years I should be either attending graduate school to pursue my Master’s Degree or starting the first steps of my career at my first job in the Biomedical industry.

What show are you binge watching right now?

I’m not really binging a show, but I am spending an unhealthy amount of time on YouTube.

What is your favorite month? holiday? and best single day on the calendar?

My favorite month is October. It’s a great combination of cool weather, settling into classes, and of course football and marching band season, all capped off with Halloween. My favorite holiday is Christmas, which essentially lasts all of December. My favorite single day of the year will be the day that we can all re-enter the world, stronger and more driven than ever before.

Who inspires you to be better?

My mom is my main role model. Even before this crisis, she showed me what it means to go above and beyond. She’s always been my biggest fan and who I strive to model. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, she’s been nothing but consistent, patient, and diligent in everything that she’s done. I couldn’t be prouder of her, and she inspires my drive every single day.

If you could go back over your entire school career, what is one thing you would do different?

I suppose I would just try to improve my grades during freshman and sophomore year, as well as start to learn to play the snare drum much earlier. Other than that, I don’t really have any regrets in my academic career.

Who or what do you miss the most right now?

I miss my close friends, whom I would usually go out weekly with. Fortunately we’ve been able to stay in touch during the lockdown.

What is the first thing you want to do when this quarantine is over?

Going out to eat with a few friends and celebrating our new freedom.

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