“I refuse to say the real name of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.”
Molly Fingerman follows her superstitions very carefully, a result of her love for supernatural and fantasy shows. But, she’s also found another love.
“The most memorable movie I most recently watched was the rom-com classic ‘Notting Hill.’ I watched it with my mom at home and loved it. It gave me a new celebrity crush,” Fingerman said.
Moments like this with her family make their way into some of her favorite stories to tell, such as trying new foods with her dad and a harrowing yet memorable RV trip to the Grand Canyon.
“It started pouring out of nowhere and caused a mudslide right next to where we were standing,” Fingerman said. “We had to sprint all the way back up the canyon and ended up purchasing dry clothing to replace the items that were ruined. I still have the shirt and socks to this day.”
From RV adventures to daily life, Fingerman knows that her family is always there to support her.
“I would be nowhere without my family,” Fingerman said. “My brother has helped me through the darkest of times and still been by my side through the brightest of times.”
And of course, she loves her dogs, a one-year-old Chiweenie and a 14-year old Terrier-Beagle mix, who is part of some of her fondest memories.
“We saw him and instantly fell in love,” Fingerman recalled fondly. “Even though I was four, I vividly remember the immediate attachment I felt.”
Aside from time with her family, Fingerman also dedicates a lot of her energy to Cheer and Stunt practices, both of which she has been in for four years.
“I’ve made lifelong friends and memories that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else,” Fingerman said. “This year, I was captain alongside some of my good friends and we had a lot of fun.”
Fingerman is grateful for all the bonds she’s made through 12 years at Oak Park Unified School District, and realizes just how valuable they have been through her life.
“Everyone who comes into your life teaches you a lesson, so I wouldn’t be who I am without the good and the bad,” Fingerman said.
Naturally, her ways to rest and recharge include having fun with friends.
“I like to go fro-yo runs with my best friend to recharge,” Fingerman said. “We always have fun, whether we jam out to music, go on side quests, or just talk.”
Her fro-yo order? Although she likes cotton candy or cookies and cream ice cream, or chocolate/vanilla swirl soft serve, Fingerman says that one topping beats it all.
“Basically chocolate sprinkles with a side of soft serve,” Fingerman joked.
Looking ahead to the future, Fingerman is keeping herself open to all the possibilities of where life will take her.
“I just hope to continue to grow as a person and maintain strong relationships,” Fingerman said. “I’ve struggled with my mental health for years, and I just want to keep getting stronger and more comfortable with myself.”
She is already immersing herself in that quest. When asked who she is beyond her name, age, and grade, she said she’s constantly figuring out the answer to that.
“Each day brings new challenges and opportunities and I’m always adapting to them,” Fingerman said. “In the process, I am still someone whose values always take priority.”
One of the values that she guides herself with is a motto passed down from her grandfather: If you’re going to do it, do it.
“This applies in the present, past, and future,” Fingerman said. “I’ve learned not to dwell on the past or the present, along with the concept of acceptance. Life doesn’t always go your way, and that’s okay.”
