Millerton teen Xin Wong talks about being a senior during a global pandemic

MILLERTON — Whether they opted for a remote or hybrid learning experience, Harlem Valley students had to adapt to a new normal as they embarked on the 2020-21 school year in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic. These changes have stood out distinctly for high school seniors. Yet many students have chosen not to be defeated by the uncertainties of life under quarantine and have instead decided to work to the best of their abilities in pursuit of a brighter future. Such is the case for Xin Wong of Millerton, who recently shared the challenges of finishing his senior year at Webutuck High School during the pandemic as part of the Ancram Opera House’s “Local Characters: Back to School” program.

“Local Characters” is a sister storytelling program to the Ancram Opera House’s “Real People, Real Stories.” Both are rooted in the idea that everyone has a story to tell. Ancram Opera House Director Paul Riccardi said the opera house has been doing “Real People, Real Stories” for five years and has since expanded to reach out to children and young adults, including those involved with the Teen Team program at the North East Community Center (NECC).

Riccardi explained that “Local Characters” was originally designed as live dialogue before an audience, just like a talk show. Just as they were developing the program, the Ancram Opera House went into lockdown due to COVID-19 and shifted the program to a virtual format in which people would be interviewed via Zoom. What might start out as a 30-minute interview is typically edited down to five minutes, to share the essence of what the interviewee is talking about, Riccardi said.

“It’s different from ‘Real People, Real Stories,’” he explained, “but it’s still someone telling a story. It’s very quickly that you can sense the spirit of what someone is trying to say.”

After conducting a round of interviews focused on a Mother’s Day theme this past spring, “Local Characters” launched a second round of interviews in the fall, this time focusing on a back to school theme. The series was launched in three installments on Friday, Oct. 23; Friday, Oct. 30; and Friday, Nov. 6, featuring interviews with Beth Flores, a librarian at Taconic Hills Middle School; Ancramdale parent Colleen Lutz; and Xin.

When asked how he chose Xin, Riccardi said he met the Webutuck student through his involvement in Teen Team, since the Ancram Opera House and NECC partner together on a regular basis. This year marks Xin’s fourth year with Teen Team, according to NECC Teen Program Director Jackie Osnato. Riccardi said Xin was very interested and eager to participate in “Local Characters,” and that they talked about what it’s like to be a senior during COVID-19 and what Xin has done these past nearly nine months.

“Xin was very matter-of-fact,” Riccardi said. “I was really impressed that Xin was neither panicked, nor frustrated. Xin seemed to be looking at the pandemic straight in the eye and deal with what’s in front of him. He’s very focused on his studies; he’s very focused on his future.”

Indeed, Xin presents himself as calm and collected, even in the midst of a global catastrophe. With his parents scared about his falling ill, Xin shared that he stayed indoors all summer, but kept active by working, engaging in virtual college tours and assembling puzzles in his spare time. As far as his plans go, he said they haven’t changed that much. Looking ahead, he’d like to attend school somewhere close to home, perhaps studying for two years at Dutchess Community College and then transitioning to a four-year college. He shared his interest in studying accounting or another subject involving math and then pursuing a career that’s “steady and independent.” 

Along with sharing his hopes on how the pandemic will transpire, Xin commented on the rise of social activism over the last few  months and his hopes for a brighter future.

“I hope more adults read the news or care more about what’s going to happen in the future,” Xin said, adding that he was trying to get his parents to vote in the 2020 presidential election.

Based on what she’s observed of Xin from his involvement in the Teen Team leadership program and NECC’s Teen Jobs program, Osnato praised the Millerton teen as a natural leader. 

“He’s very charismatic; he is willing to learn and eager to grow, he participates in a majority of activities and programs that are held through the community center with partners like the Ancram Opera House,” she said, adding  Xin attended “Real People, Real Stories” to watch his peers perform onstage. “He’s a very supportive, active member of our group and he has a big heart. We love Xin.”

Inspired by the ways in which Xin has stayed connected to his community while keeping himself and his family safe, Osnato said, “I think he has a real strong sense of what it takes to be a leader and what opportunities will be challenging for him, but he’s willing to give that a try so he can grow. I’m also not surprised that he said yes to this opportunity because he’s willing to grow.”

To watch Xin’s “Local Characters” interview, go to www.ancramoperahouse.com.