Madeline Jara Bastidas is new to WHB this year. She played basketball this year, and her bubbly personality and commitment to the team was a personal trait the whole team admired. 

Madeline (better known as MBJ to her teammates), immediately stuck out during tryouts. Naturally, everyone was interested in the new girl who could take a strong drive to the basket. Eventually, we learned that Maddie was new not only to the school but to the country!  The junior moved here from Riverhead, but previously lived in Ecuador.

Madeline used to play basketball in Ecuador and that is one of the things that she brought to America with her. However, she still had to leave a lot in Ecuador. According to Maddie, she left all of her friends and the majority of her family. Her father was the biggest part of her life that she left behind. Along with leaving the physical people she also left “a lot of good times.”

The move to America came after her mother got married. Her mother, like most others, wanted to have her close.

Maddie’s adjustment from an all Spanish-speaking country to an all-English country was difficult at times. Of course, nothing could prepare her for the challenge she faced. Fortunately, she enjoys WHBHS due to the friendliness of the student body and the support. On top of that, she likes this country as a whole. “This country has more opportunities and it motivated me a lot to learn a language that is spoken around the world,” Maddie said. 

Overall, Maddie has adjusted well to the country but we think she would have adjusted well anywhere. Maddie is the sweetest, hardworking person you will ever meet, with amazing baller skills!