Cresskill — Laura Tiedemann, 18, knows how to cross boundaries.
The high school student is not only Cresskill's salutatorian, but a writer, dancer, activist and science-lover.
"I would say that these four areas are what really defines me," said Tiedemann.
The 18-year-old attended the prestigious New Jersey Governor’s School for the sciences upon completion of her junior year. The selective summer program exposes talented students to college level courses, projects, field trips and laboratories.
For Tiedemann, the experience reinforced her interest in pursuing a medical career. She plans to major in chemistry at Brown University next fall.
"I’ve known that I’ve wanted to be a doctor since elementary school," Tiedemann said.
Part of the lure of a career in medicine, she said, is the emphasis on problem solving through labs.
"Like if you’re a doctor, seeing patients and assessing what they have is almost like a lab," said Tiedemann. "You follow a certain procedure. You make an inference and come to a conclusion."
Aside from science, Tiedemann is a member of several honor societies. She is also the editor of her school’s literary club called Opus.
With the Interact Club, she put her problem-solving abilities to good use by coordinating the club’s homeless shelter activities. Tiedemann said she collected soup, raised money for food banks and even volunteers at shelters herself.
Tiedemann admits that when "I start something, I’m dedicated and continue with it."
And that’s why Tiedemann has continued as president of Cresskill’s Dance Team, which she founded in her sophomore year.
The team is entirely self-funded. Combining jazz, ballet, hip-hop and modern, the dances are choreographed by Tiedemann and other members, she said.
Even though Tiedemann will have to start anew in college, the salutatorian is not one bit upset.
"I lived in Cresskill my whole life," she continued. "That infancy is nice, but it would be nice to leave and meet new people."
E-mail: gonzalezso@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6711
