Izahqueen Grandoit is one of the many students in the Cardozo Community. She’s a Junior at Cardozo High School and loves to express herself throughout the school, through her culture, her programs, and her dance moves.
Grandoit plays a huge leadership role in her life as a NS2 in NJROTC. “Being in the Navy program is a very fun experience which trains you for real life situations,” she shared. “It has made me a lot more confident with working in a team environment and trusting myself to set a good example to lead others.” Grandoit was even a part of the Veteran’s Day Parade, which added to her passion for the Navy program.
Students at Cardozo have to be strong in their everyday lives and Grandoit is a good example of a strong student, especially when it comes to the dance program. “Being in the dance program isn’t such an easy thing but it has made me a stronger person, sometimes it feels like a very competitive space but regardless, I love dancing,” she shared.
“Throughout time, I’ve learned lots of techniques which have helped me choreograph the first multi cultural show,” she explained.
Her Haitian culture makes her dance moves flourish on stage, and it all originates from her supportive family. “What got me into dance was my family background, my mother has been a dancer ever since she was young and I became very interested in the different styles of her dances and the best thing is the way it makes you feel, dancing is a way to feel free of expression it’s great,” Grandoit reflected.
Like all good things, her dance moves take time to learn. “Practice for shows takes sometimes days, weeks, and even months depending on the type of show we have to perform in. The more I’ve learned the better I’ve practiced,” Grandoit further explained.
Motivation can come from anywhere, and for Grandoit her motivation is her love for what she does she expressed, “My true motivation for doing both Navy and the dance program is because I simply enjoy doing it.”
“When you do the things you love, it can sometimes be stressful but you’ll always find a way and remember why you loved doing it in the first place,” Grandoit went on to say.
Music runs through her veins, genres such as jazz, soft/hard rock, K-pop, and sub genres are just a few of the many genres she enjoys listening to. She loves music so much that she wants to pursue a music career. “After highschool, I either want to pursue being a Navy musician, while being able to dance on my free time. I want to be able to still enjoy my talents with doing anything I love,” she explained.
Grandoit has been at Cardozo for three years, and she shared advice to her underclassmen. “Times will be hard, and some will be harder than others,” she started. “But through it all, try your best to persevere.”
“Every experience is something that will teach you to become a better person, so always know that there are better days ahead, and surround yourself with people who will support your goals and you mentally,” she explained.
“Make sure to maintain your grades and your health too and remember that you’re always loved by someone out there.”
