On a night celebrating academic excellence, leadership, service, and character, Christine Montalbano '16 returned to Marian High School to deliver an inspiring speech at the National Honor Society (NHS) Induction. Montalbano, now a Senior In-Vehicle User Experience Designer at Stellantis, motivated inductees by sharing her personal journey and reminding students of the importance of embracing change, persevering through challenges, and finding their own path.
Montalbano’s heartfelt address began with her congratulations to the new inductees, recognizing the prestige of NHS membership and encouraging them to celebrate their accomplishments.
“Savor it and celebrate this win because you deserve it,” she said. Reflecting on her own time at Marian, Montalbano shared how the school shaped her into the leader she is today.
Montalbano walked the students through her personal evolution, sharing how different experiences led her to where she is today. She currently designs infotainment systems for well-known automotive brands like Jeep, Dodge, and Maserati at Stellantis, where her role centers on enhancing driver safety and maintaining each brand’s authenticity. Her career achievements include earning the "Women in Tech and AI" award for her collaboration with tech giants like Apple and Google.
Despite her success, Montalbano was candid about the struggles she faced during her time at Marian, particularly in academics. She shared how she grappled with low grades and the feeling of falling short, but her involvement in athletics and leadership roles helped her find her path.
“Leadership gave me confidence,” she said, recounting her time as co-president of the all-school board and her dedication to sports, including breaking records in track.
The heart of Montalbano’s message centered on the metaphor of “changing shoes,” representing the importance of adapting to life’s unexpected twists. She emphasized that setbacks do not define one’s journey but rather serve as opportunities for growth.
“Sometimes, you’ll need to change your shoes, to step into something new that fits where you’re headed,” she explained.
In closing, Montalbano expressed her desire to give back to the Marian community. She invited students to reach out to her for guidance, offering herself as a mentor and Marian sister. Her words left a lasting impression on the NHS inductees, reminding them that Marian has equipped them with the tools to succeed in their own journeys.
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