Q: What grade are you in?

A: I’m currently a senior at Emmaus High School.

Q: What is your favorite subject? Why?

A: My favorite subject is definitely science. I’ve taken biology, physics and chemistry in the past, but the genetics/microbiology course I took last year stands out to me. The science field is always changing and progressing and it is fascinating to think that 30 years from now students might be learning completely different material.

Q: Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A: Each year of high school I have received the academic excellence award for having a GPA over 4.0. I have also earned awards for excellence in science and Spanish.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A: I dance with Repertory Dance Theatre, a pre-professional ballet company. Ballet has been a huge part of my life for the past 14 years. I have been the secretary for the Class of 2016 since freshman year. I am also a member of National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.

Q: What is your next goal after high school?

A: After high school I will attend Ohio State University to study neuroscience with a pre-med track. I will also be in the Scholars Program at OSU. My ultimate goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career as a pediatrician.

Q: What would you say your biggest challenge has been so far?

A: Trying to find the perfect balance between school, dance and a social life has been a work in progress for me. I take school very seriously, but if I get too stressed it is nice to have a strong group of friends to take my mind off of it.

Q: What do you want to be remembered for?

A: I’d like to be remembered as someone who is kindhearted and hard working.

Q: Who is in your family?

A: My parents, Joe and Colleen, my brother, Mackenzie and my cat, Riley.

Q: Do you have someone you look up to?

A: I look up to my dance teacher Trinette Singleton. She was a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and was the first ballerina to appear on the cover of TIME Magazine. She is living proof that with hard work and determination, you can accomplish anything. When it comes to something as disciplined as ballet, she taught me that you don’t have to take yourself so seriously all the time. It’s okay to make mistakes and laugh at yourself every once in a while. I am incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from her.

Q: Do you have any advice for your peers?

A: Don’t stress out over the little things. It’s okay to pass up a night studying to go to a football game or the homecoming dance. The memories you make with your friends are what you’re going to remember after high school, not the test you failed freshman year.