Q: What grade are you in?

A: I am a senior at Emmaus High School.

Q: What is your favorite subject? Why?

A: I love economics. Before this year, I didn’t know what economists studied; however, I love the way economics blends perfect logic with imperfect people and the choices they make. It’s the best social science.

Q: Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A: I’ve been on the Principal’s Honor Roll for many years and I’ve received a few writing awards both in and out of school. I’ve been recognized by my teachers as Student of the Month two times over my years at Emmaus. I am a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A: This past winter marked the end of my four-year high school debate career and I was grateful to serve as a captain of the debate team. Additionally, I founded the Emmaus High School Mock Trial organization a few years ago and served as its president. This past year I worked on my high school’s student-run newspaper, The Stinger, as its opinion editor. I’ve enjoyed participating in Model United Nations and some musical ensembles on the side. I’m an active participant in my church’s youth group and I participate in mission trips, volunteer work, fellowship and my church’s choir program.

Q: What is your next goal after high school?

A: I plan to attend Penn State University as a Paterno Fellow in the Schreyer Honors College to major in economics and political science to hopefully pursue a career in public policy or law.

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

A: I’ve struggled to accept failure numerous times, whether it be a bad grade on a test, a bad choice of priorities or a bad leadership decision. I have a bit of perfectionism in me that tends to renounce failure.

Q: What do you want to be remembered for?

A: It would be an honor to be remembered as a hard worker and an inquisitive student.

Q: Who is in your family?

A: My family includes my parents, Robert and Suzanne, my younger brothers, Samuel and Nathaniel and our dog Gus.

Q: Do you have someone you look up to?

A: I look up to many people. I admire my parents’ determination and empathy and strive to be like them when I’m older. Throughout high school, I’ve also met a few extraordinary teachers at Emmaus who have continually inspired me.

Q: Do you have any advice for your peers?

A: Maintaining a high GPA is an honorable goal, but it shouldn’t be your priority. Take classes you’re genuinely interested in; it’s fine if you get a lower grade as long as you learn something. You will lead a more fulfilling life if you do this, trust me. Don’t compare yourself to others. In life there is always someone better than you to learn from and there is always someone worse than you to help.