Q. What grade are you in?

A. I am in 12th grade at Emmaus High School.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject in school is French. Although it is extremely challenging I enjoy learning a second language that will allow me to communicate with so many more people than if I only knew English. A large part of this class is also learning about the cultures of France and French speaking countries. I find it fascinating to see the differences and similarities with our own culture.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I am a member of National Honor Society, the French Honor Society and the Tri M Music Honor Society.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A. Yes, I participate in marching band in which I was flute section leader, I play bassoon in the symphonic band and I recently finished playing bassoon in the pit orchestra for “Miss Saigon.” I am also a member of the EHS Chorale and AccaBella, Emmaus’ all female a cappella group.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. I plan to go to college to earn a degree in international studies so I can one day work to make sure everyone is treated equally across the globe, to make the world a better place for everyone in it.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. My biggest challenge to date has been losing my grandfather to brain cancer. He was an amazing man who always supported me and respected my opinions, even when I was very young. Always listening to others thoughts, even when I may wholeheartedly disagree is something he taught me and a quality I am extremely proud of. Losing him last year was one of the most difficult times in my life, but I live everyday trying to make him proud.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered as someone who always fought for what they believe in, even when the opposition was great.

Q. Who is in your family?

A. My family consists of my mother Betty Jo, my father Chris, my younger sister Colette, our dog Korah and our cats Gypsy and Theo (a 25-pound cat who thinks he rules the world).

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I greatly admire my mother, which I know sounds cliché. My mother is the strongest woman I have ever met, working in a male dominated field she has always held her own. Although her life has not always been easy, she has persevered and not let it drag her down. She has always taught my younger sister and I we aren’t defined by our genders and we can do anything we want if we set our mind to it. I aspire to have the strength my mother exhibits on a daily basis.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. My advice comes in the form of a quote from Helen Keller, my favorite quote in fact: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” If you are not excited by and in love with what you are doing, you are truly wasting your time. Do what makes you feel happy, excited, and fulfilled.