Q: In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A: I am currently a senior at Emmaus High School.

Q: What is your favorite subject? Why?

A: My favorite subject is psychology, a course I am currently pursuing at DeSales University. I enjoy psychology because I love learning about the brain, neurological system and have a special interest in mental illnesses. My favorite course taken at Emmaus was personal financial management because I strongly believe it is the most practical course offered in the entire school. The information I received during that class is something I can take with me for the rest of my life and apply it to the world far beyond my high school and college career.

Q: Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A: I am a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. I was the Student of the Month for February 2016 for the computer science department at Emmaus High School. I am the 2017 winner of the Pride of the Greater Lehigh Valley Essay Contest. I have been given a certificate of instant decision admission acceptance to Wilkes University. I am a National Junior Honor Society member and have been selected to participate in the DeSales University High School Scholars Program. Along with that I pushed the administration of the East Penn School District to reform the cafeteria lunch program in order to make it accommodating to vegetarian and vegan students and staff.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A: Throughout my high school career I’ve been involved in many extracurricular activities. I have been a member of the Interact Club, Red Cross Club, Robotics Club, Habitat for Humanity Club and Gay Straight Alliance. I also participated in track and field and have been both a manager and player of the EHS girls basketball program.

Q: What is your next goal after high school?

A: My next goal after high school is to pursue my career in psychology at a four-year university. I plan to get a master’s degree in psychology and enter the field of human factors psychology. Aside from my educational goals, I plan to travel the world in order to get a better sense of the world we live in. While doing so I plan to volunteer my time to those less fortunate than me in order to help make the world a better place.

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

A: My biggest challenge to date is definitely my struggle to get a grasp on my mental illness. Mental illness is a topic that isn’t traditionally talked about but a subject that I strongly feel is important to discuss. I’ve been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and conversion disorder. These mental illnesses have impacted my life both inside and outside of school. It is a real struggle and I feel wholeheartedly for anyone who is also having problems with mental illnesses. Although I’ve had my ups and downs, I can proudly acknowledge the fact that I’ve made it this far and have overcome the many obstacles put before me. For anyone out there who is also struggling with mental illnesses: you are not alone and help is available. Please call, text, email, write, sing, paint – do whatever you have to do in order to get the help and support you need. Please, if you are ever in a life-threatening situation do not hesitate to call 911, go to the nearest emergency room or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Q: For what would you like to be remembered?

A: I would love to be remembered for my overall well roundedness as a person. I associate with people from every and all age groups, ethnicities, social cliques, genders and sexual orientations. I refuse to judge or hate anyone and I feel as though every person deserves a fair shot to prove themselves as a person before placing them in a box and being judged. From teachers, tech staff, janitors, librarians, cafeteria staff, aides, guidance counselors and every student at Emmaus High School, I can honestly say I care about and respect and would like to be remembered as an overall accepting and warm hearted individual.

Q: Who is in your family?

A: My immediate family includes my mom Sarah, my dad Bryant, my twin sister Siara, and my brothers Brian, Derek and Justis. I also have other family members who have made a great contribution to the person I am today and would love to thank them for doing so: Eva, Janel, Titi Jackie, Titi Wanda, Jasinae, Yari and Payne. Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I am more than grateful and truly appreciate all your love and support.

Q: Whom do you admire? Why?

A: Aside from my role model, my mother, I also admire Zendaya Coleman and Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, known by Logic because they are overall generally nice people to the core. They’re honest, passionate and caring individuals of all people which is the person I aim to be.

Q: Do you have any advice for your peers?

A: The advice I would have for my peers is to remember that everything is temporary. Good or bad, happy or sad every moment in life is simply that: a moment. From devastating periods in your life to outstanding accomplishments, time will pass and heal any wounds you may obtain. I urge everyone to be the best person they can be in the limited time they have and take advantage of their short period on this Earth.