Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I graduated from Emmaus High School June 12.

Q. Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. My mother’s name is Cynthia and my father’s name is David. I also have a younger sister named Leah.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite class I took during my senior year of high school was anatomy and physiology at Pennsylvania State University Lehigh Valley. I took this dual enrollment class through the Emerging Health Professionals Program. It was my favorite class because I was able to learn how to study for college and to be sure the medical field is what I wanted to pursue.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. During my senior year I received the principal’s honor roll each marking period and graduated as an honor graduate. I have also received the academic excellence award each year of my high school career. Through being selected to be in the Emerging Health Program, I was able to become a PA HOSA scholarship recipient.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How did COVID-19 impact these activities?

A. In high school, I was involved in Key Club and National Honor Society. In the community I was the treasurer for the Youth Council of the Lehigh Valley. I have been a St. Luke’s volunteer since my junior year of high school and shadowed through the Lehigh Valley Health Network. I have been a student at Creative Music Institute for six years where I play guitar and piano. I am also a voice student at the Lesson Center, through which I have done several performances. This summer I have been chosen to perform at Musikfest. Lastly, I work part-time at Walgreens where I am working toward becoming a pharmacy technician. COVID-19 made it difficult to be able to volunteer in the community, but overall it has taught me to appreciate the experiences I am able to have so much more.

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

A. My biggest challenge to date was my college decision process. My top two universities I wanted to attend were the University of Pittsburgh and the University of South Florida. After getting accepted into both, I evaluated each school and made the final decision to attend the University of South Florida.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. My next goal after high school is to graduate from the University of South Florida majoring in biology on a premedical track. I want to continue my medical experiences and become involved in clubs. My long-term goal is to attend medical school.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I admire my mom because she has shown me the hard work it takes to achieve your aspirations. My mom was the first woman in her family to attain her bachelor’s degree in 2020 while also working to provide for my sister and I. She inspires me to continue to dream big and accomplish my goals.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered as someone who always wants to help others.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. My advice for my peers would be to always try new things because you never know what it could bring.