Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

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

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

A. My father is James Hess, my mother is Kirsten Hess, we have dogs Lady and Boo (both girls) and cats Garfield and Bernie (both boys).

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject is history. If I have to get more specific I would choose ancient history. It has always been an interest of mine because there is so much to learn from it. I love understanding how things, places and people came to be and history provides just that. I enjoy thinking philosophically and trying to understand and envision what the beginnings of human civilization were like.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have received the following awards: Excellence in French, National Honor Society, Principal’s Honor Roll every year of school, Best Mock Trial Witness and Eyer Middle School Academic Excellence Award.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has being involved in this (these) organization(s) impacted your high school experience?

A. Yes, I am involved in Mock Trial (vice president), The Stinger Newspaper (deputy news editor), Student Government (vice president), French Club (treasurer), Students Organizing Against Racism (founding member), Young Democrats, Hornet Ambassadors and National Honor Society. These organizations have had a huge positive impact on my high school experience. As a whole, they have allowed me to make new friends, branch out of my comfort zone and learn new things every day.

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

A. My biggest challenge is balance, a problem which is still ongoing. My family owns a business which, specifically as an only child, is a large burden (albeit a positive one) on my life. The issue is that I love to be active in my school community; therefore, balancing school, extracurriculars, work (a lot of work) and a social life can be very stressful and difficult. I am still learning better ways to manage my time and meet the high expectations I set for myself, a lesson I believe I will never stop learning.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. My goal after high school is to go for my bachelor’s degree in history with a double minor in French and philosophy if my future school allows it. Eventually, I would like to become a professor of French and Francophone studies.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I admire every single one of my teachers. Specifically during, and now after the COVID-19 shutdown, they have put up with more than they ever should have had to. Every one of my teachers has made it clear to me their doors are always open. They have listened to students and tried to help them the best they can even while dealing with their own struggles. In our current day and age their job entails more than it ever has and in my opinion, ever should. Yet, there they are, every day without fail. They come to school to teach all of us and to help us shape our future. As a whole, they are some of the most selfless and kind people I have ever met.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered as the professor that you either tried to get or tried not to get. I aim to be the type of person that other young people can go to for help, can trust and can learn from. I want to share the knowledge I gain with the world, even if it helps only one person. I dream to spark the desire of learning in other students like myself, and show kids history can be fascinating and rich. I would like to be known as the professor who talks too much about history and is slightly fanatic but fun nevertheless.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. There are many pieces of advice I am sure all students have picked up over the years; however, the one thing that sticks out the most to me is what I wish someone had really told me in middle school. Do what makes you happy. Everyone’s happiness looks different, whether it’s a sport, a book, a show or an animal. You don’t need to join a sports team, pick up an instrument or change your hobbies because your friend does or someone says it will look good for college. What matters is what’s good for your life. If running or reading is good for your life, if it lights a spark, even a small one, then do it.