Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

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

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

A. My father’s name is Ken, my mother’s name is Tina and my sister’s name is Faith. We used to have a bearded dragon named Sparta, but he died about a year ago.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject this year was Child Development 2 because I enjoyed interacting with the children. After taking the class, it reassured me I was making the right decision to become an early childhood educator.

Q. Have you received any special rewards or recognition?

A. In high school, I received a citizenship award and have also been on principal honor roll and honor roll. I have also been the recipient of scholarships and have achieved various awards for the sports I have participated in. I am also a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has being involved in these organizations impacted your high school experience?

A. Yes, I do participate in various extracurricular activities that keep me busy. I work at Perkins as a server and as a teaching instructor at Kobushi Family Karate Center on Hamilton Boulevard. I started karate over 12 years ago and have achieved my third degree black belt. I also play on a tournament softball team called the PA Patriots. Both sports have helped me to be more social and have allowed me to venture out with friend groups from different areas. I have learned various life skills from both such as participating more in class, leadership, being a team player and working well with others.

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

A. My biggest challenge is time management. Being involved in so many activities, I find it can sometimes be hard to make sure I have time to get everything done that needs to be done.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. After high school, I will be attending Bloomsburg University. I plan on majoring in early education with a minor in special education. My goal is to teach kindergarten because I love working with young children and helping them to develop and learn.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. The person I admire the most is my older sister, Faith, because she has set a great example for me in how to reach my goal of being a teacher by working hard and perseverance. Faith graduated from Bloomsburg University, which is how I came to know and love the campus and is now working in Harrisburg. Although, some days can be tough, she never gives up and she continues to do what she always wanted to do and that is to teach children. She is also always looking for ways to better herself and just recently enrolled in the masters program at Bloomsburg University. These qualities are important to me and that is why I look up to her.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered for my kindness. I always try to treat others in the way I would want them to treat me. When people think of me, I hope they can see a friend they can come to whenever they need anything – help with a problem, a good laugh, a shoulder to cry on or just someone to talk to.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. The advice that I have for my peers is you don’t know what others are going through, so you should always be kind. Sometimes what you see on the outside does not show the person’s whole story. I always say a little compassion can go a long way. Sometimes just a smile or a kind word can make the biggest difference in someone’s day.