Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I graduated from Emmaus High School in June.

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

A. My parents are Heather and Joseph, sibling Roman and pets Charlotte and Phoenix (dogs), Winston and Franklin (tortoises) and Dalton (gecko).

Q. What was your favorite subject at EHS? Why?

A. Anatomy and physiology. After taking biology my freshman year, I realized that I was interested in life sciences and I began considering different career paths that align with my interests. My interest in the subject, along with my teacher, encouraged me to seek out more opportunities to witness the practice of medicine beyond the pages of my textbooks. Since then, I have shadowed surgeons in the operating room performing open heart surgery, thyroidectomies, pacemaker implantations and so many more amazing opportunities. There is always more to learn, and it’s amazing that we still have more to discover.

Q. Did you receive any special awards or recognition?

A. PA Junior Academy of Science Fair (first place), Lehigh Valley Science Fair (first place), Delaware Valley Science Fair (second place), Emmaus High School Girls Lacrosse Scholar Athlete.

Q. Were you involved in any extracurricular activities? How did being involved in these organizations impact your high school experience?

A. My extracurricular activities included: University of Pennsylvania Medical School Research Intern, Science Fair secretary, Biolympiad Study Club co-founder/president, Hornet Ambassador, New Student Mentor, National Honor Society tutoring, EHS girls lacrosse, Fuel Nutritional Smoothie Cafe employee.

I have been encouraged to participate in as many activities as I could fit in my schedule. My teachers were always very supportive of my ideas and I could always count on them to help make them a reality.

This made it possible for me to combine two things that are important to me: science and access to science. I have been able to do this through the National Honor Society tutoring program where I worked with a freshman biology student to build study habits and understanding, Biolympiad Study Club in which we combined tutoring honors and AP students with studying for the Biolympiad test and lacrosse where I provided tutoring for my teammates in various subjects.

By combining my interests, I was able to experience Emmaus through many perspectives and build friendships with people across the school.

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

A. I fractured my femur playing lacrosse in ninth grade. Since then, I have had to refocus. My after school plans shifted from club lacrosse and field hockey practice to science fair, research and reading. The change in pace encouraged me to discover other interests and challenge myself academically. If ninth grade me knew what I was doing today, she probably wouldn’t believe it.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. I will attend Stony Brook University in which I will prepare for medical school and all of the requirements needed to get there.

Q. Whom do you hope to emulate? Why?

A. My parents. Throughout my entire life, my parents are always working toward their next goal. My mom went back to school to get her doctorate when I was younger and both my parents work extra jobs on top of their primary jobs to provide for my brother and me.

They taught me that, while hard work and dedication are important, they are never above family. In between teaching middle school, teaching college, designing buildings and working military funerals, my parents are driving my brother to interstate swimming competitions and planning trips to New York City.

They taught me that coffee trips to catch up with friends are just as important as days in to study.

As I go through college and whatever takes me beyond, I will focus on my time – how I spend it and with whom.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I don’t need to be remembered for anything grand or magnificent. I would love to make a small difference in at least one person’s life.

For example, if I helped spark a tutee’s understanding of chemistry and they go on to pursue a major in chemistry. Or, if the email I helped my friend write to get experience in a psychology lab helped them get their first step into a subject they love and want to pursue further.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

Do not be afraid to follow your interests. It doesn’t matter if it is lacrosse, anatomy, baking or the Cold War, follow the spark. Do not limit yourself from trying new things because you are inexperienced. Embrace the discomfort and get ready to learn.