Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I graduated from Emmaus High School in June and now am a soon to be freshman in college.

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

A. My mom Christen, dad Eric, sisters Megan and Keira and pets Artemis and Apollo.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject is science as well as math. I love figuring out how the world and the universe works and I like being able to solve problems. I have always had a passion for science as it is just something I enjoy.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I received the “Service Above Self” award from my principal Mrs. Guarriello, as well as an Honor Graduate Award.

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

A. I have been a part of National Honor Society at EHS and have completed many hours of service and volunteer work. One of the most prominent was tutoring students in math, which taught me how to interact with others in a way that builds them up more. I also was the president of Astronomy Club and Physics Club, both of which helped increase my leadership abilities and introduced me to so many amazing people who have stuck with me throughout high school and hopefully afterward.

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

A. My biggest challenge to date has been balancing my personal life and my academic work while I had important family events going on. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease and when he was in really bad shape it was approaching AP exam season so I had to balance the grief building for my grandfather as well as preparing for my exams.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. I am attending the University of Rochester to study astrophysics with a minor in Spanish to deepen my understanding of the language. After college, I am hoping to attend graduate school to work toward a Ph.D. and my end goal is to work at NASA or the ESA.

Q. Whom do you hope to emulate? Why?

A. I emulate my mom. She is an amazing person who puts others above herself. She is extremely hardworking and does everything for our family. I look up to her so much and try to find as much of her in me as I can.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I want to be remembered for who I am, not only what I have done. I regard myself to be an extremely kind and respectful person and I look up to many people around me to be a better version of myself.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Don’t let anyone stop you from being who you are. High school is rough, especially when it comes to dealing with the opinions of others, but the most important thing to remember is that you exist for a reason and what other people think of you should not change your confidence and love for yourself.