1) What has been your biggest disappointment/hardship since schools have been closed for the remainder of the academic year?

My biggest disappointment since school has closed for the rest of the year is not being able to properly say goodbye. It's so unfortunate that I cannot have a sense of closure before going through one of the biggest transitions in life. I always pictured being able to end such an important chapter in my life in a celebratory way, which I cannot do anymore.

2) What are your plans for the fall?

After much consideration, I have committed to attending Lafayette College with a full scholarship for all four years. I will major in international affairs and minor in journalism.

3) How have your plans changed, if at all?

There is a lack of certainty regarding whether colleges will resume normal learning on campus. I definitely wasn't anticipating the possibility of having my college classes online in the fall.

4) What have you learned about yourself since the COVID-19 closures?

While being quarantined, I’ve learned a lot about my work ethic and ability to see the positive in situations. In order to cope with being stuck at home all day, I’ve taken up gardening, learned how to bake, and I paint as well. I try to use my time productively and learn something new whenever I can.

5) What is your passion?

Over the past few years, I’ve discovered my passion for student activism, especially after the name change at my high school. It's important for the younger generation to stay involved in their local communities and stay informed about current national issues as well. More often than not, student activists are overlooked and underestimated, I am passionate about giving them a platform. I’ve written a couple of articles about student led initiatives for my school’s newspaper.

6) Have you discovered a new passion in light of social distancing?

Social distancing has allowed me to focus more on self improvement. I now have time to reflect and evaluate my goals for the long term. I have discovered a new passion for being open about discussing mental health and ways to deal with the anxiety that comes from ambiguity surrounding the future.

7) What are your hopes for the future?

In the future, I hope to attend law school and become an international human rights lawyer. I am passionate about working for the United Nations and bringing attention to critical issues around the world.

8) Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you? 

I love reading and writing poetry!

9) What are you most proud of about your school experience/best memory?

I am most proud of working my way towards becoming editor in chief of my school newspaper, “The Verdict.” Throughout all four years of high school, I’ve helped the small, self-funded program grow and develop. I'm proud of being able to lead a team of editors.