What is the best advice you’ve ever received and who gave it to you? “Nothing is impossible.” One of my close friends, Nathaniel Allen, has preached this motivational reminder long before the fifth grade. His perseverance and determination has inspired me to dream bigger while obtaining the faith needed to accomplish my goals.
Food that grosses me out: Ketchup, even the smell makes me nauseous.
What is the biggest issue facing teens today? Teens today tend to lack motivation. High school is the perfect time to take advantage of every academic opportunity that is offered and to prepare oneself for post-secondary education. While sporting events, dances, and social events are fun, students need to look at the big picture. This stage in our lives is critical for shaping a successful future and while we all need a balance, sometimes hitting the books might be more beneficial than attending next Friday’s football game.
Favorite high school memory: When I was studying abroad in Argentina, Pope Francis (an Argentine) was chosen as the new pope. Our entire school met in the town cathedral to watch his first televised mass, at five o’clock in the morning! It was such an emotional and rewarding experience to see the pride that the Argentines had for the first Pope from the western world.
Facebook Twitter or Instagram? Definitely Facebook. Although it isn’t frequently used by GlenOak students, I can use it to communicate and stay up to date with my friends and host family from Argentina and other parts of the world.
Device you can’t live without: My GPS, I’m not very directionally inclined. I even find navigating the streets of Canton a challenge.
What scares you the most about graduating high school? Truthfully, I am ecstatic to graduate. I am always looking for the next big adventure! However, if I had choose, I’m afraid my close knit group of friends and I will all slowly separate and go our own ways. It will be bitter sweet watching everyone I grew up with walk across the Civic Center stage at graduation and then go off into the real world, finally, as young adults.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: I hopefully will have graduated from medical school and I’ll be working with Doctors Without Borders. I also want to volunteer in health clinics in northern Argentina and in neighboring South American countries Eventually, I plan to settle down and work as a practicing pediatric oncologist.
Complete this sentence: Most people would be surprised to know that I ... still sleep and travel with my blanket, Blankie, that my Aunt Jane made me when I was born. My parents tell me I need to grow out of it but it has become my partner in crime.
You were just handed a new car with a full tank, where are you going? Provided that my AP Biology homework is already done and that this tank of gas replenishes itself, I would journey to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado with my best friend, Julia, to ski and hike and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
What’s your guilty pleasure: Mexican fast food, Chipotle and Taco Bell are my weaknesses.
What is the first thing you would do if you were elected president tomorrow? I would lower the cost of post-secondary education. Two-thirds of college seniors are now graduating with at least $26,000 worth of debt while many other developed nations have maintained reasonable college fees. In order to, once again, be viewed as a world power in education we must make post-secondary education obtainable for all and put an end to the soaring inflation of college tuition.
Tell us about a moment in the last year where you were particularly proud of something you accomplished. I felt extremely accomplished when one day, after living in Argentina for at least four months, I went to school and understood absolutely everything the teachers were saying. While we often take our communication abilities for granted, I was reminded how limited they are in a foreign country. After much patience, I was finally able to efficiently communicate, and as a 16-year-old, tackling the Spanish language was definitely something to be proud of.
Pop music, classic rock or indie? I normally only listen to country music, Rascal Flatts has been my favorite band for as long as I can remember.
Tell us a (clean) joke: Why did the scientist install a knocker? He wanted to win the No-Bell Prize!
Favorite hangout in Stark County: The Adelman’s residence. Nothing beats an unlimited supply of candy, a hot tub and a house full of good company.
Favorite TV show or movie: “House.” The intriguing medical mysteries and Dr. House’s quirky personality had me hooked from the first episode.
Person you’d least like to be stranded on an island with: Kim Jong-Un, North Korea’s supreme leader. I find his political and personal views horrific. A person with authority should be using their power to enhance civil liberties and encourage stability and peace throughout our international community; they shouldn’t be oppressing their people as Kim Jong-Un does with the North Korean citizens.
First thing you would buy if you won the lottery: Depending on the amount that I won, I would save enough money to attend a prestigious out-of-state university during my undergraduate and graduate schooling. I would then put money away for living expenses during the next few years and lastly, I would use the rest to travel the world and donate to the non-profit organization UNICEF, which provides for the poverty stricken and malnourished populations around the world.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: International club (president), Ohio Model United Nations (group leader), school newspaper (editor in chief), speech and debate (captain), student council representative, school mascot, news staff and news blogging from Argentina.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Safety City (volunteer, grades 9 through 11), Interact Club/Rotary, Akron Children’s Hospital (volunteer, grades 10 and 11), student aide (grades 9 and 10), Vacation Bible School (volunteer, grades 9 and 10), Canton Chamber of Commerce (volunteer, grades 9 and 10), Rotary Exchange student to Argentina (grade 11), rebound/return exchange student for Outbounds (peer advisor, grade 11).
HONORS AND AWARDS: Semi finalist at state competition in International Extemporaneous Speaking, first alternate for national Speech competition, Academic Letter, honor roll, Ohio Scholastic Media Association Achievements for Journalistic Pieces, student of the month, speech and debate (3 year Letterman).
~ Do YOU want to be featured as Xceptional Teen of the Month? Contact us ~
No comments:
Post a Comment