What inspired you to first run for Student Council president?
I joined Student Council in 6th grade and really took a liking to it. I became super involved. I fell in love with planning and executing events that helped the school and surrounding community. I was so enthusiastic about it that my advisor at the time encouraged me to run for president. I wanted to win so bad, so I put everything I had into that campaign. When I won, it officially hooked me. It was such a good feeling and I was so proud of myself. Ever since then, becoming NASH Student Council president was always a goal of mine.
How do you balance your responsibilities in Student Council with other extracurriculars and academics?
To be completely transparent, it’s difficult at times. Often there would be conflicts with other activities I was in and it was stressful to make both work. However, I was usually able to find a way to satisfy both groups.
Who are some of your role models, and how have they influenced you?
I really look up to both of my parents. My mom works the night shift as an ER physician, while also owning her own yoga studio, so she has shown me what hard work really looks like. My dad has always been there for me and given me great advice when I need it most. Both of them work so hard and set such a good example, so I would say they are my biggest role models.
What advice would you give younger students who may look up to you?
Just push through. Sometimes it’s easy to feel hopeless when you’re drowning in a mountain of work, but the best thing to do is just take it one step at a time. Be proud of yourself for even the smallest victories like getting your laundry done.
Do you have any one accomplishment from high school that you are most proud of?
I was super proud of myself for getting into NHS. I don’t think I realized how prestigious it was, so that is definitely something I am proud to say that I achieved.
What teacher has had the biggest impact on you, and why?
It would have to be Mr. Morris in the TV Studio. Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to be an actor but I took Film and Television 1 with him last year and it showed me how much I loved to be behind the camera. It caused me to kind of throw a lot of my future plans out the window and start over.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during high school?
“Go easy your senior year”. I really underestimated how much work college applications are so I am so relieved that I don’t have to worry about five different APs on top of everything else. Most of my schedule is electives that I’ve loved so far and so I’ll be set whenever senioritis decides to grace me with its presence.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on going to college for film, hopefully in New York City or Los Angeles. After that I would love a job in the film industry. Directing would be my first choice but I’d be just as happy producing, writing, or becoming a cinematographer.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of school?
I love writing and directing short films. I am very involved in both the fall and spring musical (make sure you go see Addams Family this fall). I have a part time job as a second assistant manager at Zumiez (in the mall). In my free time, I love vinyl shopping , going to history museums, watching movies, and taking my dog to the dog park. I also play guitar and take voice lessons.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
I love La La Land directed by Damien Chazelle. I know the entire thing by heart. It’s such a beautiful movie with an amazing story and beautiful cinematography. I could ramble on and on about all the small details that make it a masterpiece for me. It also happened to be a comfort movie for me during a difficult time, so I will always have an emotional attachment to it.
What is your favorite band and album?
My favorite band is probably the Beatles. Their diversity from their early music to their last album is so fascinating and I love all their different eras. I can’t name another band that is more iconic than them. I grew up listening to classic rock with my dad, so there is also some sentimental value on their music. My favorite album is a tie between The Stranger by Billy Joel and IGOR by Tyler the Creator. They are VERY different from each other but they are both albums with zero skips for me.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure or celebrity, who would it be?
Steven Spielberg. He’s the most famous director of all time and if there’s anyone who knows the film industry, it’s him. I would ask him all about how to succeed in the industry and ask him for advice. I would also ask him all about what it was like to film Jaws, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, and his other dozen movies that will go down as some of the greatest movies of all time.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that people may be surprised to know?
I have this strange obsession with raccoons. They are my favorite animal by far, which most people find odd when I tell them. I just think they are so cute and would love to own one as a pet one day.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind as Student Council president?
I am a big believer in leaving things better than you found them, so I just hope that people will believe that I accomplished that with NASH. I also hope that I can set a certain standard that is kept for future presidents for years to come.
