What type of things do you do outside of school?

Outside of school, I’m passionate about music. I play both acoustic and electric guitar and sing in a band. I also volunteer with the fire department near my home and plan to earn my certification this summer. Fitness is a big part of my routine: I train both independently and with a personal trainer, recently started taking yoga classes, and every few weeks spar with a friend who’s a boxer. In my downtime, I enjoy reading murder mysteries, thrillers, and fantasy books.

How did you get into all of these things?

I’ve been playing guitar since I was 10 and have always felt drawn to music. My mom was in a band during high school and even had the opportunity to open for Lollapalooza earlier in her career, which has always inspired me. Music has been a constant in my life ever since.

Last year, I became a volunteer firefighter because I felt it was a unique opportunity—one I might not have again if I didn’t take it now. I value being able to help others whenever I can and to serve my community in a meaningful way.

I’ve been working out consistently for about three years and it has become a major source of stress relief for me. Recently, I started going to yoga classes to support my mental health and give myself a way to reset and stay grounded after challenging weeks of my junior year schedule.

With my dad teaching self-defense, I’ve naturally been drawn to learning how to protect myself. I spar with Mary Cassamassa on weekends to build confidence and ensure I can defend myself if necessary.

I also developed a love for reading as a way to unwind, whether before bed or in between classes, which has become another important outlet in my daily routine.

Do you have a favorite activity? Why is it your favorite?

Right now, my favorite activity is pottery. I’m currently in Pottery 1 with Mr. Matthews and I’ve been spending a lot of my free time during school there. I love sculpting and practicing pottery throwing on my own time. Pottery reminds me of what I always wanted to do as a child but never had the correct resources for. I’ve discovered that I truly love hands-on, creative projects and the focus and patience they require.

Is there anyone who is a big inspiration to you?

My parents are a huge inspiration to me. My dad teaches self-defense and owns a private sector protection. Despite having a difficult upbringing, he built the life he envisioned for himself when he was my age. His resilience and determination motivate me to pursue my own goals with the same focus and drive.

My mom is the kindest person I know. She leads with empathy, patience, and strength, and she treats everyone with genuine care. She is exactly the kind of person I hope to become as I grow older.

What are your plans for after high school?

I plan on attending a college or university. I currently have my eyes set on majoring in psychology at West Virginia University with the goal of getting a masters in Psych and joining the FBI–more specifically the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit).

 Is there anyone hobby or interest you’ve had since you were really young?

I’ve always been drawn to music and art. For as long as I can remember, I’ve worked with air-dry and oven-bake clay, and creating with my hands has always come naturally to me. I started playing piano at a very young age before eventually transitioning to guitar, which has since become my true passion. Throughout it all, though, singing has been a constant in my life.

If you were to say something to the whole world, what would it be?

Don’t waste your time focusing on what other people are doing; do what makes you feel happy.

How do you manage doing so much in your free time?

Schedules.

If you could have only three items on a deserted island, what would they be?

Not thinking practically, I would bring my dog, my guitar, and my phone.

Are there any hobbies you’ve drifted away from that you used to do?

I used to play lacrosse. From sixth grade up until my sophomore year, I was a lacrosse goalie.

Which class is your favorite and why?

I love my AP Psychology class. The human mind truly fascinates me, especially since I plan to major in psychology. I’ve always been curious about people’s motives: why they do what they do, how experiences shape behavior, and how the mind processes thoughts and emotions. Learning about these concepts has only deepened my interest and confirmed that this is the field I want to pursue.