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 been closed has been not being able to go to school. I never appreciated school as much as I should have, I was always grateful to have the opportunity of an education but not always for school itself. I miss being able to pick up my best friend before school to get coffee, then arrive at school, see the rest of my friends, and walk to class with them to learn from incredible teachers and other classmates. My biggest hardship has come from my disappointment; it has been hard to stay positive and be motivated to continue my learning or care for school, but I try to make the best of the situation.

2) What are your plans for the fall?

I will be attending the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in their Bachelor of Science and Nursing program. I hope to be accepted into the Nurse Candidate Program through the United States Navy to be able to enter the Navy after university as a nurse, which is the real dream for me.

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

Since the COVID-19 closures I have learned that I needed this break. I had recently been broken up with before all the closures, and I had started to feel quite lost in the shuffle of life due to the sudden change and the spring craziness. With all this time I have been able to refocus on myself, remember what makes me happy, and how I like to spend my time. I have learned my strengths and weaknesses both academically and personally, being able to work on them in my own time.

4) What is your passion?

My passion has changed over the years as I grew up. I have always been passionate about helping others, such as volunteering my time and abilities in the effort to better the situation of others’ lives, so I joined Student Government at my high school. I’m passionate about people.

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

In light of social distancing, I have discovered a new passion for health and wellness both physically and mentally as I have tried to refocus on myself. I have begun to work out more consistently and be more conscious about what I put in my body. I have been able to think through and make decisions that are the best for me. I can feel my confidence and be more comfortable in my own skin.

6) What are your hopes for the future?

For the future, I hope to have a career in nursing both in the Navy and after I have retired from service. I hope to become a foster parent and adopt children from the system. Along with that I hope to become a teacher, so I am able to help the children I foster and other children in school, like the teachers I have the privilege to have had as a student.

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

Thank you for reaching out! I am the last of four children in my family to go through and finish in Fairfax County, so it is so nice to be able to end an era for my family this way.

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

My most proud moments have been able to go to school everyday and make the best memories with the best people.