If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Honestly, I don’t even know where to start. It just feels like there’s so much unnecessary conflict, especially in our own country, and a lot of it comes down to this huge lack of trust — in each other, in the government, and in the media. And yeah, there are legitimate reasons for that distrust. Finding ways to fix that source of distrust wouldn’t be easy, and honestly, I can’t think of one solution that would help. However, with reliable, fact-based sources of information and ways to communicate, I think it’d be easier for people to understand where other people are coming from. It wouldn’t fix everything, but it’d be a step in the right direction.
What is one challenge you are facing in your life right now?
One of my biggest challenges right now is preparing for college. I’m genuinely nervous about what lies ahead beyond MMS, and it’s difficult to think about my classmates all moving on to different paths – some all the way across the country.
What is your dream job and why?
I’m likely to pursue a career in Cultural Resource Management, where I can contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage – particularly cultural and archaeological sites. This path combines my passion for global cultures with my love for history and archaeology, allowing me to make an impact in a field I’m passionate about.
What inspires you?
I’m most inspired by the adults in my life, particularly my mom, sister, grandparents, and many of my teachers. Every person who I look up to tends to see the world in different ways, yet there is a quality of warmth and love in all of them that makes simply being around them such a sweet experience. It inspires me to want to treat the world the same way.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Mount Madonna School?
Everything I have gotten to do this year has been genuinely some of the favorite times I’ve ever had. The trip to India, however, will always be the highlight of my time at Mount Madonna. India was a bonding experience like I’ve never had before, and I can’t really explain. The memories I have there with my classmates will likely impact me for the rest of my life.
What is the mantra or catchphrase that most encapsulates your way of being?
I honestly just try my best to manage the things that are in my control – my mood, the things and people I choose to spend my time with, what I choose to educate myself on, etc.; and let go of the things that I can’t (something that has always been hard for me) I always tend to feel better when I appreciate and love the present moment, so I try my best to embody that as much as I can.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan to attend UC Davis and pursue a degree in anthropology (with a minor likely in another humanities/social sciences field). Other than that, I honestly have no idea.
