Gilroy Dispatch, Student of the Week: Imogen Cockrum

-Name, age, grade, school
Imogen Cockrum, 13, 8th grade, Mount Madonna School

-What inspires you?
I am inspired when older people and the elderly tell me stories of their younger lives. It reminds me that my present will soon be my past and it should be worth telling later on.

-What is your favorite subject in school, and why? 
My favorite subject is history. I find America and other countries’ pasts absolutely fascinating, especially during revolutionary times.

-If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would want to change the idea of ‘not good enough’ and help people to stop feeling like they have to change something about their self that’s already perfect to fit in, or so they feel pretty.

-If you could go anywhere, where would you go?

I’d love to explore Rome, Italy. I’d like to see the stone amphitheater of the Coliseum and explore Vatican City and learn more about its ancient history.

-Name one big challenge in your life right now: 
One of my many challenges is learning to accept my mistakes — the little and the big ones.

-What is your dream job? 
A dream job of mine might include becoming an electrical technician or found a frozen yogurt franchise and have hundreds of active stores selling all around the U.S. or even other places!

-What are your three favorite things?
Volleyball, my bed and my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles blanket.

-Favorite book: 
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is my current favorite. I am now reading the second book in the trilogy, Hollow City .

-What do you want to do after high school? 

I want to go to college, find a job I love and live in an area that I enjoy — and remain close to my family and friends.

-Something that makes you smile:
My friends! I enjoy every moment that I can spend with my friends.

-Top three most played songs on your iTunes or iPod: 
Do I Wanna Know by the Arctic Monkeys,
Everlong by the Foo Fighters,
West Coast by The Neighbourhood.

Story on Gilroy Dispatch website