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Akshita Mohapatra (Cuthbertson Middle)

What are your most and least favorite subjects and why?

I like reading and social studies. I read outside of school a lot and I am interested in how people write and how they express themselves. I’ve read the entire Harry Potter series. My favorite kind to read are thriller books. When I was younger, I could read about 30 books every two weeks. I don’t read as much now because I’m busier. I’d guess I read about 100 to 200 books per year. 

My interest in social studies comes from my love of learning about history and how people have changed throughout time. It was interesting to learn about World War I and II. The fact that Germany engaged in a second one after losing the first stood out to me. I feel like they got ahead of themselves.

I don’t hate subjects. If I had to choose one it would be math. Sometimes it can be a bit fast-paced. I’m not horrible at it but it’s not something I’d want to do in my free time. 

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

I’d travel back to India. I haven’t visited since 2019 and I have family there. My grandfather has a house near a lake and we go fishing there. My mom’s family lives in a small city and it’s fun to walk around and see different things. 

Some of my favorite dishes are biriyani, a rice and chicken dish made with spices and gulab jamun, a sweet dessert. 

What careers interest you?

I’m interested in the medical field. I’d like to be a family doctor. I’ve always been interested in how things work so most people think I’d like to go into engineering but I’m not good with gears and things like that. A doctor has to know how things work, too. To help patients, they need to determine what is wrong with them and then figure out what to do. They have to know how the body works. 

I’m thinking about attending Central Academy of Technology and Arts for their medical science academy. 

What clubs or activities do you participate in? And why? 

I’m in four clubs at the school and dance Bollywood outside of school at a studio. I’m in the Student Council, Art Club, Battle of the Books and yearbook. 

Being part of the yearbook is fun because I like using the camera and I like the idea of helping to make a book. We have partners and I’m partnered with my friend Avalon. I take the photos and she writes the captions because she is better at it. 

I’m also an artist. I work with markers and colored pencils. I do stylized artwork that depicts people and character designs. Art Club is a space where I get to create and share with my friends.

If you had to choose between spaghetti or pizza, which would you choose?

I would choose spaghetti. My mom makes the best spaghetti and it’s spicy. She adds vegetables, soy sauce and chili flakes. 

What three words best describe you?

  • Caring - I always try to help others.
  • Smart - I know it doesn’t sound humble but I’m in advanced English language arts and I’m taking pre-algebra.
  • Respectful - I’m not someone who goes against what adults say unless I truly feel it is not right. I say hi to teachers and I don’t call out during class. 

What is your happiest school memory?

This year was memorable because of the pep rallies. The entire school assembles to do different activities and I love hanging out with my friends. It’s fun to cheer others on, too. 

What advice would you give your parents or teachers?

Keep doing what you are doing.