What is your favorite subject in school and why?

My favorite subject is probably math, just because I really like how a lot of our teachers allow us to work together with our classmates. It really helps you to get a broad perspective from others and when we’re doing the work together it’s more fun. Math always presents challenges and difficult parts, but it's enjoyable to work through them and feel a sense of accomplishment once it's solved. It's like facing a problem and successfully finding the solution.

What's the coolest thing you've ever done in a school project or lesson?

Last year in AP (advanced placement) U.S. Literature, we had an option to do an art project, write a book, a small comic book, or create a video with a group. A couple of my friends and I decided to make it a whole class video project. We got everyone’s contact information, and I worked with the president of the film club, who was in the class. We organized sign-ups for actors, videographers, directors and writers. We created schedules for when scenes would be filmed and even wrote scripts. It was probably the most fun and impressive project we did.

The project was based on Beowulf. We did a parody of the story set in the school. For example, an administrator was the villain, and we had someone play the role of Beowulf. It was really fun, and we got 100 on it. Everyone was happy about that.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

If I could learn any skill instantly, I think I’d want to get better at learning—finding a way to remember things better. That would be really useful. 

Would you rather be able to talk to animals or be able to speak and understand any language in the world?

If I had to choose between talking to animals or speaking and understanding any language, I’d pick animals. With translation tools today, you can manage conversations with people in other languages, but understanding animals would be completely new. It would let us see how they think and feel, which I think would teach us a lot.

What's something you're really passionate about outside of school?

Outside of school, I’m really passionate about reading. I started reading nonfiction in 10th grade, and ever since, I’ve been hooked, especially on psychology-related books. For example, I recently started reading Saving Time, which explores time from a different perspective, not just in day-to-day life. I feel like a lot of the books I read influence how I see the world and constantly change the way I think about things.

What three words best describe you?

• Determined
• Optimistic
• Compassionate

What is your happiest school memory?

One of my happiest school memories goes back to fifth grade when we went to Camp Thunderbird. It was a field trip where we stayed for a couple of nights. I got to room with eight of my friends, and we spent the nights laughing and having a great time. The days were like recess all day, with fun activities. It was just a really enjoyable trip.

Another favorite memory was last year when I went to California for six days with my DECA club. We competed in a big competition, stayed in a hotel with a pool, and were right next to Disneyland. I was with some of my best friends, and we placed 11th internationally. We were so close to earning a medal. It was an amazing experience.

If you could pick any three people to hang out with for a day, who would it be and why?

If I could hang out with any three people for a day, I’d pick Nikola Tesla, Steven Bartlett, and Albert Einstein. Tesla fascinates me because there’s so much mystery around him, and I’d love to understand his thinking process. Stephen Bartlett, who does interviews with neuroscientists, politicians, and other influential people, inspires me with his curiosity and genuine nature. Finally, Einstein seems like someone who lived a simple but extraordinary life. I’d love to learn how his way of thinking was influenced by the way he lived.