What movie/show could you never get tired of watching?

The entirety of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. It doesn’t matter what era or version, what animation style or movie. It’s by far my favorite series on earth. The new movie was awesome!

What would you do if you only had 24 hours left to live?

I would spend the day with the people I love the most, and tell them everything that I was too embarrassed or afraid to tell them before. 

What is your passion in life? 

Music, music, music. Always music. I have synesthesia, and it basically allows me to see and feel colors while listening to them (it’s a real thing pinky swear). I’ve been singing for as long as anyone in my family can remember, and I’ve played the viola since 4th grade.

Music is my biggest motivator, my largest obstacle, and the thing I love the most in life. It unifies the world, pushing through language, customs, and stereotypical norms meant to divide. Every culture has its own kind, and I want to hear them all. Music is everywhere, but a good portion of it rests in my heart.

What was your favorite class in SHS?

Chorus, for sure. Music is my passion, but singing is what I live for. Plus, all the chorus teachers throughout the district are super nice. It’s one class I excel in, and enjoy. 

What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

I ranked no. 2 in the District 10 chorus auditions! I’m very proud of myself, because I worked really hard on perfecting the piece, and it came out just as well as I hoped it would.  

What activities or hobbies do you enjoy out of school?

I’m in Chorale and PYO (the Pocono Youth Orchestra), and I do lots of musicals and plays outside of school as well. Reading is also a big passion of mine. I recently finished my new favorite book,

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. It is not for the faint of heart lol. 804 juicy pages of ancient fantasy lore and epic travels. I would definitely recommend it.

What social stigma does society need to get over?

Toxic masculinity and gender identity discrimination. The bottom line – stop harassing transgender people, and it’s okay for men to cry and wear skirts.

Which countries/places would you like to visit?

I’d love to visit Jamacia one of these days. It’s where my father’s side of the family is from. I hear wonderful things about the blue ocean, the white sand, the tallest palm trees you can imagine, but I’ve never been. Hopefully, someday someone will take me. 

What are your future plans after high school?

I want to either double or triple major in a bunch of music stuff. Performance, education, and maybe even composition/theory. I want music to be a part of my day-to-day routine. 

What’s the funniest joke you have ever heard?

This is kind of situational humor, but it still makes me laugh to this day. 

My sister was talking way too loudly in a quiet area, and in response, my dad opened the measure app on his phone and said “Let’s see how big your mouth is.”