1) What has been your biggest disappointment/hardship since schools have been closed for the remainder of the academic year?

My biggest disappointment with the school year closing has been not getting closure. There were a lot of teachers who have shaped and mentored me tremendously in my four years of high school and I hoped to thank them in person. As well as saying goodbye to my peers that I saw on a daily basis. 

2) What are your plans for the fall?

I am going to Virginia Tech to study engineering. 

3) What have you learned about yourself since the COVID-19 closures?

I've learned that no matter how much you plan something perfectly, nothing is guaranteed. Also, I've learned the importance of positivity because that's really what determines what my day will be like during quarantine. Instead of burdening myself with what I've lost due to this pandemic, treating this time at home like a gift is the little bit of positivity that motivates me to do something productive in my day. 

4) Have you discovered a new passion in light of social distancing?

I've been crafting and painting a lot during quarantine. I also bought a cheap skateboard off Amazon but it rolled into the sewer. 

5) What are your hopes for the future?

I hope that people don't transition back into normal life too abruptly because you're never too sure with what others dealt with at home during quarantine. Some people will need a slower transition back into society, and I hope people can respect that. Also, I think a lot more people will be appreciative over the smaller things due to this pandemic. 

6) What are you most proud of about your school experience/best memory?

I'm proud about my high school experience overall. I'm glad that I was able to focus my time on academics, and still make memories with my friends. Also, participating in Leadership class during high school really added another dimension to my experience because I was able to influence other students' high school experience with the work we did for homecoming, Heritage Night, prom, and spirit weeks.