Like little flashlights flickering in the humid summer air, the fireflies light my way. They buzz and snap, illuminating the darkening sky and the tree lined pavement as I walk through my neighborhood. This is my favorite part of the day: the transition between light and dark. The fireflies emerge, and the fact that such a small creature can produce chemical reactions that generate light truly fascinates me. These walks, the fireflies and what I learn through my observations of...

As a national student representative for the Anti-Defamation League, opening conversations in my school surrounding sensitive topics is very important to me. Attending the national youth leadership mission last year in Washington D.C. provided me an opportunity to understand the value in meaningful conversations. At North Springs, I was thrown into a diverse high school plagued by division. Half of the school population is African-American, many coming from the south side of Atlanta for the dual magnet program, and...

Sago worms, bacon and sour cream flavored crickets, ants, and roasted mealworms are some of the insects that I’ve tasted in my free time. There is something unnerving but also so exciting about extending so far beyond my comfort zone. I tried insects for the first time when I was studying entomology for a Science Olympiad competition. After that first taste of mealworms and crickets, my willingness to explore more exotic protein options has grown and has made me...

Atlanta’s Women in Technology organization has meant so much to me in terms of how it has empowered me and transformed me as I look to my future study and professional career. In participating in WIT’s events, I strengthened my understanding of how technology is changing society and how businesses function. I shadowed and interacted with professional women in technology and found an amazing mentor, Ms. Carrisa. Initially, I connected with her when I was hosting a WIT...

Fencing is one of the skills that has been instrumental in shaping my high school life and my personal growth. I have fenced for over 7 years, competing in epee in the Georgia High School Fencing League and in foil at national and regional tournaments. I went from practicing once a week in middle school to four or five times a week my last 3 years in high school and 2017 proved to be an especially phenomenal year for me. In January, I...