Grade: 12

Family members: My family includes Cheryl, Mom; Victor, father; Robert, stepdad; Fred, stepmom; Kagen, older brother; Jaden, older sister; Wyatt, younger brother; I'Leah and Morgan, younger sisters

Favorite subject: Since I have the privilege of going to a performing arts high school, my favorite subject is my dance technique classes. I love the challenge that comes along with the specific detail, control, technique and performance that dance involves. I may have to force myself to do my schoolwork, but I never hesitate to dance.

Activities: Besides dancing in and outside of school, I also take part in tumbling classes to satisfy my past life of gymnastics.

Next steps: Currently I am looking at colleges in and around New York City to apply and audition as a B.F.A. dance major.

Career goals: My goal is to audition and perform in dance companies until my body can no longer handle the stress and pressures that come with a career in dance. From that point on I desire to choreograph and teach.

Heroes: I don't really refer to anyone as my "hero," but I do have people to thank for their influence and support in my life. Those people are my family and God. They're always there for me and they always will be.

Hobbies: Depending on the season, I enjoy snowboarding, surfing and skimboarding.

Current job(s): I'm currently applying for jobs.

Volunteer/community work: Last year I took part in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program at Lincoln ES. Also, I volunteer one to two times a month at my church, Victory Family Church, working as either a helper or teacher in the preschool and children's church program.

Likes: I LOVE the beach. In the summer, when I'm not at a dance intensive, you can find me at the beach from morning till night. I also love animals. My English mastiff, Titan, is my best friend.

Dislikes: I dislike when people complain incessantly. Look at the good report in your life. Somebody out there has it far worse than you.

Greatest accomplishment (so far): I've had many accomplishments within my nine years of gymnastics, but I'd have to say my greatest accomplishment was leaving Northampton HS at the end of my sophomore year in order to attend Charter Arts. It took a lot of courage to leave what had been familiar to me my whole life for something completely new.

Advice for peers: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Julia Swan coordinates student profiles for the Bethlehem Press.

Student profile subjects are selected by faculty and administration at the individual schools.