Grade: 11

Family Members: My parents are Jack and Kathy Kelly and my siblings are Colleen, Jack and Danny Kelly.

Favorite subject(s): I enjoy learning about biology, chemistry, U.S History, and literature. Since I love knowing how things work and learning through practice, biology and chemistry pique my interest. U.S. History fascinates me because I enjoy learning facts and backstories of the people who shaped our country. I attribute my love of reading literature to my teachers who have influenced me to gain an appreciation for writing in its many forms.

Activities: Since freshman year, I have participated in JV and varsity soccer, JV and varsity basketball and varsity track. The clubs in which I am involved include SADD, Key Club, Friends Peer Listeners and the Foreign Language Honor Society. I am on the Student Council Executive Board as a co-bonding coordinator, along with my classmate Fiona Bennett. I have participated in ND’s 24-hour Mini-THON since freshman year and it is my favorite event at ND. I also play AAU basketball with the Lehigh Valley Outcasts.

Next steps: After high school, I hope to major in pre-med. The colleges I would like to attend include Boston College, Georgetown, University of Notre Dame or Columbia University.

Career goals: I hope to one day become a dermatologist or a reconstructive plastic surgeon.

Heroes and why: My grandmother, my mom and my sister Colleen are my heroes. My grandmother, Maryann Isaac, is my role model because of her amazing work ethic. She has worked hard her entire life and still continues to work fulltime as a pharmacist and small business owner of Bell Apothecary well into her 70s. My mother’s patience and humility inspire me to be the best that I can possibly be throughout my life. I’ve always looked up to my sister because she too is a hard worker and always helps me when I am having a bad day or if I need a friend. I am so lucky to have such an amazing support system and great people to look up to. I also admire all my sports coaches that I have had over the years.

Hobbies: I enjoy reading, skiing, kayaking, running and any outdoor activity. Skiing is definitely my favorite hobby.

Volunteer/community work: I have volunteered and enjoy helping others at Miracle League, Special Olympics, Notre Dame Girls Basketball Camp, CYO track meets and assisting with St. Jane’s CYO girls basketball seventh and eighth grade team practices.

Likes: I like sunflowers, the ocean, sea glass hunting on the beach, genuine and humble people, big cities, going to new places, snow, being in the mountains, Italian food and making new friends.

Dislikes: I dislike cockiness, attention-seeking, conceitedness, rain in the winter and wasting time.

Greatest Accomplishment (so far): I consider my greatest accomplishment to be doing one nice thing for someone every single day. I’ve always wanted to do something that would make a big change, but over time I’ve learned that small deeds mean just as much as big ones. By the beginning of sophomore year, simply making someone’s day a little easier or happier became my mission. Whether it is smiling at someone, holding open a doo, or asking someone who looks sad if they are okay, I’ve found that by doing small things, I will make a big difference in this world.

Advice for peers: Get involved in as many activities as you can; take some chances; try new things you normally wouldn’t attempt; take a step out of your comfort zone every day; experience everything the world has to offer. Start small, then continue to bigger things. Put your whole heart into everything you do. By opening yourself up to life and doing these little things, you just might find your purpose in this world.

Julia Swan coordinates student profiles for the Bethlehem Press.

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