Grade: 12

Family members: Maryann Raiola, mother; Luciano Raiola, father; Olivia Raiola, sister

Favorite subject: Art, literatures and the sciences.

Activities: Art, painting, assist in curating shows, Art Alliance, student government, volunteer at the Women’s Herbal Conference, reading, writing, Scholastic Art Awards, designing and making clothes from scratch at the Flying Solo fashion show (Charter Arts show)

Next steps: I hope to attend an art college and then get a doctorate which will allow me to either become an art therapist, psychiatrist or commission/exhibition artist. I would lie to achieve a degree which will allow me to have a positive influence on those I interact with.

Career goals: I am interested in multiple careers, but they intersect in their power to alter perception and make life more gratifying, beautiful, engaging or worthwhile. Through my career choice I could still work with my interests: art and human behavior, while assisting those who need help and those who are seeking an outlet to express themselves.

Heroes: My heroes are Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, my art teachers Mr. Brinker and Ms. Reinhard, Alyssa Monks, Emily Dickinson and Bernie Sanders. All these people are revolutionary and extremely dedicated in their field. Artists such as my teachers, Van Gogh, da Vinci and Monks and Dickinson have inspired me, taught me and made great strides in their fields. I look to Van Gogh for artistic inspiration and encouragement. He continuously made art because he was passionate about painting; he never expected praise or approval. I look to da Vinci, Dickinson and Monks because of their brilliance. Bernie Sanders is a revolutionary politician who stands for equality and agrees with the millennial generation’s ideas, and encompasses my values.

Hobbies: Art, figure drawing, caricatures, swimming, hiking, designing clothes

Volunteer/community work: Art Alliance, Organic Warehouse healthy living educational workshops, fundraising fashion shows, caricaturing at local art shows

Likes: Art, Van Gogh, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Charles Bukowski, “A Clockwork Orange,” The Velvet Underground and music in general

Dislikes: Donald Trump, math

Greatest accomplishment (so far): I dedicated myself to my “hobby” after being told I would fail in the art field. I transformed my academic path to allow myself a vast amount of opportunities related to art. I created a possible career from what I am most passionate about.

Advice for peers: Turn your passion into your career path, dedicate yourself fully to what you want to do, and find solace and happiness in your chosen path.

Julia Swan coordinates student profiles for the Bethlehem Press.

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