Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am a senior this year at Emmaus High School.

Q. Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. My dad’s name is George Anderson and my mother is Sonya Glatz. I have an older sister named Stephanie and a younger brother named Leif. We have a pit bull named Penny and a cat called Lily.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject is social studies because I am fascinated by the history of the world and I particularly like government and politics because they shape what future generations will see as history. However, I am also very interested in English classes, especially when it comes to reading and analyzing historical texts or writing persuasive essays and papers.

Q. Have you received any awards or recognition?

A. I have earned Principal’s Honor Roll throughout high school. Additionally, I am a member of National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. I also received an honorable mention on the National Spanish Exam this past May.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has COVID-19 impacted these activities?

A. I am involved in the debate team, NHS, Spanish NHS, Key Club and EHS ambassadors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been unable to participate in these extracurriculars for the past few months. Though EHS ambassadors and Key Club have been hosting some events during the pandemic, having high-risk family members means prioritizing their safety over participation in group activities.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. I have been lucky enough to lead a very privileged life thus far with minimal challenges, thanks to many family members, friends and educators who have supported me. However, one thing I’ve struggled a lot with is my parents’ separation when I was about 10 years old and their eventual divorce. It is still difficult for me to go without seeing one of my parents for one to two weeks and to pack up all my belongings when it is time to switch houses. But again, my parents made their separation as easy for my siblings and me as they possibly could and I never questioned their unconditional love and support for us. Having this experience has made me realize the importance of treating people with kindness, because you never know the hardships others may be facing in their lives.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. After high school I plan on attending a college where I can study political science and work toward earning a law degree. I hope to have a career in political journalism or activism, but I am not sure exactly what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. The people I admire most are my grandparents, George and Stephanie Anderson, because they showed me what it means to be a good person - to be respectful, humble, generous and thankful, someone who puts the needs of others before their own, someone who always works their hardest, who always stands up for what is right. They showed me a happy life comes from giving to others and supporting the people you love.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I want people to remember me as a good person with a good heart. I want to be known for my kindness, generosity and service to others more than anything. I hope to go into politics to make our country a better, safer, more inclusive place for all of its citizens, so I hope that is a part of my legacy as well.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. One thing that I always emphasize to others (which took me a very long time to learn) is that other people’s opinions about you don’t matter at all. In fact, no matter who you are or what you do, there will always be someone who disapproves of you, so you might as well not waste your time worrying about it. You become the happiest version of yourself once you start expressing yourself for who you are and stop seeking the approval of others. Do what makes you happy. Also, learn to love yourself, even for all of your flaws - you are the only person who will always be there for you.