Hometown: Portland, OR

Tell us about your favorite book: Deenie, by Judy Blume has been one of my favorite books ever since I first read it at age 14. It talked about a young girl whom lived with the constant expectation of being perfect all the time. Her mother had wanted her to be a model all her life, but at the age of 13, Deenie is diagnosed with scoliosis, a medical condition in which ones spine is not lined up correctly. she faces hard challenges and everyday girl struggles, this book helped me to be able to push through any struggle I faced as I grew older as well as knowing that there will always be rough patches in my way but there will always be a way to get around them as well as learning valuable lessons along the way.

Give one random fact about you: my favorite candy is Sour Patch kids

In class, what kind of character are you?: In class I would say I’m a quiet observer. In other words I keep an open mind and enjoy listening to what others have to say. I’m not usually the kid who raises their hand at every questioned asked, but I am one who speaks up when I’m confused about a certain subject or when I strongly agree or disagree with a topic being talked about in class.

If you were a fruit, what would it be?: if I were a fruit I would be a mango because I love mangoes

What do you think will be surprising about India?: The most surprising thing I think that I’ll see in India will be how different their ways of living are from here in the US.

In what ways do you feel that India will be challenging for you?: I feel that being in India will challenge my biggest fears. Emotionally, Physically and mentally I think that India Will challenge my knowledge and ability to adapt to constant change, whether its being far away from my family for a long period of time, or trying new food and customs I’ve never experienced.

How do you hope to be changed by this trip to India?: I hope that this trip to India helps me change my perspective on everything I know about the world I live in. I hope that I become more open about trying new things and getting out of my comfort zone daily.