Name, city of residence:
I’m Alyssa Manzur and I live in Morgan Hill.
Grade you started at MMS:
I joined Mount Madonna School during my seventh grade year.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by my younger sister, Sophia. I love watching her grow into the creative, selfless, fiery girl she is becoming. She inspires me to work towards my aspirations and to better myself as a whole.
What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
My favorite subject in school is science, and specifically biology. I am fascinated by life and everything it encompasses: relationships, growth, creation, death. In biology, I feel as though there is a plethora of never-ending possibilities to learn.
If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
If I could, I would make sure that discrimination did not exist. I want to live in a world where we are all seen as equal individuals and nothing more; where our goals are to promote peace and give back to our communities in productive, meaningful ways.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to travel if I had the opportunity to! I am not sure where exactly I would like to go, however this location definitely needs to have sunny weather, clear water and good food!
Name one big challenge in your life right now:
One challenge in my life right now is anticipating leaving for college. Although I will not be going out of the state, I will be far away from home (family, friends, my sister, and my bed).
What is your dream job and why?
My dream job is to become either a doctor, physician assistant or a biotechnology scientist. Giving back to my community is extremely important to me, and I feel as though all of these jobs would allow me to help people in productive ways while also solving problems. I love being social and interacting with others, and these jobs would allow me to do so.
What are your three favorite things?
My three favorite things to do are spending quality time with my family, best friends and boyfriend, trying new food, and sleeping in my bed (which has an extremely comfy comforter).
What do you want to do after high school?
After high school I am planning on going to the University of California, Los Angeles, to study microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics in order to pursue a career in the medical/biotechnology field.
Something that you are proud of – and why:
I am proud of all of my classmates for working extremely hard in order to get where they are today. We are each about to embark on our own journeys to college and I am so excited to see them grow further. I look up to each and every one of them for being who they are.
Something that makes you smile:
I love seeing people happy, enjoying their lives without fear of judgment; that’s what makes me smile.
A favorite MMS memory – and why?
The Catalina learning journey is by far one of my favorite bonding experiences that Mount Madonna School offers. Being immersed in everything marine biology related is a dream come true for me. I love learning about the island, as well as physically exploring the marine environment. I have so many fun memories that came from this trip that range from stargazing with my friends to experiencing bioluminescence for the first time.
Top three most-played songs on your favorite playlist:
“Yeah Right,” by Joji, “See You Again” (feat. Kali Uchis), by Tyler, the Creator, “Bellyache,” by Billie Eilish
