-Name, age, school, grade, city of residenceLena Wiley, 17, Mount Madonna School, senior, Watsonville
-What inspires you?
I am inspired by how vast the world is and how much is possible for me to do and see in it. The community also inspires me, along with the great things people have created and accomplished by working together.
-What is your favorite subject in school, and why?
Womens ‘Herstory,’ because we learn about women and the feminist movement throughout American history, and discuss prevalent current gender issues.
-If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would make all education free and accessible, because I think the key to all positive development and change sprouts from good education.-If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
One of my favorite things to do is travel, so it is hard for me to pick just one place I would like to go. This spring I will go to India with my class and I am very excited for that trip and specifically for the opportunity to visit the Sri Ram Ashram in Haridwar. Someday I would also like to go to Portugal, Italy, France, Peru, and Brazil. One of my life goals is to visit every continent.
-Name one big challenge in your life right now.
One challenge I am facing right now is navigating the mysterious and unknown field of my near future; I enjoy being in complete control of my life, so not knowing where I will go to school next year and not knowing what I want to major in is difficult.
-What is your dream job?
I am not entirely sure what my dream job is, but I know I want to be able to travel the world, make positive changes in other people’s lives, and have a creative and aesthetic outlet.-What are your three favorite things?
1. Basil ice cream
2. Oil painting
3. Rainstorms
-Favorite book:
I can’t pick a single book! A few of my favorites are: the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Hotel Bemelmans by Ludwig Bemelmans, Every Day by David Levithan, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, and the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle.
-What do you want to do after high school?I want to go to college, take a year abroad to learn a second language and master the art of chocolate making. I would also like to eventually finish my reading list!
-Something that makes you smile:
An aesthetically organized bookshelf!
-A favorite MMS memory – and why?
Last year at the end of an ordinary school day, my entire class spontaneously got into a circle and each took a turn sharing the best part of our day. This event really reminded me how bonded my class is and made me grateful to go to a school where I really know everyone and am friends with everyone in my class.
-Top three most played songs on your iTunes or iPod:
The Fool on the Hill by The Beatles
Waiting for My Time to Come by Colony House
Step by Vampire Weekend
