Describe your favorite memory at the Brien McMahon High School Summer Transition Program.

“The first day was really fun. I made new friends and got to know some of the teachers.”

Who is your role model?

“My older sister. She’s 18. She motivates me to do things and if I ever feel like I can’t do something, she’ll help me with it and give me encouragement. I had this presentation where I had to speak in front of a bunch of people that I didn’t really know, and she was there to help me practice. It was hard for me, but I was able to get up there and give the presentation because of the encouragement my sister gave me.”

What do you want to be when you grow up?

“I want to be a nurse or a pediatrician. I babysit so I’m good with kids and my whole family works in the medical area so I think I’d like it.”

What is your biggest dream?

“I’d want to build a huge building that has an important purpose and is well-constructed. I’m interested in architecture.”

Describe an accomplishment that you’re proud of.

“Graduating middle school. I was worried that I wasn’t going to make it because I went through so many struggles in middle school. My grades were up and down but I managed to make it here!”

How has this program helped you prepare for high school?

“Before my first day here I thought there was going to be a huge amount of kids, and I don’t do well with that because I get anxious when there are a lot of people around. I thought that no one was going to talk to me, and the building is so big so I was worried that I was going to get lost. But on the first day I made a bunch of friends and talked to lots of people. Now I feel a lot more comfortable and I know my way around the building.”

What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learned at this program?

“To treat people with respect and be nice to everyone.”

How would you describe this program to someone who doesn’t know what it is?

“You should come here because if you’re going to start high school and you want to know what you’re going to be facing, you’ll get a headstart here. When the first day comes, you won’t be a total stranger and you’ll know your way around and have friends that you can talk to if you need help.”