“This is my eighth year teaching at Howell. It’s the only school I’ve ever taught at, but I really like the students, I like the classes I teach, and I feel like we’ve got a nice school community...

“When I moved from Pattonville to Francis Howell, I was nervous because I didn’t feel I would know anyone or have any friends. I have moved a lot, so I thought it would be harder to make friends…...

“I transferred from North Carolina, and it was tough because I had lived there for seven years. But also, I moved around a lot, so I was kind of used to it. But it was definitely a lot different; the...

“I moved in fifth grade; I was 11 years old. I moved from Hawaii [to Missouri]  because of my dad’s work. I was expecting it to be like when I left because I lived here (Missouri) before I moved....

“I want to be a [pediatric] nurse, work with kids, or a NICU nurse because that’s what my mom does and it’s what a lot of her colleagues [do]. My mom did it and half my family members are nurses,...

“Okay, so I would say a multitude of ways [helped me with my depression]. The one thing I think is really important to have is hobbies. And so for me, two things that were very influential and positive...

"I'd say I'm pretty easy going because I'm lax with people. [My dad] inspires me to do well in school and stuff and has sparked passions in me. Having leadership roles has made me a better leader and life....

“I hope in the future to have my own little family and live in New Melle in a nice, big white house with a wraparound porch and a bunch of animals.  I'd like to be a labor and delivery nurse and help...

“When I was in kindergarten, I was super interested in gymnastics. My mom signed me up for it, and I did it, but I didn't really enjoy it because I got hurt too much. So whenever I got to high school,...

“Joining the step team [has shaped me]. It has helped me a lot: it’s helped me dig deeper into my Black culture, and having those teammates who also have that same background as me helped me discover...

“I would say my experiences in my life shaped me in a way of being the best person I can be. I just want to be a  great person all around, and I want people to love me. I just want to enjoy my life...

“I’ve been boxing ever since I was young, and that has really helped discipline me and has pushed me through stuff. Usually, I would get mad over certain things, but it has really taught me how to...