As we come to a close on the first quarter, we should take time to focus on two of our very own Senior Blazers, Sarah Ford and Ava Forti. I had the privilege to sit down with these two amazing students and get a little insight into their lives. I asked a variety of questions, and these scholars came up with sagacious answers for you all!
What is some basic information about Ava and Sarah?
Ava attended Dumbarton Middle School, likes cranberry juice and Nutella, favors red and black, and wants to be a CEO who deals with international business. The most influential person in Ava’s life is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She says RBG is truly an icon who changed our lives and is one of the strongest women in history. The people that make up Ava’s family is her younger brothers, older sister, mom, dad, and her best friends on NDP’s Varsity Soccer team. Ava will miss her friends and the traditions here the most when she leaves for college. Ava’s favorite traditions are Penny Queen, because of the amazing food and how it brings her grade together, and Gym Meet, because of how it takes your mind off the serious aspects of life and gives you something exciting to look forward to.
Sarah has attended NDP since sixth grade. Sarah’s favorite snacks are Hershey’s bars and pickles, and her favorite color is red. Sarah’s family is her mom, dad, grandmom, grandad, and her best friends who are also on the NDP Varsity Soccer team. Sarah’s most influential person is her mom. She states that her mom is supportive of Sarah in everything that she does. Her mom always puts Sarah’s needs before her own and Sarah aspires to be like her mom. Sarah will miss NDP’s Christmas Liturgy the most when she leaves for college because of the comfort and unity it brings. The symbolism of the candles and the beautiful songs will always be a core memory of hers. The career Sarah would like to pursue is being an Orthodontist, as she is applying to pre-dental programs.
What was the biggest life lesson you learned throughout your high school experience? What advice do you want others to know?
For Ava, the biggest life lesson she learned was that no matter how hard you try, no matter what you do, you cannot change people; when you see someone’s true colors, you must evaluate the friendship and be able to let them go. Ava’s advice is you should always be open to new people and new experiences, because if not you will miss out on so much.
Sarah learned that you cannot take things for granted. She explains that people and relationships come and go throughout your life, so you have to cherish the memories you make. Sarah advises everyone to try their best in everything they do and to live life to the fullest every day. She stresses that you should not take life too seriously and have fun.
How do they deal with stress? What makes you truly happy?
Ava deals with stress by making time to spend with herself. She prioritizes having balance in her life. Being able to relax without any pressure and appreciating the little things in life is what makes Ava truly happy.
Sarah deals with stress by hanging out with her friends and having a good time. Sarah is truly happy when she is outside, relishing nature and seeing the world. She loves new experiences and adventures.
If you could change one thing in this world, what would it be?
If Ava could change one thing in this world, she would better the environment. She says that climate change is one of the biggest threats to society and, if she could, she would reverse the damage we’ve done so that Earth would once again flourish.
Sarah would find a cure for cancer or eradicate it entirely. Sarah has unfortunately lost loved ones to cancer, and she knows how cancer takes lives too soon. She says that no family should have to go through the pain of losing someone who is so loved so soon.
Sarah Ford and Ava Forti are truly incredible and insightful people. It was such a pleasure to spend time with them and learn about the important aspects of their lives that go deeper than the surface. We will miss these beloved seniors but are excited to see what they accomplish and how they will transform the world. Good luck to these Blazers and thank you for being in the spotlight!