Super Kid / Ariella Shriver, 17: Sequoia junior loves writing and helping other people
Published 1:29 pm Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Well travelled: Has attended nine schools, including five elementary, two middle and two high schools.
Good fit: Transferred from Everett High School to Sequoia last year and is happy with her choice. Finds Sequoia has helpful staff and she likes the later starting time.
Constant companion: Carries around a black cat Beanie Baby she calls Creature. Creature helped her overcome being nervous in new surroundings. “I bring him everywhere with me.”
Favorite class: Enjoys writing feature stories for a publications course. Gets to write for Sequoia’s student newspaper “The Branch.” Wrote about a garden the school helped grow for the community and about social issues, such as smoking and drug use. “I just love writing.”
Career thoughts: Is torn between journalism and being an alcohol and drug counselor. Has been around people with drug problems and wants to make a difference. “I just want to know why people would ruin their lives like that and I want to help them if I can.”
Long drive: Moved with her mom to live with her grandparents in Lake Stevens, but was determined to stay at Sequoia. That means she gets a ride from her grandparents to school in the morning, and she takes a city bus home after school.
Defining moment: Knew she wanted to stay at Sequoia after she forgot Creature on a bus and the school secretary was able to call to get the transit agency to find her stuffed animal.
In park: Loves to hang out in Everett’s parks. Favorite one is on Grand Avenue overlooking the Everett waterfront.
Favorite movies: “Across The Universe” and “V For Vendetta.”
Good reads: “Tailchaser’s Song” by Tad Williams and “Beauty Queen” by Julia London.
Coping well: Says she has obsessive compulsive tendencies, causing her to constantly organize things, but insists it doesn’t bother her. “Some people kind of see it as a burden. I say, ‘Oh, I kind of like it.’”
Ideal spot: Would most like to travel to Tanna Island, which is part of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Wants to see the active Yasur Volcano.
Helping out: Is part of the school’s “Be The Change” club that works toward positive improvements at Sequoia and in the community. Often helps new students feel at home in their new school. Club is named after a Gandhi saying: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Thinks it is a good philosophy to adopt. “It’s not like, What can you do for us? It’s more like, What can we do to make things better?”
Eric Stevick
425-339-3446 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.
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