ARLINGTON — Destiny Robinson, 18, is a senior at Arlington High School. She was named the January student of the month for the Snohomish County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Question: How long have you been in Arlington?
Answer: I moved over the summer. I moved here from Hawaii.
Q: What are you involved in?
A: I’m in flight choir. I’m in the musical, “Seussical.” I’m vice president of the Future Health Professionals club here. This weekend, I’m starting in the youth program at the local college, EvCC, for the NAACP … And I play tennis. I tore my ACL, so I had to take a hiatus.
Q: What will you be doing through the NAACP program?
A: Seminars, mock interviews, creating our resumes. Pretty much how to be professional in the workplace as an adult. A lot of us are sophomores to seniors, so we’re on the cusp of adulthood. We’re just really trying to prepare for what’s coming, how to work in the real world, and being a minority in the workplace, too.
Q: You mentioned Future Health Professionals. Is that what you hope to do for a career?
A: I hope to be a genetic counselor, genetically screening people expecting a baby for any genetic or hereditary disease, like sickle cell or Down syndrome or Edwards (syndrome). I have the sickle cell carrier, so I think that’s what really interested me in going into that career.
Q: You were recognized by the NAACP. What was your reaction?
A: I cried, actually. I was called to the office and I didn’t know what it was for. All the vice principals were around, and Ms. (Shanna) Crookes was there. She was like, ‘Oh, congratulations, student of the month.’ I had no idea. She nominated me. I was like, wow, knowing that somebody cares about me enough to put me in for an award, and to actually win it, was kind of overwhelming.
Q: Has it been hard transitioning to a new school for your senior year?
A: So, being a military dependent all my life, I’ve just kind of gone state by state, different schools. For middle school, I went through maybe five middle schools. So I’m able to adapt easily. It’s about being able to ask questions, and not being scared to ask for help. I think that’s really helped me transition to different places and locations.
Q: Do both of your parents serve?
A: My dad is active duty Navy. My mom just got out, but she was a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Q: Where else have you lived?
A: Virginia. Jackson, Mississippi, which is actually where I’m from. A lot of my family is there … Hawaii was probably the biggest jump. Just the weather, and being farther away from family.
Q: Have you decided where you want to go to college?
A: I’m deciding between University of Portland and Howard University … I think I want to get my doctor’s degree.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: I love singing. That’s my passion, my hobby. I recently got into crocheting. Right now I’m doing pot warmers, trying to build up to some scarves. Baking. I love that. And reading. Those are my passions on the side, my stress relief from school work and everything.
Q: What classes are you taking?
A: I’m in AP Calculus, college writing, flight choir, astronomy, biotechnology and psychology.
Q: Do you volunteer?
A: I volunteer at the American Red Cross. It just really interests me. During disasters, they’re always there to help out. I just see them coming together to help the community in crisis.
Q: Do you have siblings?
A: I have an 11-year-old brother and a 14-month-old brother. After I leave, it’s still going to be just as busy (at home).
Q: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
A: Knowing who I am. Not changing. With new schools, meeting new people, a lot of times military dependents feel kind of weird about meeting new friends, not knowing when we’re going to leave. Should I be able to open up to them when I know I won’t stay in touch with them for long, might never talk to them again? That’s always been a challenge, getting close to people when you know that in a couple of months or years, you won’t be close to them anymore.
Q: What would your advice be to others? What’s the most important thing you’ve learned?
A: Know who you are.
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.
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