Student Spotlight – Jessica S.

Name: Jessica S.
Hometown: Winnipeg, Canada
Areas of Global Interest: girl’s education, intersectional feminism, sustainability, space exploration, smart technology, AI, prison reform

Favorite Five
Class at School: Computer Science
Book: Frankenstein by Mary Shelly
Food: Pasta
Color: Royal blue
Quote: “Let others praise ancient times, I am glad I was born in these.” – OvidWe heard that you your school’s student newspaper, congratulations! Can you tell us a little about that? Where did your love of writing come from?
I started it last year after talking to an alum from my school that now works for CBS in the White House! I fell into writing the same way most people tend to. I was a big reader as a child so naturally, I’ve been writing the wildest stories for as long as I can remember! In recent years, as I’ve thought more and more about what I want to pursue after graduation, I began to develop a passion for journalism as well. And thus, Verity was born! Verity is a multimedia student news platform for all students to express their creativity and discuss topics that matter to students whether that be through art, videos, creative writing, poetry, articles, or anything else. We’ve recently started a podcast called Penny For Your Talks. Our first two episodes are about space and media representation. Although I no longer think I want to create a career with journalism, I have poured my heart and soul into this club and it was the best decision that I could have made in my four years of high school. I am looking forward to being a part of student publications next year at university.

In addition to your studies, you volunteer as a swim instructor. What is your most memorable experience teaching others?
The most wonderful experience I’ve had teaching swimming is getting to be a part of the creative worlds that kids come up with. They see magic everywhere and I think as people grow up and perhaps become more cynical, everyone deserves to get lost in the world of imagination.

If you could invent something that would make life easier for people, what would you invent?
I’ve always wanted a self-writing pen that would write whatever you’re thinking in your own handwriting. I’ve never liked having to organize my thoughts before putting pen to paper.

You attended the MG20 Beijing Summit in February – what were some key takeaways from that experience?
I learned how to order food online in China, which I’m sure will come in handy again sometime in my life! But in all seriousness, I learned a lot about what it means to be a diplomat and why it’s a lot harder than it seems to make changes in government when there will always need to be many sacrifices and negotiations to be made.

After each school day, where might we find you?
I work at the after-school program at my school, so I’ll be hanging out with the Junior School kids! After working at this job for half a year, I can now draw a semi-decent unicorn, which I’m pretty proud of.

What is one thing that people may be surprised to know about you?
Once when I was a baby I ate so many oranges I turned orange and had to be taken to the hospital. To this day, I still love oranges.About Knovva Academy:

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