FoY Spotlight 2012

Each month, we’ll feature one or two of our FoY teens, who’ll answer a few fun questions so you can get to know them better!

August 2012 Spotlight

 

Josiah Atkin

 

1) What’s your favorite way to unwind and relax on weekends?

I like to go to my Karate class

2) If you could go on a missions trip to any place in the world, where would you go, and what would you want to get involved in?

I would go to Haiti and I would get involved in building houses.

3) What’s one of your favorite family traditions?

Every Sunday, my family gets together after church at my Grandfather’s house and we hang out.

4) What advice would you give to a teen who’s having a hard time making friends?

Don’t be afraid to talk to other teens, no matter how awkward it may seem at first.

5) What’s your favorite quote or scripture right now?

My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

 

July 2012 Spotlight

 

Andrea Sepe

 

1) What are your plans post-high school?

Attend Roger Williams, majoring in International Relations and minor in Psychology, and continue training in martial arts

 

2) Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Creating some sort of international mayhem, just kidding. I see myself working for the FBI as a field agent or working in counter intelligence. I also see myself with my third degree black belt in Shoryin-Ryu and my first degree in Showlin Kempo. No matter where life takes me, I want to be teaching martial arts somewhere. It’s a blessing to share your knowledge and experience with those who are eager to learn and look up to you.

 

3) Who has been the greatest influence on you thus far?

Ahh influence… Well because God and my parents are very obvious… I’m going to say my sensei, also my big brother figure, Bobby. He’s made me tough, he’s helped me to further grasp the concept of persevering through difficulty and he’s taught me valuable lessons in pride and trust… not being afraid to ask for help. Bobby has always had faith in me, even when I didn’t have faith in myself.

 

4) What’s your best advice for high school freshmen?

My best advice for a high school freshman? Don’t be afraid to stand alone. Your hardest times through school aren’t going to be those nights when you’re up ‘til midnight cramming in that assignment you totally forgot about. It’s going to be with the people around you. You’re going to be pushed and pulled in every direction imaginable because everyone is trying to figure out who they are. Keep in mind that YOU are trying to figure out who you are too. That means that you can’t be a part of the crowd. Don’t be afraid to be who you are, and don’t let anyone tell you that you are something less than what you should be.

 

5) What’s your favorite quote or Scripture?

Fave Verse: Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified or discouraged; for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

 

 

Leah Goodreau

 

1) What are your plans post-high school?

Well, I’m already enrolled at CCRI, so I’m going to keep doing that, and I already write books, so I’m going to keep doing that, too.

 

2) Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Writing stories, drawing pictures, fostering children, feeding pigeons in Central Park.

 

3) Who has been the greatest influence on you thus far?

Jesus. I would try to name someone else because I dislike being obvious, but I find that taking too much from any other one person isn’t a great way to balance your perspective. I’ve been heavily influenced by my schooling, my reading, internet communities and my old girl’s Bible study, but to limit any of those institutions by naming one person would negate what made them so positive and powerful. So, Jesus. Obvious but true.

 

4) What’s your best advice for high school freshmen?

“If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” I think that’s Einstein. But basically, don’t let others’ expectations affect your opinion of yourself. School/a certain subject/socializing might be really hard for you, and that’s okay.

 

5) What’s your favorite quote or Scripture?

I already did a favorite quote, so my favorite Scripture is Psalm 30:11 — “You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”