Reading and writing: Two things that have always comforted and invigorated Amaris Christmas. From classic books like “Pride and Prejudice” and “War and Peace” to books like the one she is currently reading, “Love Lasts Three Years,” Amaris enjoys reading anything. “Being able to immerse myself into the characters and environments in my books gives me a feeling of serene control which I doubt I could find so easily anywhere else,” Amaris stated in an essay. With writing, she enjoys writing about philosophical thoughts, theories, world phenomenon and more. Her interest in philosophical and analytical written pieces increased after taking AP English Language and Composition during the last school year. With a teacher who gave space to express herself, Amaris enjoyed the platform to have debates and intelligent conversations. She plans to continue exploring writing and reading when she goes to college by joining organizations with other like-minded people.

Although Amaris considered becoming a literature or English professor, her top choice in a career is working in the nursing field. As a freshman, Amaris participated in the VCU Health Sciences Academy. She was able to visit a nursing lab, which helped push her toward majoring in the field. “I always wanted to go into some type of health whether it was mental health or medical health,” Amaris said. Wanting to combine psychological and mental health with nursing, she decided to study to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. While she has applied to many colleges, Amaris’ top choices include University of Pittsburgh and Howard University, both of which have offered her full ride scholarships. She is leaning toward University of Pittsburgh because of their high-ranked nursing program and the fact that she has always wanted go to school in the North.

One lesson Amaris will take with her to college from high school is the importance of time management and handling stress.  “I hate the feeling of not having an assignment turned in on time and I’m really big on that,” Amaris said. “Not only with school, but going to work, being at events, picking up my friends. Just being on time for anything.” She also thinks sometimes students stress themselves out and she hopes to keep her stress under control in college. She already works on both of these things as an active member in her school and community. Amaris works part time, volunteers and is the student ambassador at her school where she helps pick and interview new applicants. She volunteers at the Children’s Home Society, an adoption service helping find children homes. She also is the treasurer of her chapter FBLA, the regional treasurer of FBLA, the president of her school’s Book Club, the president of the school math society, a member of the National Honor Society and in the school drama club. With all these extracurricular activities, she maintains a 4.66 GPA.

Amaris has found success in high school and plans to continue working hard in college and in her career. She has been encouraged along the way by her parents, especially her mother who has always been a strong figure in her life. “She inspires me to be a bigger and stronger woman,” Amaris said. ”Like an image of being able to support yourself and being able to go above and beyond.”