| Editor's note: Every issue, AMG features an outstanding young woman as our Athena of the Month. Click here to nominate a young woman you know to be our next Athena! |
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| December's Athena of the Month: Desiree Petto by Sarah Cushing |
| Desiree Petto is one busy girl! Between school work, violin lessons, playing in her high school’s orchestra, acting in theatre productions and managing the football team, Desiree manages to keep on the move. And, in addition to all her activities, Desire—or Dez as her friends call her—maintains an active social life, too. According to her friends one of Dez’s best qualities is her strong sense of confidence and positive attitude. “She's very confident, even when she fails at something she gets back up and laughs but she'll always try it again,” her friend Jess says. “She knows how to put a positive and negative together and tries to cheer others up,” she adds. AMG spoke with Dez to learn more about her and find out how she keeps such an upbeat attitude. |
| Q: So Dez, what grade are you in? A: I am a freshman in high school. Q: Oh, cool! So of all the activities you are involved in, do you have a favorite? A: I don’t think I could choose! They are all a lot of fun. But, if I had to say I would say theatre and violin—I really enjoy those. Q: How about your favorite academic subject? A: Probably English because I like to do writing. I really like writing fiction stories and I used to write poetry. Actually, I have written for my school newspaper, too! Q: Oh, very neat! With all that you have going on, how do manage all your responsibilities so well? A: Sometimes it gets difficult for me. But, if I am at rehearsals or practices and I have a few extra minutes I will sit down and do some homework. Also, there have been times when I have had to make a choice between activities. Q: One of the things your friends admire about you is your sense of confidence. Where does your strong sense of confidence come from? A: I just know that I am me and if someone doesn’t like me for me, that’s okay. And, when people talk about you, you’ve just got to blow it off and move on. My friends and family have always been there for me and I get confidence from them, too. |
| Q: What are your hopes for your future? A: Going to college is definitely a dream of mine. I would like to go to New York University or Boston College. And, when I get older I want to be a hip-hop dance choreographer. |
| Q: Wow—those are great goals! What do you do in your free time? A: I am not going to lie—I am a big MySpace addict! So, I will spend time on MySpace or just be in my room blaring music or writing. Q: Alright, here’s a fun question: If you had a superpower, what would it be? A: Hmmm…I think I would want to fly—it would be really cool to fly! Since I don’t have my driver’s license yet, I could just fly to my friends’ house across town! |
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