She’s a senior at Steinmetz High School in Chicago, Illinois, and a member of the AVID college preparatory program. Her teachers best describe her as a “Rising Star” and “a great pleasure to have in class.” Tabitha is an honor roll student, a member of the National Honors Society and recipient of the Perfect Attendance award at her school.

Outside of the classroom, Tabitha enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading her favorite book series, House of Night, and listening to her favorite music artist, Good Charlotte. Tabitha’s favorite TV show is Bones, and her favorite movie is Pirates of the Caribbean. She also enjoys a good old-fashioned cheeseburger.

Although Tabitha hasn’t settled on a college just yet, she has selected Anthropology as her major. Why? Because she couldn’t decide between a medical-related major and history (her two greatest academic interests). So, she figured, why not combine the two and go for Anthropology?

To understand Tabitha’s outlook on adversity, one may reference Walt Disney’s words: “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”