As soon as I met her, I was instantly comfortable around Fiona. She has a personality that makes other people feel calm and content with who they are because she exudes a quiet confidence.

If her plans after high school don’t make it obvious enough, Fiona is super smart but humble about her intelligence, so I’ll do the bragging for her. She is applying to University of North Carolina, University of Virginia, University of Michigan, Indiana University, University of Iowa, The Ohio State University, Butler University, and Clemson University. I’m excited to find out where in the world she ends up!

“I can listen to one of my friends talk about their passion for hours, even if it is something I don’t care at all about, because seeing the way their eyes light up as they talk about it is amazing to me.”

“I admire my Uncle Jay the most. Not only is he one of the most insightful people I know, but he really does not care what anyone thinks of him. He is so satisfied in his life that he really could care less if people don’t like what he says or wears, and this is a mentality that I strive for.”

Fiona, you radiate a timeless beauty and I hope you believe that. I hope you believe in who you are and who you’re becoming. You are incredibly smart and have the ability to study what you want, where you want. But, don’t get so caught up in learning that you forget to keep listening. Don’t lose your excitement for listening to your friends talk about their passions. Keep being brave and bold and encouraging them to find the thing in life that makes their eyes light up. Keep chasing after the things that make your eyes light up, too.