Makani kicked off her first year at St. Raymond Academy for Girls and was excited to update us on how high school is going! She started our conversation by explaining the summer reading choices and why she chose The Deepest Roots by Miranda Asebedo. “When I got into double-digit chapters, I started to see the characters and their development,” she said. Makani passionately recalled the book's plot, explaining that the story centered around three high school students who initially believed each of their gifts to be curses. As the arc unravels, the reader gets a deeper sense of the profundity of each character and how their gifts are not curses but desirable. Makani emphasized the satisfaction of understanding every student as complex and gifted.
Since October is National Book Month, we asked Makani about her favorite books. If she could recommend any books to a fellow SSP student, among them would be the second book in the Hocus Pocus series, The All-New-Sequel. Makani said, “this book is best if you like fantasy, sci-fi, or horror. It's a little creepy.” She is an avid manga reader and her favorite books are The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and How To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Makani shared her long-term goals, saying she intends to go to college for engineering and minor in business. As a backup, she stated, “I would study psychology and dedicate myself to culinary arts.” However, her life post-high school may evolve, and we look forward to seeing an SSP student so devoted to her future.
She hopes to find camaraderie at St. Raymond Academy. She is also deciding on joining the volleyball team, band, or student council. She wishes to be a part of student council because of her desire to understand her community. “I would love to be a voice for the students," she explained.
It's just the beginning for Makani, and we're excited to be along for the journey!
