Newman High School April Student of the Month: Sierra Williams

Sierra Williams, 18, of Dixon is Newman Central Catholic High School's April Student of the Month. She is the daughter of Kathrine and Edwin Williams, and she has four brothers, Travis, Marcus, Isaiah and Tyson.

Favorite class: AP biology. I am studying to be a nurse, and learning the way tiny microorganisms work throughout our bodies to keep us going is so interesting.

Least-favorite class: Although it pains me to say this, I am not a mathematician.

School activities in which you participate: I am the Ambassadors Club vice president, Student Council executive board secretary, a member of Newman Knitters, a B.L.I.N.D. leader, a Kairos Leader, FCA Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader, Newman Recycling Club committee member, National Honors Society member, volleyball player, cheerleader, a participant in musicals, and I lead the youth liturgical choir at Newman.

Civic, church, or other volunteer activities in which you participate: I am a cantor at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon, was the 2019 Petunia Festival Queen and a public speaker. I also volunteer my time at food drives, clothing drives, blood drives, Toys for Tots during Christmas, Flowers for Hospitalized kids, and coach for part of the summer for the St. Mary School volleyball team in Dixon.

Do you have a job? I baby-sit. I love spending time with kids, and would love to have my own someday. I help my aunts and great-aunts with odds and ends jobs around their homes. I also detassel during the summers. The work is hard, but spending time with kids my age, and making our own fun out in the cornfield makes the work seem more enjoyable. Although I am not employed right now, I am also a CNA.

How would you describe your group of friends? My group of friends is my second family. They are the most authentic, real and adventurous people I have ever met. We have gotten so close over the years, and I plan on staying in close contact with them or the rest of my life.

What will you do after high school? I will attend Saint Mary College in South Bend, Indiana, to major in nursing.

What is something you learned in high school that you think you’ll never use? The number "i". You’re telling me for half my life about how real numbers are, but someone decided to represent an imaginary number using a lowercase letter and that is OK? Hmmm ...

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be? We have a really fun homecoming week, full of activities, laughter, and fun. I really think that we should have a prom week for juniors and seniors with more activities.

If you could create any new class at your school, what would it be? The skills a home economics class offers would be with me for the rest of my life, and I think every student needs to learn the life skills it would offer.

What does it take to be a successful high school student? First and foremost, strive to be empathetic. When you first enter high school, keep in mind that it's a new experience for every person, and even the upperclassmen are dealing with things they might not talk about. Don't be judgmental until you have walked a mile in someone else's shoes. Be willing to work hard and make your education your own because no one can put in the work and effort you need to graduate. In order to be a successful student, understand that you are there to learn about more than what is in the textbooks.

What do you do in your free time, outside of school activities? I am always singing, dancing, creating artwork, crafting, cooking, baking, reading, looking for really good coffee and food places, going on adventures, and spending time with family and friends.

What’s one thing in your life you can’t do without? I watch Disney movies all of the time. Being able to escape for an hour or 2 to a place where dreams come true, and happily ever afters are real may seem a little cliche, but it is so refreshing. They remind me to not be hardened by the world, and to have an open heart.

What kind of music are you listening to? I listen to many different genres of music, but my favorite is my “dizzy” playlist on Spotify. It’s the type of music that I feel in my bones and makes me dance. It’s got a little bit of everything: pop, country, blues, soul, rap, hip-hop and even opera.

What scares you? I am absolutely terrified of scary movies. I can handle a little jump scare every once in a while, but I could not even start something like "The Conjuring."

If you could try any job for the day, what would it be? I always have wanted to be a fashion designer. Being a part of so much chaos, creating new pieces and putting my work out there is something I have always wanted to do.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? I really want to go to Bora Bora. I never have seen a body of water photograph so clearly, and I think it would be so cool to stay in one of the house huts surrounded by water.

What is the best way to cheer you up? Hugs always help.

What is your life’s philosophy? If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.

What is your favorite …

Number: 6

App: Pinterest

Food: Ice cream, gummy bears, and Sweet Tarts green apple ropes

Musical artists: Alicia Keys and Shawn Mendes

Movie: "Beauty and the Beast" (the animated one)

TV show: "Vampire Diaries"

Pro and college sports teams: Pittsburgh Steelers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish