Junior Gianna Filardo

Junior Gianna Filardo shares her goals for a better her and lifestyle in 2019.

Photo by Mercedes Peck

Teenage years are filled with many great moments, but also many difficult moments. According to ‘‘Psychology Today’ writer Dr. Leon Seltzer says many teens experience self-doubt and allow it to constrict them. However, junior Gianna Filardo has other plans for her adolescent years. She has dedicated her 2019 year to focus on being her best self and living an all-around healthy lifestyle.

“I’m super passionate about having a positive mindset,” Filardo said. “I’m really trying to focus on thinking positively and spreading positivity for everyone.”

Filardo also practices physical health. She has hopes to reach her goals, inspiring her to use social media to help others reach their aspirations in the future.

“Recently I’ve been going to the gym more. I’ve also been taking technique classes for ballet,” Filardo said. “I want to sell vitamins, supplements or proteins. I would be promoting the products on Instagram through a company called ‘Arbonne.’”

Even though it may seem like things come easy to Filardo, it hasn’t always been that way.

“Before, I had trouble with doubting myself, but I’ve decided to try my best to believe in myself,” Filardo said.

Her outlook is not only helping her better herself as an individual but also is a main reason her closest friend appreciates their friendship.

“Gianna is the life of the party. She is friends with everyone and everyone loves her,” junior Macy Wager said.

Filardo’s positive attitude also helps her to meet goals in other aspects of her life. She is a JV Sapphire, a Link Crew leader and a broadcasting anchor. Filardo participates in these activities because they allow her to express her feelings.

Photo by Joey O’Kelly

“I’ve learned it doesn’t matter what others think,” Filardo said. “This is my life and I have to live it to the fullest.”

This motto is what she lives by each day and why her teachers looks forward to having her in her classroom.

“She has been in my class for two years and her smile is something I enjoy seeing every day,” English teacher Melissa Jones said.

Filardo considers it very important to take life a day at a time and live every day to the fullest.

“She is very spontaneous; if you ask her to go with you to Target last minute she’ll be ready,” Wager said. “She is also very charismatic and when she sets her mind to something it will get done.”

Filardo has many passions, especially making people happy. To Filardo, teaching students every day is the best way she can fulfill her passion. She plans to participate in the Educational Internship Program (EIP) her senior year, then attend Northwest and become a Bearcat Stepper while majoring in education.

“In 10 years I hope to have a home, be married and possibly have children,” Filardo said. “I hope to be successful with the Arbonne account and have a good full-time job.”