Try something new!

Hi! I’m Nina! I am going to be a junior next year at Castilleja high school. My normal day to day life when we are not in quarantine includes school, swimming, and lots of eating. I love food, especially as fuel after a long swim workout! Along with that, I enjoy spending my weekends baking and learning more about the environment, two of my many passions. I love spending time outdoors traveling, backpacking, biking, running, and hiking. I am on my own journey in sustainability, trying to limit my negative impact on our planet so that we will be able to preserve the beautiful nature for more generations to experience.

Quarantine has been tough for everyone in different ways, but I have been trying to focus on the positives. For example, the world’s carbon emissions are way down! I’ve also been able to find new hobbies during the time that would normally be taken up by swimming after school every day. I found a YouTube channel called Yes Theory, which is a group of people that tries to do things outside of their comfort zones. I’ve been trying to emulate that mentality in my own life by trying new things and taking risks. I participated in a school play, submitted comedy to the talent show, wrote articles online, cut my own bangs, and many other new activities, all of which I never would've had time to pursue. I highly recommend you check out Yes Theory if you need inspiration and a more positive outlook on the current situation!

Every week I look forward to seeing my study buddies smile. Their infectious energy always brighten my day! I, just like many others, are ready for this lockdown to be lifted, but I am grateful for my health and the time that I have been able to spend taking a break from the hustle and bustle of regular life. Without this time to reset, I would’ve never been able to fit Beyond the Book into my schedule, so although we are living in a sad time, good things can come of it. I think we will all go back to work, school, sports, and social activities with a clearer mind and a wake up call that we really can impact our planet for the better!