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Jennifer Contreras, 18, of Sterling, is one of Sterling High School’s January Students of the Month. She is the daughter of Modesta and Lucio Contreras, and she has two sisters, Sayra, 23, and Vianney, 9, and a brother, Arturo, 14.
Favorite class: Anatomy and physiology. The human body is truly fascinating, and learning about the different functions of each bone, muscle and tissue is interesting to me.
Least-favorite class: Math. I just do not see the point of knowing how to factor a binomial or find the slope of a quadratic function.
Favorite teacher: Steven Johnson, accelerated and AP chemistry. He made chemistry an amusing and easy subject. He engages his students and makes any topic interesting.
School activities: I am president of SHS Latino Club and a member of National Honor Society.
Do you have a job? I work at Cobblestone Ice Cream and Deli.
What will you do after high school? I plan to attend Sauk Valley Community College for 2 years and transfer. I am interested in optometry so I need a major in biology or chemistry. I am still undecided where I would transfer.
What is something you learned in high school that you think you will never use? I don't think I will ever read a book and look for hyperboles, allusions or symbolism.
What kind of music are you listening to? Indie/alternative radio on Spotify.
What's the one thing in your life you can't do without? My cellphone. There are just so many helpful apps that make life easier.
What is your advice for surviving high school? Stay focused. High school is what you make out of it, and it is important to maintain a positive attitude. Have fun, but school should always be a priority.
What scares you? Small, enclosed rooms filled with people.
What's something about you that nobody knows? Only my close friends and family know how sensitive I can be over the most minimal things.
If you could ask President Obama any question, what would it be? I would ask for whom he is voting in this upcoming election, because I have yet to choose a candidate that I feel would lead this country in a rightful way. I would then thank him for the low gas prices.
If you could try any job for a day, what would it be? A photographer for National Geographic.
If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? Brazil. Ever since the 2014 World Cup, their culture, music and beaches have captivated me.
What is the last good book you read? "I am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai, an autobiography about a young Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban because she fought for her right to an education. This was an inspiring read and reminded me that the right to an education is a blessing. Not everyone in this world is fortunate enough to go to school.
What is your proudest moment? My proudest moment will be graduating college. It has always been a goal, and I am motivated to reach it.
Who is your hero/role model? My mother. I love and cherish her more than anyone in this world. She has taught me to always work hard and stay determined. Thanks to her unconditional love and support, I am the person I am today.
Is there anything else you would want people to know about you? I have developed a love for traveling. I want to backpack Europe or volunteer in South America. This world is too big and beautiful to stay in one place.
Is there someone you'd like to send a shout out to? My friends, Ali Prescott, Nina Malki and Fannie May Hefflefinger. Thank you for making my high school years bearable and enjoyable.