HALEY E. (I’D RATHER NOT PUT A LAST NAME, SO YOU GET A SMILEY FACE INSTEAD! ) I’m from a suburb about 30 minutes from Detroit, Michigan. I love it here, but because of the economy, I’ll probably end up moving when I get older. Fortunately, I’m still 15, so I have time to think about that.

I’M FROM DETROIT… KIND OF. I do not live in downtown Detroit. I live in a suburb with my family, and I love it here. I live right in front of a little commons area, which is in front of a schoolhouse that our district has abandoned. I went there for kindergarten, so it’s not that old. It’s winter right now. I wish I could show what our commons area looks like in the springtime, but I don’t have a picture. This is the view from my window. It’s a dark picture, but I tried my best. The big tree blocks out the school, but you might be able to see it if you look closely.

A DAY IN THE LIFE: I can’t imagine my life without music! I play the oboe, saxophone, and guitar. I have two younger siblings, aged 12 and 5. Gardening takes up a ton of my time in the spring. I spend hours outside every day. Astronomy fascinates me. I’ve always wanted to learn French, but our French class filled up quite fast. As a result, I am currently taking Spanish instead.  This is an oboe. I started playing it in band class two years ago after playing saxophone for three years. I love playing oboe, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity I have to play it.

A FEW SUCCESSFUL (AND UNSUCCESSFUL) ENDEAVORS IN CREATIVITY: I like to draw, but I’m not great at it. I tried to learn to draw by taking a course at a local art center. I did not succeed, but I loved every minute of failing and will probably try again this summer. I’m an editor for my best friend’s book (I’m more like a test-reader who uses too much red pen, but I still look forward to it every day.) Music, if you missed it earlier. This is the biggest creative activity I participate in. I grow a garden in the springtime. Creative? Sure; why not! I wish I could grow sunflowers this big. Mine were pathetically small last year (but no less beautiful!)

WHAT AM I SEEKING FROM THIS CLASS? An adventure! Good luck to Mr. Tresser and everybody enrolled in the course. Have fun with this; I know I will!