Class of ’23 Student Spotlight: Sky Weir

Name, city of residence:

Sky Weir, Santa Cruz

Grade you started at MMS:

Tenth grade

What inspires you?

When I think about things that inspire me, I am reminded of the beauty and wonder of nature. The way the sun rises and sets each day, the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore, or the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze. These natural phenomena remind me of the power and majesty of the world around us, and inspire me to appreciate and cherish it. I am also inspired by people who have achieved great things despite facing adversity. Their stories of perseverance and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles remind me that anything is possible if I am willing to work hard and never give up.

What is your favorite subject in school, and why?

I love how our Science with Humanity class connects to the outside world. By studying the intersection between science and society, I am able to learn about the practical applications of scientific discoveries and how they impact our daily lives. For example, studying the effects of climate change on human societies has allowed me to understand the importance of sustainable practices and the need for collective action to combat this global challenge.

In addition to the practical applications of scientific research, I appreciate the philosophical and ethical implications we discuss in class. Furthermore, studying the relationship between science and ethics has allowed me to explore the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when conducting scientific research, such as animal testing or genetic engineering. Finally, I enjoy how Science with Humanity challenges me to think critically and creatively and it is a subject that has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the world.

If you had the power to change on thing in the world, what would it be?

Preserving endangered animal species and their habitats to prevent further extinctions and promote biodiversity would be a change worth making in the world.

If you could anywhere, where would you go, and why?

The dream of going to space is a daunting one, but I believe it would be the ultimate adventure.

Name one big challenge in your life right now:

As someone with a lot on my plate, my biggest challenge is managing my time efficiently. I have several responsibilities and commitments that demand my attention, and I often struggle to find the time to focus on everything. I also try to eliminate distractions and stay focused on one task at a time. This means deleting social media and turning off my phone for certain periods of the day.

What is your dream job and why?

For me, the idea of being my own boss and pursuing my own vision is incredibly appealing. Entrepreneurship offers the freedom to create and innovate in a way that is not always possible in traditional employment settings. It also provides the opportunity to build something from the ground up and see the direct impact of my efforts on the success of the business. Another reason why entrepreneurship is my dream “job” is the ability to make a positive impact on the world. I am motivated to create businesses that solve problems and improve people’s lives, and I believe that entrepreneurship provides a unique platform for doing so. By pursuing my own vision and creating a successful business, I can have a tangible impact on the world and make a difference in the lives of others. The freedom, autonomy, financial potential and ability to make a positive impact are all reasons why entrepreneurship is my desired career path.

What are your three favorite things?

Meeting new people, exploring the world and great food

What do you want to do after high school?

I would like to build my business portfolio, travel with friends and enjoy the summer!

Something that you are proud of – and why:

I take pleasure in the simple things in life, such as a beautiful sunset or a cup of tea in the morning, and I always try to find joy in the everyday moments. I am so proud of myself for admiring the small things in life and for making an effort to give back to my community whenever I can. I believe that these two things go hand in hand, as being appreciative of the little things in life makes us more compassionate and empathetic towards others, and motivates us to make a positive impact in our community. I think that having this perspective helps me to stay positive and grateful, even during difficult times.

Something that makes you smile:

One of the things that brings a smile to my face is sitting on West Cliff, watching the ocean and feeling the warm sun on my face. There’s something so peaceful and calming about being by the water, and the sound of the waves and seagulls always manages to put me in a better mood.

A favorite MMS memory – and describe why:

From Catalina Island to India, Washington, D.C. to whitewater rafting with the whole high school, every trip was truly unforgettable! One of my favorite trips was when we went whitewater rafting as a school. The experience was one-of-a-kind, and it brought us all together in a way that was truly special. What made this trip so memorable was the sense of community that we all felt. We were all in this together, cheering each other on and supporting one another through every twist and turn. It was amazing to see how we all came together as a team, and how we all supported each other in ways that we never thought possible. Looking back on this experience, I realize that it wasn’t just about the whitewater rafting itself; it was about the bonds that we formed as a group and the memories that we created together. These are the moments that I will always cherish, and I feel so lucky to have experienced them with all of you.

The three most-played songs on your favorite playlist:

“American Kids” by Kenny Chesney, “The Rocky Road To Dublin” by The High Kings, and “booman” by Baby Keem