Meet Miceala Morano. She’s 15, and enjoys spending her time writing poetry and reading. She’s grown up in rural Arkansas for most of her life. Needless to say, Miceala is unlike many of her peers.
At a young age, Miceala’s grandmother would give her vocabulary words, pushing her to expand her reading ability. From a young age, an interest in reading and writing was fostered in Miceala, and helped to shape the prolific writer she is today.
In today’s society, many kids spend time on their mobile devices doing generally unproductive things. Miceala is different. She says that she finds herself to be, “A lot nerdier than most people”. Miceala writes editorials in her school’s nationally recognized newspaper. She’s also a member of her school quizbowl team, and the National Junior Honor Society.
Miceala’s father isn’t very academically inclined. She says that when she talks about nerdy things, he does his best to understand. This brings up the question, “ How do parents best cater to their child’s academic gifts?”
When asked what she would do if she were to make a video of herself, Miceala replied immediately. She would record herself reading her own slam poetry. She says that she has written many poems, but has never shared them. Miceala said that she wants to share them, but is only beginning to make that step.
This takes us to part of Miceala’s character. As with most nerds, Miceala had always been pretty anti social. But when Miceala had to switch schools at the beginning of 8th grade, she had to make new friends. She says that, “Before that(switching schools), I would like, sit in the corner and read.” But now she had to go out and meet new people in order to have friends. But she didn’t stop there. This was just the beginning of a new, sociable Miceala. She’s taken many steps in becoming more affable since then, including signing up for Duke TIP Camp this year. She feels like being more sociable has really helped her blossom as a person.
When asked if she would put a part of her life in a story, Miceala knew it would would be her switching schools. “I really don’t feel like any part of my life was really worthy of being put in a book until before then”, she told me. Miceala would be in a sort of coming of age novel with a girl of extroardinary aptitude from small town Arkansas coming into a school with no friends. She may not be the best at talking, but she can write, and she has a true want for friends, which will shape her future and turn her into the amazing individual she is today. Instant bestseller.
Afternoon Naps 