Padua Academy Freshman Maria D. started her writing career at Immaculate Heart of Mary, where she experimented by writing short stories, poems, and essays. For three years in a row, she won the Knights of Columbus essay contest. Winning the contest helped to confirm her dream of being a writer, and since then it has become her passion. “Writing is a creative outlet for me as well as an aspiration for my future,” Maria explains. She doesn’t have to worry about a lack of support from her family though. Her dad, Joe, is a journalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer with his own column. Along with her dad’s support, Maria has five older brothers to help her pursue her dreams.

Being the youngest of six, has its advantages. Maria grew up playing rowdy pickup games of basketball, becoming more competitive along the way. She now plays basketball on Padua’s JV team. Along with being athletic, Maria is also focused on her academics. She made First Honors and is in many challenging classes. Her most favorite class is Introduction to Literature. She loves the amount of writing in that class, claiming it helps her develop her writing skills.

In the future, Maria wants to write books or short stories. She already has multiple ideas, but she just hasn’t gotten the time to write them out just yet. Her ideal job is either an author or an editor. Maria finds she expresses herself through her writing. She loves to write and hopes to become an author.