In your Padlet post, please include:

• Your full name

• A photo of YOU

• OR Video Introduction

• Answer the questions listed below

Let's have some fun and get to know each other! Please write a post answering the following questions. 

• What is your name?

• Share a personal motto or quote that inspires you. Why does it resonate with you?

• What is one skill or talent you have that most people don’t know about?

• Describe a memorable moment from your childhood and why it sticks with you.

•  If you could spend a day learning something completely new, what would it be?

• What is a book, movie, or song that changed the way you think or feel?

• What’s one small thing that brings you joy in your daily life?

• Who has influenced your life the most, and in what way?

• If you could have dinner with any historical or living figure, who would it be and why?

• Any other information that you would like to share with us to get to know you better?  

REMINDER: All of your classmates will see your answers! 

My name is Cemil Nuriler. You can call me Cemil, which sounds like “Jeh-meel”

• Share a personal motto or quote that inspires you. Why does it resonate with you?  The quote I like is in German: “Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stärker” by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated to English as “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”  This quote allows me to remember that hardship, challenges, and suffering are a very part of all living beings' journey in this life; no need to despair when I encounter them. All I need to do is respond well to these challenges. If I survive these adversities, I can be a better version of myself.

• What is one skill or talent you have that most people don’t know about?

I am an excellent soccer player.

• Describe a memorable moment from your childhood and why it sticks with you.

When I was very young, I learn that my favorite soccer team came from a different city for a game. I decided to attend this game and walk from my house to the stadium, which was about 10 miles away. I got into the queue, despite not having a ticket, money, or ever having been to a soccer game in a stadium. I arrived at the gate with an iron revolving door without a ticket, money, or an answer to the usher, who was an old man with a white mustache. He just waved me through to pass. At that point, I entered the stadium, watched the game, and then walked back home after the game. I do not recall all the details, but I know I felt so good about accomplishing this task.

•  If you could spend a day learning something completely new, what would it be?

I would like to learn how to fly an airplane.

• What is a book, movie, or song that changed the way you think or feel?

I would say the movie called “Doctor Zhivago” had a great impact on my perspective on the choices we have and how our decisions are influenced by the difficult choices we make in life. What gives life true meaning, and what takes away the hope within us?   

• What’s one small thing that brings you joy in your daily life?

I would say that making other individuals feel good, whether it's as simple as a smile from passing by or improving their self-esteem in any way, brings me tremendous joy in life. I feel my sense of humor plays a good role in it. As life is short, we need to live a life that transcends our mind and reaches out to others. That is a true joy to me.

• Who has influenced your life the most, and in what way?

  Dr. Jonas Salk achieved extraordinary accomplishments that have benefited millions of people worldwide through the development of the polio vaccine. Remarkably, he refused to patent the vaccine, a decision that could have made him a billionaire, because he viewed his work as a moral duty to humanity. Dr. Salk is truly an exceptional individual, exemplifying both professional excellence and true humanity.

• If you could have dinner with any historical or living figure, who would it be and why?

I would like to know Catherine the Great, empress of Russia from 1762 to 1796, who accomplished so much via her persuasion and relentless work for the people.

• Any other information that you would like to share with us to get to know you better?  

  I look forward to getting to know you all better.

A quote that always keeps me going is "be still and know." It inspires because I know no matter how hard it can get, it will be ok. At the end of the day things can feel heavy however tomorrow is a new day and usually it looks different in the morning.

I have the talent of gardening flowers and vegetables and landscaping.

A memorable moment from childhood- The day I moved to Wisconsin from Texas and met the first person who would become a lifelong friend.

If I could spend a day learning how to be a ocean photographer I would. I love the ocean and the the life it holds.

The book the Four Agreements changed how I saw the world.

One small thing that brings me joy in my daily life is music.

My children have been the biggest influence, I feel I grew with them. They changed me for the best.

Robin Willams, I always thought he was a kind soul and he was so funny and upbeat.

A quote that inspires me is " You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step," by Martin Luther King Jr. It reminds me that no matter the outcome, moving forward is my only option.

I don't have any skills or talents other than being exceptionally clumsy.

A memorable moment from my childhood: I can vividly recall the moment I became scared of the dark. When I was 5 or 6, my family and I were coming home late at night from a family trip. My step-dad, who was driving, slammed on the brakes and screamed that there was a werewolf in the middle of the road. To this day, whenever I drive at night, I'm scared I'll see a werewolf jump out in front of me. (':

If I could spend a day learning something completely new, I would love to learn how to make delicious pastries.

One small thing that brings me joy in my daily life is seeing my chickens run. It makes me smile.

The person who has had the most influence on my life is my sister. Being a twin has many ups and downs, but she allows me to be my authentic self without judgment.

If I could have dinner with any historical figure, it would be Jane Austen.

“Everything happens for a reason.” I take it so seriously that I got it tattooed on my arm. I’m a firm believer in everything that occurs in our lives has a meaning behind it. Even if it sucks or unpleasant. I’ve had to ask myself why certain things have happened to me and somehow try to stay positive that there was a reason. Even if I don’t understand the reasoning behind it.  

One memorable moment from my childhood that sticks out right away would be taking golf lessons with my grandfather. I can still hear his voice coaching me on what to do and NOT to do!  

I would spend a day learning about how crimes are solved and investigation techniques.  

The smallest acts of kindness that my kids show me get me through my days. It could be as simple as a hug, smile, or HEY MS. LAURA.  

Growing up my mother primarily raised me. I would say she influenced me the most in every way possible. She has always been my biggest supporter and taught me the values I live by today. She showed me what strength looks like. She worked hard for us, through her love and dedication.  

Jane Addams. She was a social reformer and activist. I would want to ask her questions like her biggest challenges she faced in advocating for the impoverished and immigrants in Chicago or what advice she would give to women today who want to create social change.  

A personal motto or quote that inspires me "If He Brings You To It, He Will Bring You Through It". It resonates with me because I have worked very hard to find a Higher Power, and since I did, this quote has always proved to be true. I don't ever have to do hard things on my own, because I know that my Higher Power is with me.

What is one skill or talent you have that most people don't know about? I would have to say I am an excellent pickle ball player.

Describe a memorable moment from your childhood and why it sticks with you. I remember the day my sister left for college, and I was heartbroken. It's a sad memory because I wanted to be just like my sister, and couldn't bare the thought of not having her by my side. I was 6 years old when she left home.

If you could spend a day learning something completely new, what would it be? I would choose to learn how to sew. My mom was going to teach me before she passed away, but she passed away too soon:(

What is a book, movie, or song that changed the way you think or feel? I am in recovery from addiction, and am a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. They have a book which is called "The Big Book" and reading that book was a game changer for me. I learned how to live a life worth living without substances to mask my pain or awful memories.

What's one small thing that brings you joy in your daily life? Seeing my kids smile or having a great conversation with them.

Who has influenced your life the most, and in what way? My mom for sure. She taught me how to be a decent human being, how to be a mom, and how to love unconditionally.

If you could have dinner with any historical or living figure, who would it be and why? That's a tough one. I am not sure who I would pick after thinking about this question for days!

Nina Migliari

• Share a personal motto or quote that inspires you. Why does it resonate with you?

“Happiness is only real when shared.” I first came across this quote while watching Into the Wild. Both the movie and the quote inspire me in different yet similar ways. They remind me that joy and meaning grow deeper through connection with others, not in isolation. Chris’s solitary journey into the wilderness and his realization at the end of it offer profound reflection on the human need for companionship. His pursuit of freedom and authenticity had real value—challenging materialism and societal expectations—but it also came with deep loneliness, showing the tension between seeking independence and recognizing our essential need for human connection.

• What is one skill or talent you have that most people don’t know about?

I am a very good creative writer. I write personal essays and poetry.

• Describe a memorable moment from your childhood and why it sticks with you.

When I was about five years old, I was at home with the cleaning lady [in Brazil, it is still very common for households to have a cleaning lady during weekdays, and families leave their children with them], and the town workers came over to do some pruning on the tree in front of our house. I thought they were going to cut the tree down, so I got my little stool and sat under the tree, not leaving or allowing anyone to get closer to me (I was an extremely angry child). My grandparents lived nearby; they came over, from both my mom's and dad's sides, but my parents had to leave work and come home to sort out the situation and let the workers do their job. I remain stubborn and devoted to my values, just as I was on that day (although I misunderstood the situation as a child).

•  If you could spend a day learning something completely new, what would it be?

I would love to learn a manual skill. It could be carpentry, playing the piano, or playing the violin.

• What is a book, movie, or song that changed the way you think or feel?

The movie La lengua de las mariposas (1999), directed by José Luis Cuerda. I probably watched that movie in my early teens, suggested by my parents, who I have been extremely fortunate to have as role models for sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. This movie moved me in ways almost beyond description, awakening a deep awareness of the beauty and fragility of human connection. It showed me how empathy and kindness can exist even in times of fear and violence, leaving an impression that has stayed with me ever since.

• What’s one small thing that brings you joy in your daily life?

Lately, staring at the pink violets at my window when the sun is shining. They remind me of my mom, as violets were my mom's favorite flower when I was a child, in the house I grew up in.

• Who has influenced your life the most, and in what way?

My parents. They taught me all I know about caring for others, and that has shaped who I am today, for the choices I made and the paths I chose. They taught me of human decency and compassion. They taught me not to be afraid of the diverse, and to always, always pursue more culture. And they still do.

• If you could have dinner with any historical or living figure, who would it be and why?

Too many figures came to mind while contemplating this question: Noam Chomsky, Stephen Howking, Margaret Atwood, Cecília Meireles, Mia Couto, Chōgyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Karl Marx, Olga Benário... But my choice for dinner would be Sebastião Salgado, a Brazilian photographer. He saw in his lifetime all forms of beauty and suffering, documenting them, and through his lens, he revealed the resilience of humanity and the fragile beauty of our planet in a way that continues to inspire reflection and responsibility.

• Any other information that you would like to share with us to get to know you better?

I absolutely love cats :)

My name is Ada Hajdini. One of my favorite personal mottos is "Be yourself." It resonates deeply with me because so often we try to become something we're not, which can lead us away from who we truly are. When we learn to love ourselves and show up authentically with others, we create space for real connection and the freedom to just be.

Something most people don’t know about me is that I’m an artist and musician, I produce music and sing.

One of my most cherished childhood memories is spending entire days at the "sand park" with my sisters and cousins. It’s not just one moment, but a collection of joyful memories. I can still hear our laughter and feel the fun we had simply being together.

If I could spend a day learning something completely new, I’d choose to study a language—Japanese is at the top of my list.

Reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho gave me hope during a time when I felt lost. It reminded me that anything is possible, as long as I listen and stay open.

A small joy in my life, actually two, are my sweet cats, Frankie and Gemma. They’re sisters, and we’ve had them since they were tiny.

If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be my grandmother on my mom’s side. I didn’t get the chance to know her well, but I’ve always felt a strong connection. I’d love to hear stories about what my mom was like as a child and learn more about our family history.

Happy to be here and looking forward to learning and growing and most importantly getting to know you all :)

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” -George Addair reminds me that fear is often the only thing between us and our goals. Facing fear opens doors and turns our ambitions into reality.

I’m not sure if this is a skill or a talent, but most people don’t know my eyes completely changed color when I was twenty-two. I was born with hazel brown eyes, and at 22, they turned to green-based central heterochromia. No one really knows why, including my doctors.

To be completely honest, I don’t remember the majority of my childhood, but one of my favorite stories to be told me was when I was four or five years old. I was obsessed with Ty Beanie Babies, and one day when the Schwann man had stopped by, I popped my little arm out a door down the hallway and yelled “quack quack.” He and my mom laughed so hard they had to sit at the table to collect themselves.

If I have one day to learn something new, I would want to learn how to play the drums. I’ve been playing an alto saxophone for 20 years and can play the majority of other brass instruments, but I’ve always wanted to have the ability to rock out on a set of drums.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho made me start looking at life differently, more like a journey than just something I’m trying to get through. It made me think about how even when things don’t go right, those moments still matter because they’re teaching me something. It really showed me how important it is to follow my own dreams and listen to what feels right in my heart. Instead of seeing setbacks as just failures, I started to see them as steps that can still help me get closer to where I want to be.

A small thing that brings me joy is when my daughter cracks jokes. It’s by far one of the funniest things, and you usually can’t help but fall out laughing.

In a positive way, my grandpa Joe had the most influence on my life. He was my father figure; my dad was around, but it was hard to be raised by a narcissistic, bipolar, schizophrenic, alcoholic. My grandpa taught me everything you would expect a dad to teach you and gave us the missing love and affection we couldn’t get otherwise. I will forever be grateful to have twenty-five years with the most compassionate grandpa.

If I could have a dinner with any historical figure, it would be Olympias (375-316 BCE). She was the mother of Alexander the Great. She also helped shape Macedonian politics. But during this dinner, I have a question to ask her, and it would be what made you choose your son’s name? Alexander means defender/helper of people, and he turned out to be one of history’s greatest military leaders, conquering land from Greece to India. I’ve had a weird interest in this since I found out both Alexander and my name are derived from the same Greek word.

My little extra bit of information is I live with bipolar 1 disorder, cptsd, mild ocd, and a handful of complex chronic illnesses. One majorly affects my esophagus, so if you notice my voice never sounds the same, it’s because it doesn’t. 😅

"Through every dark night there is a brighter day" I have this tattooed on my left rib cage. I got it after struggling with bad depression and anxiety to remind myself that tomorrow is always better.

I am unsure of a skill that I have and most people don't know. I would say one talent I have is singing. Im not amazing but I did sing through all of my school years and enjoy it a lot.

One of my favorite memories from my childhood is bringing my newborn baby brother in for show and tell and how proud I was to be a big sister.

A child called IT, I had to read this book in middle school and it was a life changing story to know that there are children out there who are treated so terribly.

My dog brings me joy daily. the way she runs up and wags her tail every time she sees me.

My Uncle, he is nuerodivergent and has taught me how to handle things in different ways as well as remind me to relax and take a break too.

If I could have dinner with one historical figure I think it would be Rosa Parks. It took so much determination and confidence as a woman of color to stand up for herself and her rights.

I am a great writer and can create a short story that'll keep you on the edge of your set the entire reading. "The coldest winter ever" By: Sistah Souljah is a book that helped change my way of thinking and the group of friends I was hanging with at the time. This book made my teenage self look at the street life in a whole different perspective.

A memorable moment for me is when I finally went back to school and got my HSED and walked across the stage to get my diploma. I was able to give a speech and the smile on my children faces made me so proud of myself. I knew that the steps I was/am making was motivation for my children. This made me feel more at ease about not getting my high school diploma as a teenager because I knew that with me going back to school while also having my children in school is giving my children motivation to keep going as well.

If I could spend a day learning something new it'll be, how to be a farmer. I've been learning because I am working on buying land to grow my own crops and have my own livestock but with so much to learn, learning everything in one day would be so much better.

Waking up in my 4-bedroom 3 full bathroom home brings me joy daily. Coming from being homeless about 8 years ago, I really appreciate every blessing that comes my way.

My little cousin Amani has influenced my life the most. She is part of the reason why I want to work with children that come from traumatic households. She experienced a lot of childhood trauma and turned to drugs to cope when she became an adult. I stared taking substance abuse classes in hopes to help her get sober and find healthier ways to cope. Unfortunately, she passed away from an overdose a month ago. Now I am focused on raising mine and her children and helping as many of our youth as I can to prevent substance abuse.

Madam C.J Walker (Sarah Breedlove) is a historical figure that I would have dinner with if I could. She's the first self-made black female millionaire and this was all done in the 1800s. During those times POC was barely making $1 a day and she managed to become a millionaire by helping other POC. She's a great businesswoman that I would mind taking pointers from.

• What is your name?

Griselda everson

• Share a personal motto or quote that inspires you. Why does it resonate with you

  "Karma" that everything you do is either good or bad ... you get it back

  
  

  What is one skill or talent you have that most people don’t know about?

  Im a social individual

• Describe a memorable moment from your childhood and why it sticks with you.

When I get my first Barbie

•  If you could spend a day learning something completely new, what would it be?

  Learn to sew my own clothes

• What is a book, movie, or song that changed the way you think or feel?

  Song " Burn Ships"

  Movie " The Lake House"

• What’s one small thing that brings you joy in your daily life?

  My family

• Who has influenced your life the most, and in what way?

  My mom be resilience

• If you could have dinner with any historical or living figure, who would it be and why?

  Sandra Bullock... why ... well because I love her movie "The Lake House"

• Any other information that you would like to share with us to get to know you better?  

• I like to laugh