Jasmine Greenwood: Making North Andover her Home

Jasmine Greenwood, 14, is a freshman at North Andover High School. After
growing up in Lawrence, Greenwood moved to North Andover about two years ago. She attended St. Michael's School in North Andover for her 7th grade year, and then transferred to the North Andover Middle School to complete her 8th grade year.

At first, Greenwood found it difficult to adjust to a new school, where everyone
already knew each other, but she quickly adapted. Greenwood is glad to live in North Andover and attend school here.

"Moving here has allowed me to explore my freedom as a teenager," Greenwood said.

The beginning of the year was a bit difficult for Greenwood, and the curriculum
took her for surprise. "The course load was confusing at first, but now it's getting easier and easier," says Greenwood. Greenwood is enrolled in five courses this trimester. She is currently taking her gym class, biology, two math courses, and concert choir.

Greenwood's grades have completely turned around and improved since the
beginning of the school year. "Jasmine's confidence level soared once her schoolwork started to improve. It is very rare to see Jasmine without a smile on her face," says Karla Dulin, Guidance Intern at NAHS.

Greenwood wanted to make things easier for herself, and motivated herself
to focus more on her schoolwork. Greenwood's guidance counselor, Sara Dow, has helped her get through the beginning of the year. As Greenwood began changing, there was an improvement with both her attitude and grades. Mrs. Dow and Mrs. Dulin both helped to motivate Greenwood to change her year around.

"Focusing on schoolwork will only benefit you and help you in the future," said Greenwood.

Greenwood is taking advantage of the programs and courses offered at the
high school. Her passion lies within the arts, and enjoys singing, arts and crafts, and drawing. Last year she participated in choir, and this year she is enrolled in concert choir for the whole year. Greenwood is also exploring ideas of becoming a hairdresser or possibly a chef after high school. Her grandmother went to hairdressing school, and her father is a chef, and would like to follow in their footsteps. She has not decided on any one area just yet, but has many ideas and options open to her.

"My grandfather really wants me to do the best that I can. I want to make both my father and grandfather proud," said Greenwood.

Greenwood also enjoys playing instruments. She first was introduced to the
piano in the 6th grade, and is very in tune with music. She would also love to learn another instrument in the future. Aside from her musical passion, Greenwood also loves animals, and has two dogs, two birds, a rabbit, and a tank full of fish, which she adores.

Greenwood is having a great year at NAHS, and is enthusiastic about her
experience at the high school. After adjusting to a new town two years ago, Greenwood has found her niche, and enjoys being a part of NAHS.