Christina

Christina

Future Reflections Spring 1992, Vol. 11 No. 2
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CHRISTINA
Editor's Note: The following item is reprinted from Horizons, the newsletter of the Parents Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland.
Hi! My name is Christina Shorten and I attend Ballenger Creek School in Frederick, Maryland. I am 11 years old and I'm in the sixth grade. My favorite classes are chorus and social studies. I enjoy chorus because I love to sing and the teacher is nice. Social studies is interesting to me because I like reading about the world's history and where things are located.
I am in the Odyssey of the Mind program. This is an extra-curricular activity for students who like to expand their knowledge. Odyssey of the Mind involves logic and hard thinking.
I like to read, write, and listen to stories in my spare time. I am attempting to get some of my short stories published in a small magazine called Notions Potions. In the fourth grade I sent an essay in to the Maryland statewide writing contest. I was chosen fourth place. I won 18 Kings Dominion coupons. I have participated in the Read-a-thon for the past five years. Last year I was one of the five most improved [Braille] readers in the United States of America. I received $25.00.
In outdoor hobbies, I like planting gardens and exploring. I like to plant gardens because I like to grow things and be responsible for living things. I like exploring because I never know what's coming up next. Sports I like to do are water skiing and beep ball. I have been water skiing for the last five years. I am now learning how to cross the wakes. I have been playing beep ball for the last four years.
A few years back I had a modeling experience. I was chosen to represent blind people in a social studies book calledCommunities s Near and Far. I was given a Braille map and we went around the city. This social studies book is for third graders.
When I become an adult I want to be a lawyer. I have chosen this career because I like to help people have things done in a fair way. In fifth grade our class went to witness some drug trials. I think these hearings are both enjoyable and educational. I think our class learned a lot about what can happen to you if you choose to do drugs. In school I am taking the DARE program. This program teaches you about drug abuse, resistance and education. It is a full week program taught by a police officer.
Christina gave this talk at the POBC/Maryland luncheon at [the NFB of Maryland] state convention this year. This was her first state convention. She is the oldest child of Teri and David Shorten. She has two brothers, ages 3 and 1. In April, there will be another addition to the family (hopefully a sister!). Christina has a delightful personality and a bright mind. It will be a pleasure to watch her grow! We look forward to hearing from her often.
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