Passionate about the written word, Jaden A. is planning to major in English and minor in creative writing in college — possibly at one of her top-pick schools including Stanford, Harvard, and Amherst. She ultimately wants to be an attorney, so this Girl on the Rise is already thinking about that future J.D. degree in law school, too. Here’s what else this Academy of Our Lady high-school senior had to say!

What is something you are most proud of?

I am proud of the first poem I ever wrote. It is a reminder of not only how far I’ve come, but how far I still have yet to go.

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times? If yes, how did you deal with those challenges?

The most challenging time of my life was dealing with the grief of losing my father. I went through a really bad spout of depression, and I made decisions I’m not proud of. My whole attitude was different, and I couldn’t recognize myself in the mirror. I dealt with my grief through writing. I wrote many essays about faith in God and finding strength through pain.

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Girl on the Rise?

I am very honored to be selected as a Girl on the Rise. It is a proud feeling to know others believe in my ideas and beliefs and that they support me wholeheartedly.

What inspired you to want to be involved with Girls on the Rise?

I was inspired by the mission of 1DF. This program is something I’d like to do with my future success, so I am once again honored to be a part of this.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? In other words: Why is the opportunity to visit your prospective colleges important to your journey?

I am all about the “vibes” of a place. I believe I can find my right college home by visiting them and feeling the atmosphere. 1DF will help me achieve this goal by providing funds for these “vibe” visits!

What schools will you use the funding to visit, and why?

I will primarily use my funding to visit Stanford University, because it is my dream school and by far the most expensive to reach.