When it comes to high school students and dealing with stress there’s usually the same methods. Watch a comfort show, listen to some music, or take a nap but for Paint Branch sophomore Jemma Porter, writing is where she finds peace. She enjoys decompressing by writing poems, short stories, or really anything that comes to mind.

Like many Paint Branch students Jemma also enjoys going to Chipotle because of their variety of food items. Some other favorites were the color navy blue, and her least favorite being white because it’s so “blinding”, which is very understandable.

Jemma’s hobbies go beyond just her talent in writing; however, she is also an avid traveler. Even with her fear of flying she has managed to visit beautiful places like the Bahamas and more recently Niagara Falls. A dream visit she noted was a trip to She plans to one day leave again and visit Colorado because she enjoys the colder climate.

While many people had varying opinions on the COVID-19 quarantine and their experiences with virtual school, Jemma seemed to have a better outlook. She enjoyed it because you were able to turn in assignments more freely and she was comfortable at home.

Though many say they enjoy the warmer weather, Jemma prefers when the temperature drops. She expressed that she enjoys this time of year because of the activities that are offered in the community. There is a space near her home that offers fall activities. She noted that they had “movies, pumpkin patches, and the best apple cider, it’s really good.” 

She is  quite a positive person when it comes to looking at things overall. She gave an optimistic view on her future by saying “anything could happen”. When asked how she liked Paint Branch so far, Jemma expressed that she enjoyed it, especially her AP Government and Politics class which she says is “really interesting to learn about”. Jemma has been enjoying her time at Paint Branch so far and as an eager writer and love for new places, journalism seems like it will be a perfect place for her talents and passions to grow.

by: Jacqui Bennett