A new school year means excitement and new beginnings for many, and Paint Branch senior Riley Munger is no exception as she finds herself very excited about life because she has “this new mindset to be responsible” this year.

Despite it being her senior year, Riley’s favorite year of high school was junior year. That was the year she took her digital art class and became a student aide. “That's when I became more of a helpful person and realized the small things you do really matter in the long run,” says Riley when describing what she took away from being a student aide.

Art has always been a big part of Riley’s life. In her childhood, she “really loved reading graphic novels and comic books” whenever she could. Reading these books is what helped Riley realize she wanted to pursue a career in art. She wants her art to be what she is remembered for in life.

In Riley’s social life, she prefers time with her family. She has a close bond with her family, which includes three siblings. One of her fondest memories of childhood was playing with her sister in the house’s playroom. One thing that has perhaps united RIley’s family is the fact that they have moved many times. In fact, Riley has lived in five states, and finds herself wanting to live in Oregon in the future for no particular reason.

Riley has always enjoyed movies, and loves going to the movie theater with her family. She loves comedy movies like “Mean Girls” and “The Spongebob Squarepants Movie.” She plans to continue this hobby and watch many more movies at movie theaters.

While Riley prefers to spend time with her family, she also loves spending time with her best friend Juliet. The two have been best friends ever since middle school and became easy friends because they “shared a lot of interests” and discussed them. She feels safe and comfortable with her best friend and sees them being friends for a long time.

By: Gladis Padilla