Anna Porter is an inspiring girl who twinkles in the sky above for all to see. In an interview with this former Montessori Tides student, she gave understanding to the process of living a life that flows from within. Continually she finds strength leaning in her own unique individuality and choosing to put energy toward those things that will bring her satisfaction. In her words, “I’ve never been one to seek the approval of others”. She credits this freedom to the Montessori approach to life.
Now that Anna is a freshman in college she is right where she needs to be to capture the vision of every opportunity that feeds her passion. Just like in high school when she followed her desire to be a part of the swim team, she didn’t know the impact this one decision would have on her life but she now sees the benefits of the discipline and confidence it developed in her. To quote her, “swimmers can practically do anything based on the saying, ‘swimmers can run, but runners can’t swim.’” Her role as Captain allowed her to use her problem solving skills and leadership skills she carried from her former years. Anna pointed out, “Swim team gave me an opportunity to confront an issue to solve it and to make friends I probably would have never made apart from the team.”
Branching out into her passions collectively rolled into a theme her senior year at Fletcher High School. For four years Anna was in the French club and in this last year of high school she traveled to Atlantic Beach Elementary and gave 1st graders their first opportunity to learn to speak French. Then she advanced into a position with the American Red Cross Life Saving Association of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and currently still remains active with this association. Every holiday and Sundays she voluntarily uses her gift to help protect the beaches and its swimmers. “It makes me smile when kids play under my tower and look up and wave at me,” said Anna, “it’s really sweet! My biggest pet peeve is when parents are inattentive.”
A UNF student with a Bright Futures scholarship, she would like to study abroad, although she has no particular destination in mind. She sees her future somewhere in the medical field – a pediatrician, midwife or some other way that will allow her to express her passion for children.
Even at Anna’s young age she has already discovered that living your passion brings joy and fulfillment even if you don’t know where the journey will take you. Instead of struggling about her future, she is living her passions and waiting for the next door to open.
