Amanda Gadea, Neighbor

Amanda Gadea is a 9th-grader at Hollywood Hills High School.

Gadea recently turned 15 last month on the 24th of November. The first thing that came to her mind once she turned 15 was to learn how to drive. Her brother, Chris Gadea, is teaching her the basics of driving, even though she has a fear of going through a terrifying accident.

But that isn’t the only thing she fears, she’s also scared of death. Gadea hates thinking that everyone will die without knowing how or when.

“It’s so sad and frustrating to know that in this society people mainly die due to guns and other horrible things that can kill you,” she said. “That’s why I’m living to the fullest because life won’t wait for anyone. Can’t waste time by thinking negative and will try my best to stay away from situations where my life is on the line.”

Gadea’s favorite thing to do is help others. She makes sure that everything is okay with everyone in her family, especially with her close friends. She’s always helped those who need it and tries to make everyone feel like they’re in a safe environment when they’re around her.

Gadea loves getting her nails done; it makes her feel good about her appearance. She puts on fake eyelashes to finish the look, but she isn’t a fan of make up.

She doesn’t play sports or is in any clubs, but she does loves to dance and isn’t afraid to move her body while music is playing.

Gadea says her mother is a big part of her life, and that she is thankful for her mother to teach her about life and what it holds.

“My mom once told me that life will always be hard but I could make it easier. Meaning that I will have rough days but instead of being sad about it, I must make the best of it. I stick by that everyday,” she said.