A Note from Ms. Immekus, Whisper's Mentor

I have known Whisper’s family since before she was born, for nearly 20 years now. I have maintained ongoing contact with the family and have had the pleasure of watching Whisper become the person that she is today. Despite the obstacles that she’s had to overcome, Whisper is amazing; she is smart and kind and generous, she is an extremely hard worker, she gets excellent grades in school.

Whisper is honest, loyal, and responsible. Already, she has embodied the qualities of a therapist. For example, when two students at her middle school confided in her that they were harming themselves (by cutting themselves), she called me immediately for advice on what to say to them and what to do. She then spoke to the Principal at her school, and he was able to get assistance for those girls. She also knows when to seek help for others.

Whisper also knows when to ask for help for herself. She talks with her grandmother, Cathy, about her thoughts and feelings, and she also talks with me whenever she needs additional support.

Whisper is stimulated by her college classes, and thrives in all forms of diversity within the classroom. Whisper is bilingual in English and Spanish, and studying American Sign Language with the goal to soon be trilingual. She demonstrates an existential outlook on life, and will without a doubt be a lifelong learner.

At the age of 16, Whisper already demonstrates the underlying qualities of a good therapist. What she needs is the opportunity to explore this framework deeper, and learn more about the path she can take to fulfill her professional ambitions. The exchange of ideas at Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes will help her to further develop her own sense of self.