Nilou is in grade twelve, and has been writing for Shedoesthecity since last year. She’s super busy applying to university but in her offtime, she loves discovering new bands and burying her head in a heavy book. Everyone at school is stressed about their final ISU projects, but alas, this will not dissuade her from celebrating her big 18th birthday at Cosmic Bowl. Here is a little glimpse into Nilou’s final year at high school.

What was the school project you liked the most this year?

My absolute favourite was my philosophy ISU. I got to learn and focus on the queen and founder of objectivism, Ayn Rand, as well as her theories and ideas. As a part of my essay I had the chance to read two of her books, Atlas Shrugged and her first novel, We The Living. I found her really interesting to research because she had a totally different and interesting perception of the world.

What music are you currently really into?

Right now, I’m actually listening to The Weeknd’s new album called Echoes of Silence. I’ve just been listening to some indie rock and this amazing new band I found out about called Youth Lagoon. They’re sort of like Bon Iver andCopeland, if they had a baby.

Right now, everyone in the locker room is talking about what?

Well, we don’t really have locker rooms like in Degrassi or 90210, my school layout is pretty different. I mean, we talk about our weekends usually, if we get the chance to in this hectic senior year. Everyone has to be at a guidance appointment or is studying for some crazy hard bio test.

How did you celebrate your last birthday?

My last birthday was quite the interesting one. Me and about 20 friends or so did a little dancing and karaoke. Quite low key but still fun. I’m hoping to do some cosmic bowling this year. What better way to celebrate your 18th birthday?

What makes your school unique?

Well we are a single gender school. Yes, all girls. But, just so you know, we aren’t taught by nuns. We have male teachers too. My school also looks like Hogwarts from outside. And we have a tower.

What extracurriculars are you involved with this year?

This year I’m not as active in school as I was last year. I’ve covered a couple school events such as our annual council night and the Santa Claus photos as a part of the media ministry. My head is more in the books.

If you were in charge of planning the next field trip for your school, where would you go?

Arizona-Mexico border with Free the Children. There is a constant struggle with immigration, education and food there and many people tend to forget the Arizona-Mexico border and focus more on countries such as Kenya. It would be so awesome to help out somewhere so close to home, right here in North America.

Who is someone you look up to?

I look up to my mother, and I’m not trying to be all sweet and cheesy. She is by far the strongest woman I know in my life. She just fills me up with positivity and inspiration to do whatever I want to do. My mom has allowed me to learn about life and has provided me with everything. I don’t think I would have had all the amazing experiences and opportunities I’ve had without her. Love you mom.

What is your favourite way to spend the weekend?

To see my friends and just laugh with them. Going out for dinner, to a show or a movie. Anything, but not inside the house.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Someone like Christiane Amanpour. A news reporter in the middle of some sort of chaos reporting my life away. Bringing people to the action and touching people’s lives.

If you could travel in time, what decade would you like to check out? Why?

I wish I grew up in the 70s. Everyone was so well dressed and as much as I love the internet, it would be cool to meet more people in real life as opposed to through Facebook or something. In our generation, getting asked on a date rarely happens in person. It’s always over text or something. I want that meeting the parents at the door kinda thing.