Hanalyn Beard

There are certain experiences that I have gone through that affect the way I live my life. The inspiration for this project came from wanting to do my own part in the only way I knew I could to show something positive in the world.  The only thing I knew that I wanted to do for my thesis project was something involving the betterment of women. This led me to Girls Inc. where I met the young lady that I am taking pictures of. 

Exceeds Expectations

Afia is a 12-year old 7th grader at Howard Middle School for Mathematics and Science (MS)2. Her school emphasizes accelerated learning in these two fields, and makes academics a big priority to those who attend. Afia is studying geometry, algebra, and biology— along with three other courses— and is required to use an online program that logs her homework hours each week. With a G.P.A. above a 4.0, she hopes to one day become a mechanical engineer. She has already begun the process of applying for high schools in the District, and knows that college applications are not far behind. But for now, Afia is a girl who likes striped shirts and pretty necklaces, looks up to Maya Angelou, and listens to Michael Jackson. For now, she is focusing on who she is and where her life will take her next.