JUNIOR FRIDAY PROFILE
Jamila Godil ’14
November 30, 2012
Like many juniors, Jamila Godil is feeling a bit of pressure. She’s not filling out college applications quite
yet, but she knows they are looming on the horizon, and everything she does this year is going to impact her
résumé. However, she isn’t letting plans for the future stop her from enjoying the present.
“Junior year everyone is worried about making a good impression when applying to colleges, but it’s not that
bad. Despite being busy with extracurricular activities, I still have a social life and enjoy hanging out with
friends on the weekends,” Jamila said.
She’s making the most of her junior year, experiencing new facets of education to help guide her toward a
career path.
“This year, I’ve been testing out mock trial. The experience is similar to being a lawyer, so I’m trying it out to
see if I like it. The first trial I will participate in is on my birthday - Dec. 14. I’m a witness, a 54-year-old bomb
technician named Dr. Kyle Killian,” she laughed.
Other activities Jamila participates in include mentoring a fifth-grader with TIES, serving as junior co-chair for
the Doernbecher Committee and acting as the junior co-president of SADD Club. She currently shadows these
positions and will step into these roles next year as a senior. She will also reprise her role as a LINK leader for
the third time in the 2013-2014 academic year.
“I like that LINK provides freshmen with an upperclassman they can turn to if they have a need. I try to be
someone younger people feel comfortable around, someone they can come to if they have a question. I like
to motivate and inspire people. And because I had the orientation experience through LINK as a freshman, I can make it even better for others,” Jamila said.
There is no doubt that with a full plate of activities, many of them revolving around supporting and building confidence in her peers as well as mentoring
youth, she contributes to making SMA an even better place.
Q&A with Jamila
Q: Why did you choose SMA?
A: When I shadowed, I really, really enjoyed the relaxed environment. All the students in the hallways were so chill, and the focus was on education. It was
very different from the International School of Beaverton, where I went to middle school, and any of the other schools I shadowed.
Q: What are you most looking forward to experiencing your junior year?
A: I’m looking forward to Encounter – I hear it’s a life-changing experience. The students who have participated in the past seem to enjoy SMA more and
create bonds with classmates that last a lifetime.
Q: What is your favorite academic subject?
A: History, because I enjoy learning about the past and how we’ve improved through time. It’s interesting to see the choices people made and their
consequences. Mr. Housley is my current history teacher, and his classes are very inspiring.
Q: What is your favorite hobby/sport?
A: I really like basketball. I was on the team my freshman and sophomore years. I’m not the best athlete, but I really enjoyed playing the shooting guard
position. I had to stop playing because my schedule is so intense right now. I also love to bake. I have an amazing one-bowl brownie recipe!
Q: What sort of volunteer service do you participate in?
A: The past summer I volunteered at Jackson Middle School for their SUN school program to supervise kids, mentor them and support them doing activities.
I really enjoy the relationships I was able to create with the kids, how they bonded with me in a single day and greeted me with hugs the first time they met
me. I still have contact with them – whenever I go, I talk with them. I did homework club during September and October, but it was too difficult to keep up
with my other responsibilities.
Q: What food item best describes you and why?
A: Pecan pie. It’s my favorite because it’s sweet and savory at the same time. The jelly is nice and surprising – I can surprise others as well as myself
sometimes. The pecans are savory – they’re warm and comforting. With pecan pie, you get the best of both worlds.
Q: Who inspires you and why?
A: My mom inspires me. She’s one of the strongest people I know in my life, and she can be strict but sweet at the same time. Every kid needs a strict and
loving parent. She’s a strong person, and she’ll always be there for me, no matter what the situation.