What she’s passionate about: trying new things, welding, her role as a junior firefighter, tennis, Habitat for Humanity
When Renewal student Mira pushes up her welding mask, the first thing you may notice is her smile and infectious enthusiasm. Mira is known as a confident, well-spoken, ambitious teenager. She wants to show the world that she can do anything she puts her mind to, and she’s well on her way to doing so.
As part of Renewal, teachers get to know students like Mira well—not just their grades, but what gets them excited and motivated to learn, what they like to do in their free time and more. They build personal connections that then help them teach their students.
That’s how one Rowan-Salisbury Schools teacher thought to recommend welding to Mira—a course that was offered at her Renewal school. While Mira was hesitant at first, in true adventurous fashion, she decided to give it a spark.
She’s never regretted the decision, saying:
“I have grown as a leader and conquered my fears because of a teacher who encouraged me to try welding—I did, and I love it.”
Mira is now enrolled in the Agricultural Academy. There, she’s had the opportunity to learn about everything from horticulture and farm-to-table practices to marketing.
She’s also been involved with Rowan-Salisbury Schools career and technical education program’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Rowan County. The program empowers students like Mira to harness the skills they learn in class and use them—for good—in the real world. From installing kitchen cabinets to laying foundation, the students help build Habitat for Humanity homes. Mira loves it because of the power of knowing that your work is actually going to help people!
After graduation, Mira plans to attend Rowan Cabarrus Community College to pursue her passion of becoming a welder, which she says is both exciting and scary.
