By Steve Dallape 

Ziah Bartlett believes that school can, and should, be both educational and fun. This Meridian 7th-grader is something of a young Renaissance woman, with interests ranging from art and literature to math and science, but there is a common thread that ties them together: creative problem solving.

Ziah’s artistic, creative side comes out when she spends time drawing and reading. She especially likes to read graphic novels, such as the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. But she doesn’t spend too much time cooped up indoors; she also enjoys sports, with bicycling being one of her favorite activities.

When it comes to academics, math is her favorite class, and she is proficient enough, even as a 7th-grader, to be doing algebra. She is also interested in science, and looks forward to this year’s experiments and exploration as she did last year with erupting volcanoes! She attributes her success in the classroom to a keen attention to detail, thorough note-taking skills, and uncompromising study habits. Like many students, Ziah sometimes experiences test anxiety, but she has learned that test anxiety can be overcome with good preparation. Research has shown that as much as 90% of the intimidation which drives test anxiety can be resolved with thorough preparation. It’s a simple trick, but will work for virtually any student in any area of academic pursuit.

Ziah embodies the qualities she admires in others – hard work, thoroughness and creativity. She likes to be in charge, readily steps up to leadership roles and accepts responsibility. And she takes pride in being known as a reliable person who simply gets the job done. Her hard work and determination have helped Ziah to earn a reputation as a young lady that can be trusted to come through for those who call on her for help. And, her “in-the-moment” style of problem solving helps her to think on her feet and find solutions to tough problems, agile skills that will serve her well for the remainder of her school career and beyond.

Ziah has two older brothers in college, and she would like to follow in their footsteps and attend Southeast Missouri State when the time comes. She is considering nursing as a career, as it combines her affinity for science with her love of caring for others. She would like to remain in the Mounds area after she completes her degree, giving back to the community that has given her so much.

However she chooses and wherever the future takes her, it’s a fair bet that Ziah will make a positive mark on the world and that will make us all proud.