Sophomore Roukaya M. considers herself Algerian at heart. She is half Berber (an old African tribe) and half French. Roukaya is very proud of her heritage, especially because her grandmother happens to be the chief of her tribe.

Question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Answer: “No, I use to believe in Santa until one Christmas my dad came in dressed up like him. I gave him a big hug and his beard fell off.”

Q: Name three things you love to do.

A: “Read, work at the hospital, and go swimming.

 Q: Finish the sentence! During Winter Break, I will _______________.

A: “Live life!”

Q: There is a big sale at your favorite store, what do you do?

A: “Shop till I drop! If someone get’s in my way they better watch out, ’cause I don’t stop!”

Q: Favorite season and holiday?

A: “Autumn and Thanksgiving, only because it’s around my birthday.”

Q: Who was the last person you hugged?

A: “Lan Mach! Who just happens to be my BEST friend from fourth grade.”

 Q: Think fast: Holidays!

A: “Party!”

Q: Late, early, or right on time?

A: “Early, the fun things happen before a party.”

 Q: Would you rather have a winter wonderland or sunny paradise?

A: “Sunny paradise; I don’t like the cold.”

Q: If you could replace turkey as the traditional dish served on Thanksgiving with any dish, what would it be?

A: “Chachouka, it is spicy eggs topped with bell peppers, tomatoes, and a whole bunch of other spices. It’s a traditional Algerian dish that makes my mouth water each and every time!”

Editor’s note: story was edited on October 11, 2012.