Russian student? Check. Attended Governor’s School for International Studies? Check. Spent time in Europe? Check. Writer? CHECK. When I read Kira Tucker’s profile in the Commercial Appeal a few Sundays ago (she was being recognized for academic achievement), it seemed a bit surreal. It felt as if I was reading the profile of my 18-year old self! My curiosity about who exactly this young lady was immediately got the best of me. I wondered if she and I shared similar childhoods. Why had she chosen to study Russian?  What prompted her to pursue writing with such passion? These were all questions I had once been asked and most often could not give a direct answer to. “Maybe Kira has things figured out much earlier than I did,” I thought and decided to find out. 
 
As we conversed in the conference room at Central High School, where Kira is currently finishing her senior year, I was simply blown away by the magnitude of world exposure, wealth of knowledge and wisdom she has acquired at only seventeen years old. An overall stellar student, her academic portfolio is enhanced by the fact that she became so proficient, so quickly, in Russian, she advanced through all available levels offered through the school district as a junior. Her Russian teacher now meets with her during lunch for private instruction. 
 
“Have you ever heard of the graphic novel ‘Mouse’?” 
“No.” 
“I’m reading it in Russian right now.” 
 
Kira pulls out the book (“Maus,” written originally in German) and explains its plot: the author is interviewing his Jewish father about his experiences as a Holocaust survivor. She reflects on her time visiting several of the Holocaust memorials during her trip to Poland this past summer. Then, we sit in silence, reverent silence, broken only by my next question.  
 
“Can you tell me what you believe was one of the most important things you learned at Governor’s School?” Kira tells of an exercise in which all of the students participated: at dinner one evening they were broken up into three groups to signify the categories of global wealth. The largest group was given what would be a typical meal for them: rice. Just rice. She said it opened her eyes to understanding and appreciating even more how good we really have it if we are able to eat more than rice on a daily basis. Kira talks about things we take for granted, things we can do to help with global poverty, local poverty, things SHE would like to do to make a difference in our world. I am both amazed and excited that all of this is coming from a young woman who isn’t even old enough to vote. 
 
As a transplant, I’m curious how a native Memphian such as Kira views this city. I wonder if it’s a city she believes can offer her the opportunities necessary for the growth a brilliant mind like hers will continue to seek- and need. I ask if there is a possibility she would come back to Memphis after college. 
 
 “Why not? Here in Memphis you can start anything and be successful at it. Anything, really.” 
 
I end our interview by asking Kira what career she would like to pursue because at this point I have no clue. I have no clue what an accomplished young scholar, writer, artist (award-winning painter) and speaker of Russian would ultimately decide to do because frankly, I believe she can do just about anything. Her answer: she hasn’t quite narrowed it down yet.  
 
“Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out” I said aloud while silently reciting Dr. Seuss’ words:  
“Kid, you’ll move mountains!”