Below is a Teen Talk interview with Kailey Downey of Norwell High School. 

What grade are you in?

Senior. 

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you lately?

A lot of the things my little brother does, he’s really funny. Earlier, I had done my nails and one of them broke off. I showed him it, and I said, “My nail broke.” He screamed and was like, “Oh no! What happened?!”

If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

Right now, currently, Japan because I really want to see their cherry blossom trees, like the gardens that they have. 

You’re given a day to do whatever you like with no limits on money or reality. How do you spend your day?

I’d probably do a big shopping haul. 

What’s your most used emoji?

Probably the smiley one where it is squinting. 

What is something that you are proud of a parent or relative for doing?

I’m proud of my parents for pursuing adoption, especially with special needs. 

What is the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

Probably moving to Indiana from Iowa and just like having to start over with everything. I was 11. 

Do you have any pets? 

Two dogs and a bunch of chickens. The dogs are named Duke and Jewlz. 

What is your favorite class in school and why?

Probably band because I enjoy playing music. I play flute. 

Are you involved in any activities, related to school and otherwise?

Anything band, pretty much. That’s about it. I have an internship for school at Helping Hands. But other than that, it’s just like marching band, pep band, jazz band, concert band. 

What is your favorite game to play? Why?

I enjoy playing Clue. I just like to figure out everything and trying to solve who the murder is and what the murder weapon is. 

What did you want to be when you were a little kid?

When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher. 

What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?

One of the things would be my youngest brother Isaac again, just because he’s funny, or really any of my siblings. 

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Probably speed just to get places faster. 

If you had to eat one thing for every meal going forward, what would you eat?

Spaghetti. 

If you could have one exotic animal and it was ethically OK to have the exotic animal, what would it be? 

Probably like a fairy. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and how will you get there?

By then I hope to have my license in clinical social work and be married and have kids. 

What else should I know about you?

I have eight siblings. When my brothers are home from college, there are 12 of us in the house because my brother’s girlfriend lives with us. There’s two older than me that are in college, and the six younger than me are all adopted, five from China and one from Colombia. I have been to both China and Colombia. 

Teen Talk is a service supported by Southern Wells Community Schools, Northern Wells Community Schools, and Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District to promote dialogue and community among area high school students. 

Interviewer: Devan Filchak, The Bluffton News-Banner