Our voter spotlight is on Cora Nimtz, who turned 18 years old on July 31st and will enter her senior year at Wire Grass High School this August. Unlike most 18-year old birthday celebrations, Cora included registering to vote in the festivities! Her friend, Jaye, was on hand to document this rite of passage on a digital camera. Their bubbling exuberance toward what is usually a mundane process attracted our attention, and it turns out with good reason because Cora is a special young lady!

When asked why this event was so special to her, Cora explained that she had just finished a course in U.S. History. “Women fought so hard for this right, and our whole history is based on the freedom thing.” With that in mind, “to just pretend it is no big deal ….” her voice trailed off, but no explanation was necessary. Cora “got it,” and it was refreshing to hear this coming from the mouth of our future.

Cora’s long-term goal is to join the Peace Corps, but first she will earn a bachelor’s degree in English. With her new degree in hand, she hopes to serve in the Peace Corps in Africa, “doing anything educational.” Cora has had a connection with Africa for years through her family’s sponsorship of Salema, an 11-year old Kenyan native. Cora and her family regularly correspond with Salema who attends school in Kenya. When asked if Salema was a good student, Cora hesitatingly remarked “not really.” In her role in the Peace Corps she hopes to inspire children like Salema through her exuberance for learning. Cora has always “wanted to learn as much as I can.” She believes this is achieved through making learning fun. “That way, you do well without really trying.”

As for Cora’s short-term goals, she will begin the application process to the two colleges of her choice, New York University and University of Miami, as well as aggressively seeking scholarships to supplement her Florida Bright Futures. She also plans to enjoy her last year of high school, and of course looks forward to the first election in which she can vote.