In each of our programs, Million Little watches our youth display strengths from determination to out-of-the-box thinking. For “Little Girl”, we quickly observed her inquisitive nature and quest to soak up all the knowledge around her. The following questions are from a series in which she worked with Million Little staff to uncover the mysteries of the universe, and the mysteries of adulthood.

1. Do you think aliens are real?

The universe is so big our brains can’t even fully comprehend it. There are AT LEAST 100-200 billion planets in our galaxy, the Milky Way. And there are at least 200 billion galaxies. With that many planets, I feel there is probably other life out there, but I don’t know if it would be developed alien civilizations like we see in movies or just animal type beings.

2. How many people are alive in the whole world?

7,700,000,000. Or 7.7 billion

3. Do you believe in ghosts?

I don’t think I believe in ghosts, but I do feel like we are connected to the people in our families who came before us.

4. Are you gonna miss me?

Yes, I will! 

5. What do you like about me?

You have a lot of strengths. You have the ability to focus on what you’re doing even if there are distractions around you, and are determined to finish what you start. You are also a thoughtful person and like to learn about the world. And you care about other people. Most of all, I like you for being you :)

6. What’s your fav thing about yourself?

I never give up. If something is hard for me, I always keep trying to do it until it gets easier for me. 

7. Do you like tattoos?

I have seen tattoos I thought were interesting or beautiful, but I don’t think I will get any. I am very squeamish and don’t like needles.

8. What’s the oldest you will date?

Right now I am 23. I probably would not date someone older than 25. I want to be with someone who is at the same stage of life as I am. In relationships with an age difference, the older person has a lot more life experience and understanding of how the world works. If they aren’t a good person, it’s easy for them to use this experience to take advantage of the other person. When I was 12 and 13, I remember girls in my class dating guys who were  22, 23, 24. This made me uncomfortable even back then. Like we talked about, there is a lot of important brain development happening in teens and young adults. A 40-year-old and 55-year-old who are dating have an age gap of 15 years. But their brains are closer in maturity than a 14-year old and 18-year old who are dating.

9. Do you like makeup?

I don’t wear make-up very often. I have blemishes on my face like scars and pimples but I accept them and don’t try to cover them up with foundation. I don’t want to start wearing a lot of make up and stop feeling comfortable with my face without it. But I like bright colors, so sometimes it’s fun to play with lipstick or eye shadow. I just don’t know how to do a lot of make up stuff.

10. Do you drink?

I drink very rarely. When I was growing up there were a lot of alcoholics in my family and it made me not want to risk getting addicted to alcohol by drinking a lot. Alcoholism and drug addiction can actually be genetic. So if someone’s parents are alcoholics, their genes make it easier for them to get addicted.

11. If the world was to end what will happen?

Nobody knows for sure, but I think things will continue on in their own way. When the dinosaurs were going extinct, do you think they ever imagined the planet would one day have humans instead? They probably thought it was the end of the world.

12. What do you think was here before humans?

There are many animals and plants that have gone extinct from before our time but were gigantic and fascinating. Imagine flower bushes the size of houses.