Teen of the Month: Yousuf

At Aurora Public Library, we're passionate about celebrating the voices, talents, and passions of the amazing teens in our community. Each month, we highlight a local teen to learn more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they stay curious, creative, and connected.

This month, we're excited to introduce our Teen of the Month: Yusuf, a Grade 11 from Renaissance Catholic High School. Yusuf is one of the facilitators of French Classes for Beginners at the library.

1. What book are you currently reading? What do you think of it so far?

I recently read “Ru” by Kim Thuy. It is an interesting insight on how life has differed between immigrant parents of different nations and the struggle of living under a communist regime.

2. How do you usually discover new books to read?

Books I chose to read (often textbooks), are based on my interests or information I believe would be a useful skill to learn.

3. Have you ever read a book that changed how you see the world? Which one?

Not a book but a concept in psychology known as Schema theory.

4. What subject do you enjoy the most in school, and why?

Math and English. Although people usually favour one or the other, I enjoy discourse/debate, writing essays on different topics whether they’re based in creative or critical thinking and I enjoy math as it’s a blend of logical and creative thinking. 20 people can solve the same math problem differently yet all their steps are valid methods of resolution. 

5. How do you stay motivated during the school year?

I find ways to make classes enjoyable, I study topics in ways that interest me, making connections between every subject.

6. What’s one study tip or habit that works well for you?

Instead of memorizing information, I try to understand the process of why it works this way. This applies in subjects other than math dominant courses like psychology. When learning about the cognitive approach, although complicated, instead of memorizing the procedure, I try understanding the causes for it.

7. Who inspires you to do your best in life?

My mother. 

8. What’s one skill or activity you’d love to learn and why?

Although I’ve just started, I’m interested in learning about economics. It's a subject where both Math and English are integrated and reflect real world issues. 

9. How do you see libraries helping teens in your community?

Libraries provide free resources to learn, which helps individuals who cannot afford purchasing the content themselves, hence It allows a person to discover their interests without being overwhelmed with costs. It also acts as a social hub where friends can come, meet or work.

10. What would you like to see more of in your local library?

Courses that go in-depth into topics such as math, economics, physics or languages.