(Continued from page 2) . helped out at the Good Shepherd Centre in Hamilton â€" a hostel for the poor and homeless. With it all, Niamh has mainâ€" tained an ‘A‘ average throughout her school career. Her formative years were spent at St. Mildred‘sâ€" Lightbourn School. She talked about academic success. "I think a lot has to do with how motivated you are," she suggested. "I know a lot of incredibly bright kids who do not do well. Some are simply not gifted academically, but they play music, or paint, or do something creative like that. It requires just as much talent. We‘re all different." Niamh actually enjoys school. It , has to do with "the sense of comâ€" munity", she said, her level of involvement, and being in her final year, knowing most of her classâ€" mates, and some of her teachers, pretty well. Apparently, the energetic student also has a partâ€"time job at Winners â€" a clothing store in the Town Centre where she spends almost everything she earns. In addition, Garage Sale on Saturday You name it, you‘ll find it at one of at least 50 tables to be set up for the Great Glen Abbey Garage Sale on Saturday, May 8th, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Glen Abbey Recreation Centre Parking lot â€" rain date is May 15th. Tables are still available, call Barb at 847â€"7475. ENJOYS SCHOOL she has been known to blow a whole night in front of the TV. Perfectly normal. Friends are important, for sure, she said, though most of her chums are just as busy as she is. "We make time for each other. I think you need that," she said sagely. "All work and no play is not a good way to live." Two things bug her; pollution and prejudice. And her little brother is the bane of her existence (which is not to say she doesn‘t love the little chap). What came through loud and clear on this teen‘s contest applicaâ€" tion form was her balanced and thoughtful approach to life and an astonishing level of awareness. Her opinions on world issues, on the importance of women seeking responsible positions, and on the status of women around the world, would have impressed any judge (sure as heck impressed me). Niamh said the contest was relaâ€" tively easy for her; the questions allowed her to discuss things she believes in strongly. "I just had to write what I felt," she said, "and I was thrilled that my views were taken seriously." . Adding confidentially, "I find a lot of times my opinions are in the minority so it‘s nice to feel some acceptance." Born in Toronto, Niamh has lived in Oakville since the age of four. Her dad is a banker for Scotiabank and her mom is a social worker, though for some years she worked for an airline. "Isn‘t this horrible," the young woman exclaimed, "my parents haven‘t ever taken a vacation withâ€" out us." Horrible but nice. Niamh has lingering memories of the British Isles, the Netherlands, Italy, and Hawaii. "Travel is wonderful," she said. "It opens your eyes." LASTING IMPRESSION She noted that most of her travâ€" els have been to the "show places" of the world. She has only seen the desperation of the Third World on television, though a feature on a young Oakville doctor and his wife working in Africa left a lasting impression. Perhaps, this is someâ€" thing she could do after graduating from university, she said, though in a different way, as her sights are set on either law or journalism as a career. She also knows that there is real tragedy in the living conditions of our own native peoples living on the reservations. The Oakville youth has a strong sense of her own priviâ€" leged upâ€"bringing; she would like to contribute. Niamh is a selfâ€"assured young woman with a realistic awareness of her personal strengths and weakâ€" nesses. Her communication skills are outstanding. "No, I don‘t see being a woman as a limitation," she said, "although of course we still have some catchâ€" ing up to do â€" in terms of equality... and mutual understanding." "I think a lot of my attitudes come from living in an openâ€"mindâ€" KJJ ranthaven Homes presents their newest community of fifteen 2â€"5 acre estate residences â€" "SADDLEWOOD" in Kilbride. Custom country homes with a heart and rhythm all their own. ed family,". she concluded. "The reason I do well at school is because I have parents who expect me to do well." "My peers are important too," Country Estate From The Mid 500‘s Cail Tinaâ€"May Luker at Represented by J.M. Edwards Associates Inc. 332â€"5151 or 336â€"2020 2‘ she added. "There are many talentâ€" 3. ed young people in Oakville and I‘ve been privileged to know a lot z of them. You can only get better by 2 ~ being around good people." TT