It is not every day that a huge political figure answers a student’s question, but that opportunity was given to sophomores Zoe Detmold and Sasha Thornton. Both students participated in a 10th grade English assignment that required them to provide interview questions to C-SPAN for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer during the Miami Book Festival on November 17, 2018.

According to Sasha, more of an effort was placed in the task due to its real-life application and the chance to be recognized beyond the classroom. Thornton, who is originally from NYC, stated that she submitted her question because she felt that she could relate to Justice Sotomayer.  Thornton’s mother shared the video link with family members who still live in NYC and played it multiple times over dinner. The overall experience made Sasha “feel special.”

The video may be viewed at the link below.  The two questions were asked at 00:50 (Zoe’s) and 16:45 (Sasha’s).

https://www.c-span.org/video/?453818-23/interview-justice-sotomayor

Zoe’s question: “How did books open the world to you?”

Sasha’s question: “Does growing up in the Bronx have any part in your identity and decision making?”