Coastside Whiz Kid: Meet a Professional Aerialist

Name: Anna Robertson

Town: Half Moon Bay

Age: 17

Schools: "Homeschooled Kindergarten through 8th grade. I will graduate from Half Moon Bay High School in June, attending New York University in fall."

Favorite subjects and why: English, because I love writing and want to continue studying this subject in college.

Awards/accomplishments: "I began studying Chinese acrobatics at age five. At age 12, I began to specialize in an apparatus called aerial silks, which are two thick, long strands of fabric that are hung from the ceiling that I climb and wrap around myself to create poses and drops. I have since performed as a professional aerialist throughout the Bay Area and around the country with the San Francisco Circus, the children's band the Sippy Cups, and as a solo performer. I was recently accepted to New York University's Liberal Studies Program."

Sports: " Circus is a very athletic activity that requires great strength and endurance, so I consider it my sport. I also compete on the Half Moon Bay High School gymnastics team."

Pets: "I have a cat named Tucker and a dog named Stella."

Do you have a job? "Besides performing, I'm a math tutor for local students."

After-school activities and hobbies : "I enjoy baking, reading, watching movies, hiking, volunteering and hanging out with my friends."

Your key to awesomeness: "Hard work and perseverance. If you want to achieve something, the only way to get there is hard work. I've definitely faced rejection, but it's important to not let negative comments discourage you—if anything, it should inspire you to work even harder to prove those who doubt you wrong."

Quote you want to share: "Opportunity is missed by most people, because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." — T. Edison