My name is Gabriella Nelson
and I attend Oakdale High School.
I live with a family of six. My mother works as a full-time nurse at Holy Cross in Germantown. My father owned Toppings Pizza Company for seventeen years before starting his own franchise with HomeTeam Inspection Service. I am a triplet; Zachary, Jacob, and I were born at 28 weeks and will be graduating this May. I also have an older sister who is currently pursuing a nursing degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending the University of Maryland, College Park, in the fall with plans to major in nursing. I hope to obtain my Registered Nurse license and become employed as a developmental disability nurse, striving to provide those with intellectual and/or physical disabilities with a happy and healthy life. Later in life, I also plan to obtain a Deaf Studies degree with hopes of becoming an American Sign Language Interpreter.
What are two of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My two favorite restaurants in the New Market Community are ‘The Derby Restaurant & Bar’ and ‘Vintage Restaurant’.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, it would be Italy. Growing up, I was surrounded by Americanized Italian culture—meals, family reunions, and my father’s pizza restaurant. I hope one day I can travel to Italy and experience the true, authentic culture.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is most certainly ‘Legally Blonde’. As for TV shows, I am a huge ‘Selling Sunset’, ‘The Resident’, and ‘This Is Us’ fan.
If you were asked to give advice to your senior class and the younger students at your school, what would you say?
Live in the moment, do not worry about the future, and be a good human being. At the end of the day, nobody is going to remember you as the president of some club or an athlete on some team; they are going to remember you as the kind, caring, and loving person that you are.
If you were able to be cast as yourself into a television show or series, what show would you want to be in?
If I were able to cast myself in a television show, it would most certainly be ‘This is Us’; the show is relatable given that I am a triplet and the only girl among us.
If you could choose anyone to have lunch with, who would you choose? Why? And where, locally, would you meet for this lunch?
Without a doubt, Morgan Wallen. I am a big country music fan, and Morgan Wallen is my favorite! I’d classify it as a lunch date LOL, but ‘The Derby Restaurant & Bar’ with an outside table.
What is your favorite thing about our community?
I enjoy the small community that New Market is; everyone knows everyone!
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I hope to have my registered nurse license and have employment in a hospital setting before specializing in developmental disability nursing. I also hope to be working on or have already completed a Deaf Studies degree to pursue an American Sign Language Interpreting career.
What is something on your bucket list?
Sky Diving—I really want to do this at some point in my life!
What is your go to band / singer when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Of course, Morgan Wallen, but truly any country artist—Zach Bryan, Luke Bryan, Anne Wilson, Sam Hunt, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, etc.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is May: beautiful weather, high school softball season, end-of-school festivities, graduations, and celebrations. My favorite holiday is Easter. Growing up, my family and I would spend Spring Break down in Hilton Head, South Carolina, visiting my Grandma. The best day on the calendar would be May 18th; I love having a birthday to share with my two brothers.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
ANY beach—Ocean City, Bethany, Rehoboth, all the California beaches, especially Malibu.
Who inspires you to be better?
My Grandma, who is no longer here, inspires me to be the best human being that I can be. She was and still is my rock, my best friend, and the reason I’m continuing to pursue a nursing career. Even from heaven, she continues to be my biggest supporter and pushes me to keep moving on despite challenges.
