Born in America but spending three years of her life in Kenya, Africa, freshman Jessica Wanyee has lived an interesting life, especially with her height.

At 4 feet even, Wanyee has amazed a lot of people upon interacting with them. 

“She’s so small and has an amazing personality. When I first saw her, I couldn’t stop staring at her. I’ve never been so close to someone so small,” sophomore Patrick Murphy said.

Waynee said her height is cool. She does not get picked on in school about being short, but it is harder for her to stand up for herself.

According to sophomore Triton Brown, Wanyee is a funny person who loves to talk.

“I thought she would be mean but ended up being cool as ever,” Brown said.

Gym teacher Dawn Reynolds said Wanyee is very outgoing and concerned. She has a lot of compassion for everyone in class and does not let her height keep her from trying things.

“She doesn’t stand back. She has that face and smile that everyone is just drawn to her. Everyone loves her,” Reynolds said.

Murphy finds entertainment in Wanyee’s festive behavior and huge passion for dancing.

“She’s always banging and having fun. She jumps in her locker and waits for someone to walk past, then jumps out on them. Jessica is a real enchanting person and has a very outgoing personality,” Murphy said.

Wanyee moved from Kenya back to Milwaukee when she was three years old because her mother found better quality of education and more opportunities to support her family.

“Going to school here for me is fun. I can only imagine the fun my mother had when she was going to school,” Wanyee said.

Mr. Lawton, Ms. Huber, Ms. Reynolds and Ms. Thomas are the four teachers that have made Wanyee’s first year in high school fulfilling.

Kenya is no different from America according to Wanyee. Besides the dirt roads, houses made of stone and traditional foods, everyday life and the kindness of the people were as reassuring in Kenya as they are here. People go to school but also learn from more cultural experiences in Kenya.

“I did the normal things that people do [here] like play soccer, go shopping and [hang out] downtown. The people are patient with me [in Kenya], and it has taught me to appreciate the opportunities I have,” Wanyee said.

Individual creativity and treating people nice is important to Wanyee. She views creativity as a way to express herself and kindness as a way to make friends with many people.

“She is a people’s person,” Murphy said.

Even though she would rather be in Kenya with her extended family, Wanyee enjoys life here.

“I love my life, and I look forward to the many adventures that are ahead of me. I have never let my height hold me back, 

and I don’t ever plan on it. My life is 

              great,” Wanyee said.