After returning from the winter break in January, George Grant Mason Elementary fourth grade teacher Sue Rota gave her class a reflective assignment to kick off the New Year. She tasked students with identifying the one word they feel best represents them.
The response from Giuliani Robotti left Rota floored, but not surprised. The nine-year old’s word was love. Why? Because she wants to be “more loving” to those she knows and those she has just met.
“It just to me summed up who she is,” says Rota. “A very loving and caring individual.”
It was obvious to her teacher that Robotti thought “long and hard” about her response. Something Rota says is typical of this student's approach to school.
“She works hard and is an amazing student. She is always happy and always smiling, no matter what I ask her to do. Off she goes.”
So, what makes Giuliani smile? The oldest of four, she says holding her baby brother makes her happy and is one of the best parts of being a big sister. As for the worst part, that would be “shoveling the driveway.” But Robotti knows that comes with the territory because as she puts it, being the oldest means she “needs to set an example for all her siblings.”
Robotti’s love of family extends beyond her own. When asked what she would like to be when she gets older, the fourth grader’s response would leave any adult impressed. “To work at an adoption center and help the kids who don’t have families.” Sitting at the table across from her, Rota had a look of astonishment on her face, even though it wasn’t the first time she heard Giuliana give that answer. “There is no hesitation, just her giving. She has a big heart.”
Something made clear when she was asked about her friends at school. Counting fingers as she rattled off names, Robotti stopped when she went back to her right hand for the second time. Joining them in Roblox is one of her favorite hobbies, up there with up there with swimming and singing, something she got to do last month in the school’s production of “On the Radio.”
“Oh yeah. I liked it, but I was nervous.” That will not stop her from singing, however. It remains her other career choice along with working at an adoption center.
Looking back to January’s assignment, Rota has another word she feels best represents Robotti. “Consistent.”
"Giuliana works hard and she doesn’t let you know. We know things happen and we all have our moments throughout the day, but she can keep focused; straight ahead. She stays the course and that is that. I think its admirable.”