My name is Lila Gutman. I am a junior at The Briarwood School. I was born in Helsinki, Finland. My mom is from Finland, and my dad is from Israel, so my family represents two completely different areas of the world. When I visit family, I love to explore the different cultures and terrain. I love trying new things and am not afraid of challenges. During my school career, I bounced from school to school, until I found my spot at Briarwood. That's really when I saw my possibilities as a writer emerge, because, honestly, I realized I actually liked writing. Along with the whole writing “revelation,” I found that I was actually good at some sports that I never thought I would be. I play volleyball, basketball, track and I ride horses. I've been riding horses since I was four. The teenage “horse phase” people talk about will never apply to me. Riding is my true love. I am a kind person who puts forth 100 percent of my effort to be sure I succeed both on the field and in the classroom. I am always true to the principle of never giving up.