Kryshawn Bell, salutatorian for Ferriday High School’s class of 2000, wants to write for a living.

&uot;I like to write because it gives me a chance to express myself and give my opinion,&uot; she said. &uot;It also calms my nerves.

&uot;I write about things that happen in everyday life, and what I might do if I encountered this situation again,&uot; she said.

Bell is skeptical when it comes to her poetry, however. &uot;I hide it,&uot; she said. &uot;Usually I write about love and inspiration and mistakes that I made in the past.&uot;

This fall, Bell will begin taking journalism courses at Grambling State University. Bell said journalism will allow her to indulge in another of her favorite pasttimes: talking to people. &uot;Most of the time people feel better talking to a stranger than people they see every day,&uot; she said. &uot;I was thinking of minoring in psychology because I like to help people.&uot;

Bell believes her strong point is that she cares about people’s feelings, but she points out that her strong point is often her downfall. &uot;Trying to make everybody happy is impossible and can hurt other people’s feelings,&uot; she said.

Bell describes herself as a strong believer in God. &uot;Everything I have accomplished and everything I will accomplish in the future are because of my belief in Him,&uot; she said.

&uot;A lot of people don’t like to talk about God like it’s a secret, and it’s not. He is my backbone.&uot;

As Bell looks forward to heading out into the &uot;real&uot; world, her ideas of success center on graduating from college with honors, getting a job at a major newspaper like the New York Times, and having a husband as successful as herself — and making the best of life.

Bell is the daughter of Eliza Bell and the late Clifton Williams.