Barbie Doll Moore II was always motivated.

The 18-year-old’s family, including proud parents Patrick Moore and Barbie Corbett-Moore and grandparents Pearlie Corbett and Emily Moore, instilled a respect for learning in her at an early age, and that would carry her to graduation.

Moore was this year’s valedictorian at Southside High School and plans to attend North Carolina State University’s College of Engineering this fall.

Her accolades are top-notch: a GPA of 4.7, earning the Principal’s Award, serving as a leader in Beta and Math clubs, having several college courses already under her belt, several Student of the Month awards, and earning more than $140,000 in scholarship money, to name several of them.

She worked hard to ensure her future, but a trip to Europe in June changed her outlook on life and lit an even stronger fire within her.

Courtesy of education leader Ron Clark, a group of about 40 students from all over the United States attended a global summit in The Netherlands to discuss global issues and how to resolve conflicts. After visiting Southside High, Clark offered to cover the costs of Moore’s trip.

“I was moved by his generosity and his love for kids being able to explore,” she said. “We’re all human. We’re all one at this summit.”

According to Moore, the international summit was powerful, but the trip with her fellow Americans around Europe spoke to her even more so.

From the ethereal landscape of Ireland, to experiencing the “Brexit” decision in London and fish and chips at Poppie’s, Moore said she was grateful to see the world outside of her hometown and home country.

One of the first stops was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, and Moore said being there felt almost unreal.

“I’m standing in the middle of the building that has lasted through so much,” she recalled. “I felt like I was a part of history just being in that building.”

Learning about Irish culture also broke many stereotypes for Moore, including learning about the sacred significance of the clover and how St. Patrick introduced Christianity to the Celts.

Fast forward to London, when many of Moore’s peers were shocked by the crowded railway and how personal space was not an option on the ride. In an environment so far from home, Moore and the rest of the group became fast friends.

It was the trip of a lifetime — and one most won’t even experience in a lifetime — and Moore said it put aspects of her life into perspective.

“The biggest thing that I learned is there is a way to disagree without violence,” she said. “It really opened my eyes to see there’s possibility for change.”

The trip has inspired her to get more involved at college and strive to make a difference. Now more than ever, Moore said she is thankful for all of the opportunities that have come her way.

No doubt, she will continue to work hard and make plans for her future. With continued support from her family and her innate drive, Moore said she’s excited to see what college will bring.

“Our generation is the most powerful because it’s more of us, and we’re young and we have the opportunity to change things,” she said. “Nothing’s impossible when people work together.”