Alicia Proto was born on August 27, 1992 and grew up in Stuyvesant Town in Manhattan. Her rent-stabilized apartment has allowed her family to afford the costly (and trendy) downtown area. Before Alicia was born, her mother had trouble conceiving a child and decided to adopt. During the adoption process, Mrs. Proto became pregnant with Alicia, but followed through with the adoption process. Alicia is only five months younger than her adopted sister, and declares that they feel like twins.When they were in ninth grade AliciaâÂÂs sister was sent to boarding school; she misses her sister and looks forward to her visits.
      Alicia entered School of the Future as a rising sixth grader and remained there through high school; she cannot wait to graduate next spring. âÂÂI have very close friends at School of the Future, but I really need a new environment,â Alicia admits. Alicia is able to find a new atmosphere through extra-curricular activities. She worked for the writing program High 5 during Junior year, which entailed writing reviews of theater performances. The program allowed Alicia to watch all kinds of theater, both on and Off Broadway. âÂÂHigh 5 really taught me to appreciate more types of theater. Great productions are not just on Broadway,â Alicia exclaims.
     Alicia has never left the U.S and plans on dedicating a year to traveling before college. Her temple offers a trip to Israel for nine months in which students live in dorms and on a kibbutz, while participating in community service programs. âÂÂIâÂÂm so excited,but it might be hard because IâÂÂm a city-girl,â she explains. Alicia plans to continue her travels after college (preferably a SUNY) to discover more cultures, and break out of her downtown bubble.