When I entered high school, I knew I wanted to find myself and become a person that upheld her own values. However, instead of doing my self-discovery alone as I had expected, the people I met stepped in and guided me in the right direction. I found myself encountering role models in everything that I did, whether it was clubs, classes, or tennis. I looked up to these mentors and I wanted their passion, their drive, their heart. After four years of high school, I’ve worked hard to become the person I would want to bump into the hallway and strike up a conversation with.
My childhood hero of my many years would predictably be my older brother. As I entered high school, he became pivotal in my success. He always pushed me to my fullest potential, never settling for anything less than my best. He also set a great example, continually working towards and reaching his goals. His refusal for complacency after achieving one milestone after another always surprises me, as he continually pushes onwards.
His passion has helped me to recognize just how great of an impact one person can have when he chooses to pursue his passion. Sometimes, I even lie in my bed at night and wonder just what great things he’ll do. Seeing him take on life with such a bold and fearless attitude reminds me to always chase all of my wildest dreams.
In addition, playing tennis easily became one of the highlights of my day and my doubles partner just a year older than me also became someone to look up to. Although she possessed talent in tennis, what really stands out to me will always be her charismatic personality.
Her honesty reminds me to never be fake and face things directly. Her confidence helped when I got nervous for matches and she would calmly reassure me while I hyperventilated. I found her realness refreshing and I always remind myself to candidly tell the truth, even if the opinions aren’t shared by others. As I developed this new, straightforward attitude, I found myself becoming happier and my relationships becoming easier to manage.
I also remember stepping into my first day of Rampage, stunned by the composure of the editor-in-chief only two years older than me. I would go on to fill these shoes, and I still recount things he would say and I have continually drawn from my first days with him. “Don’t be lazy,” he said to me when I considered ditching a meeting. These small words meant a lot. After all, if I were willing to just abandon my commitments, what would that mean about me and what I worked for?
From then on, I’ve worked to not only improve my newspaper, but also fully devote myself to all my commitments. By the end of these four years, I have loved every single moment and thrown myself into all my activities to gain the most out of every experience.
Through Christian Club, I got the chance to develop a relationship with the president my first year on cabinet. She helped me to develop my perspective on club cabinets as a whole, but also to grow spiritually. I found her kind nature and genuine heart to be inspiring. The little things she chose to do reminded me of the impact that every action we make has on others.
Especially during the college application process, I was continually reminded of her unpredictable journey to end up at USC. Her story served as a reminder of the plan God has prepared for me and the people around me. Her kindness in my first few days of uncertainty have helped me to become confident in my love for others and I always make sure to pay attention to the little things that other people might miss.
Although I chose to look up to others, I also had to discern the advice of my peers. After all, I know myself best. When my friend told me of her struggle with AP Spanish, I felt unsure of whether or not I should take the class especially since this would cause a scheduling conflict.
However, I chose to take the class, knowing that I wanted to solidify my Spanish. This was one of the most crucial decisions in my high school career. My decision proved to be the right one as I bonded with and formed “Los Tres Mosqueteros“ with the other two students in my zero period. At the end of the day, I really had to determine what I wanted for my high school career regardless of other people.
These past four years have taught me that every person follows their own path to success. I always want to be myself at the core, but that doesn’t mean I can’t learn from the positive character of others. Never once did I aspire to be exactly as they were; instead I used each and every one of their stories to strengthen and empower me. I’ve learned to be my best self because it’s impossible to tell a person’s influence on others.
High school doesn’t have any formulas, but I know that where I’m headed, I’ll continue to need people to share their anecdotes and advice as I push my way forward and discover new mentors in unexpected places.
TCHS School Newspaper