When did you find out you are your classes’ salutatorian? How did you react?
I found out that it was official when I got called to the principal’s office in mid-February. Mr. Graham called me and my Valedictorian up on the same day, and as soon as I saw her when I walked in, I knew what was happening. Honestly, I felt a wave of relief pass over me since I had been working towards this goal for nearly four years. I was also extremely excited, and I texted my parents the good news right away!
What is something you wish you knew about high school before entering as a freshman?
I wish I had known how quickly the time would pass by. Obviously, everyone tells you that high school goes by in the blink of an eye, but I never listened, and I always just assumed it would feel like a lifetime of walking the halls of Durant High School. It truly did go by so fast, and I’m grateful to move onto the next chapter of my life, but I also find myself wishing that I had appreciated the high school experience more and really taken it all in.
What is your favorite high school memory?
I have so many good memories from high school, but I think that spirit week over the past four years has been my absolute favorite. I love dressing up for each theme and showing my sense of humor through my costumes. I’ve worn inflatable Mr. Potato Head, inflatable Patrick Star, an inflatable Minion, and even an inflatable “bull rider” costume. I won Most School Spirit in our Senior Superlatives which felt really awesome, because I love Durant and being spirited during dress up days and football games.
What is the most important lesson you learned from a teacher or another student while in high school?
One frequent refrain of my late agriculture teacher, Mr. Cribbs, was that “winning isn’t everything, but trying to is.” From the first time I heard him say it to a team competing in the district Forestry contest, it became my motto for life. You won’t always be able to win, or be the smartest in the room, but you can always strive to be the best version of yourself, which is a win in and of itself. This saying helped me stop comparing myself to others, whether it was academically or in any other way, and it served as an important reminder for me when I got too swept up in wanting to be the best instead of being the best version of myself.
What extracurricular activities did you participate in? What was your favorite and why?
I was a member of many clubs and organizations in high school, such as National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. While I appreciated all of the opportunities I had to get involved, my favorite was easily being a member and officer of the Durant FFA Chapter. Through FFA, I have had the opportunity to establish a cattle operation with my family, as well as participate in a multitude of Career and Leadership Development Events and make friends from across the state of Florida (and the country!) I am forever indebted to the National FFA Organization for shaping me into the person I am today and for instilling in me a passion for American agriculture.
What are your plans after high school and your career goals?
After graduation, I will be taking a gap year of service as I was recently selected as a Presidential Candidate for the 2024-2025 Florida FFA Association State officer team. Once my year of service ends, I will be attending the University of Florida to major in Microbiology and Cell Science! Upon finishing my undergraduate studies, I would like to attend medical school (ideally at the University of Michigan), and eventually become a cardiothoracic surgeon with a specialization in congenital heart defects.
What advice would you give students to help them improve their grades?
It is so important to take time for yourself when you are taking difficult classes (or 11 classes a semester, like I did!) Relaxing and picking up a good book or going to the beach with your friends is a great way to give yourself a break and come back to your schoolwork with a refreshed sense of motivation and willingness to learn. If you don’t take time for yourself, you will burn out, and it isn’t easy to get out of that feeling. Relaxation is productive for your brain!