Senior Spill
Author: Anika Ravi
Senior Spill is a recurring column on the Class of 2023. The Class of 2023 has been spilt into 4 random groups for each nine weeks. At the end of every nine weeks, we will hear from some of our seniors. I have a set of four questions, and a few seniors answer each of the questions, ranging from their favorite advice to their biggest mistake in high school. Enjoy getting to know your Class of 2023!
Carley Rolison
Biggest HS mistake?
My biggest mistake is waking up 3 hours late for a volleyball tournament in Jackson. The tournament was 2 1/2 hours from my house. When I got there we beat Jackson Prep for the first time ever and when we went home I ran for every hour I was late.
Ellie Reese Purdy
What is one piece of advice you received before or during high school that was actually helpful and why?
One piece of advice I got in highschool was to keep up with learning your presidents! Also if a teacher assigns reading, just do it because not reading and not keeping up with good study habits just makes you have to do more work in the end.
Anna Lacy Ward
What is one piece of advice you received before or during high school that was actually helpful and why?
One piece of advice that has stuck with me throughout high school is “Don’t compare yourself to others.” At a highly competitive school, it can be difficult not to compare your grades and ability to other students, however, comparison can be very degrading. Instead of comparing, try to focus on doing the best YOU can do. Always remember to strive for progress, not perfection!
Harleigh Gray
What was one prediction or assumption you had before high school that ended up being true or false?
I unfortunately assumed high school really wasn't this "blink of an eye" experience that everybody makes it out to be. But I was severely wrong, It just set in that I'm a senior and I still feel like I'm about to go to first period and do Wordly Wise with Mrs. Little in 8th grade or hear Mrs. Grimes tell us to have a "FLAMAZING DAY '' as she attempts to hang up on zoom. The first time taking the ACT made me realize that this is something going towards college and it was the "REAL ACT." We had been practicing for this moment for years and here it is, our entry to college. Before I could even comprehend that, I'm wearing the blazer I used to make fun of in 9th grade and now, I am less than a year away from being in college: a bittersweet moment to say the least!
Jackie Jiang
Biggest HS mistake?
In high school, I’ve made multiple choices that I have come to regret. One of the choices that I’ve come to regret was taking Spanish II during my sophomore year. While it was a great opportunity to learn a third language, it hurt me more than it had helped. I had ended the year off with an 89 average which in the end had hurt my GPA.
Houston Cobb
How do you manage staying active outside of academics while maintaining the grades that you want?
Playing Sports, working, and maintaining a social life outside of school can be difficult when trying to keep high grades. Prioritizing what's most important to you and setting achievable goals are great ways I maintain balance. Lastly, leaving a little alone time in your schedule is important to keep you from burning out. Drink some coffee, chill out once in a while, and be responsible on social media; trust me!
Emma Kate Stephenson
How do you manage staying active outside of academics while maintaining the grades that you want?
Extracurricular activities, jobs, and even a social life are hard to balance plus maintaining the grades I want. As I've gotten older, I've realized that it all comes down to time management. Sunday night, going through my week ahead and writing down my assignments and schedule for that upcoming week. Also learning how to be disappointed at times, because to be honest we’re all going to have that one test or quiz that we completely bomb. I've had to learn that one quiz or test isn't going to define my future, I just need to strive to do better next time. Study hard, practice self discipline, don’t discourage yourself over one bad grade, and invest in a planner!!!
Katelynn Smith
How do you manage staying active outside of academics while maintaining the grades that you want?
I have a pretty busy schedule once school starts and it tends to make me really nervous about keeping my grades up. The way I usually achieve my goal of having good grades while being so busy is with the help of friends. No, I don't mean cheating, I mean asking if classmates have any extra notes in class that could give you a new perspective on things for tests and quizzes. Setting aside time specifically for school work has also helped A LOT in the academic areas of my life. So I say making a schedule and discussing in-class material with friends has helped me maintain the grades I desire while also having a busy schedule outside of school.
Katelyn Feirtag
What was one prediction or assumption you had before high school that ended up being true or false?
I was told that I would be on my own most of the time, and that teachers would not be helpful in High School. Throughout High School I learned that you can always find support from your teachers if you’re truly seeking it. Teachers want to help you, and are always going to be there for you. If anything, High School has shown me how to seek out help when I need it!
Christian Chambers
Biggest HS mistake?
My biggest mistake in high school was taking the time I had for granted. Both Coach Madden and Coach Schaeffer told us in eighth grade that the next few years of our life is going to fly by. I don’t think many people took those words very seriously but all of a sudden we are all seniors and are graduating in less than a year. Even though I have had a lot of fun and have had experiences I do not ever want to forget, I do wish I would have savored the moments I had just a little more.
Lawson Goodman
What was one prediction or assumption you had before high school that ended up being true or false?
I predicted that high school would be difficult. This is true because you have more work in class and at home, So it is hard to manage your time wisely. It is important to learn how to manage classes and the other things you have to deal with outside of school.
Natalie Eldridge
What is one piece of advice you received before or during high school that was actually helpful and why?
I have always believed in being yourself and having fun. Don't worry about what others' opinions are and don't let them affect you.
