“[In ten years] I see myself on the ground, hopefully helping people that need me, specifically like medically, I guess. I don’t really wanna be a doctor, but like helping people create things that would help others that are suffering. [This was influenced by] taking like anatomy and physiology or even just my health class. It’s so crazy to me now that I think about it, but I remember when we learned like first aid and stuff, I got really into like doing the wrappings right? And like just being able to help people in like an emergency situation when they needed me—I found that pretty inspiring.”

“[I’m most proud of] my growth. Because in the beginning [of school], in like middle school, I was very anxious and did not do anything outside of go to class and then go home. But as I’ve been through high school, I have joined multiple clubs and now I’m all over the school. And no matter what, I just like being around. [In ten years I see myself] in a classroom, I really wanna be a teacher. And I really wanna help other kids grow confidence like I grew in confidence.”

“[In ten years I see myself] probably in just some sort of job in the tech industry. I’m going to computer science college out in Salt Lake City and then from there, I’m probably gonna get a job and be working. I like just how fast [tech is] evolving. Like, I just want to be on that front. I’ve built a computer before and I’ve modded a couple game systems. [I’ve been into that] probably since I was about eight.”

“I think being here at State High taught me how to be more open-minded and see the struggles of other people and how I can accommodate people as well as bettering myself through doing that. I think, ’cause I moved here from another school. Where it, I had like a smaller friend group and we were just aware of ourselves and not really of other people. But by coming here, I’ve had to explore and like branch out more and connect to different people of demographic. And, and like through doing that, I get to see their experiences.”

“Probably Renaissance Fair [has influenced me the most]. I’ve been pretty involved in it since my freshman year and it’s such a fun activity and I think it’s a very fun like creative outlet and like, it’s like [fun] learn how to do a lot of different things. I never thought [I would] learn stuff like stage-sort-of-fighting, but also like more behind the scenes stuff like writing professional emails or planning and organizing things or projects and stuff like that. And I think I’ve like grown a lot through it.”

“I’m going to Penn State for music ed[ucation]. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was like really young too. And, you know, music’s been my main thing for like, most of high school. So, just a good way to combine the two. I don’t even really know [why I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was young]. I guess it was the people that have kinda guided and supported me the most as like a kid just, I kind of looked up to that. And like my parents are teachers too.”

“I think I’m really proud of the way I’ve grown in passion. I think if I put my mind to something, it’s very hard to deter me from getting it done. I’m proud of the volunteering that I’ve accomplished, the clubs and organizations that have set up, and kind of the academic career that I’ve led. And I think a struggle is not being too passionate, because sometimes I tend to lose myself in the project at hand.”

“You’re good to do things that you’re afraid of doing. Because even if you really hate it, you don’t have to keep doing it. Doing new things, you’re gonna meet a lot of really wonderful people and to talk to people that you want to talk to and be friends with because there are a lot of people that I wish I had talked to sooner or talk to at all, but now I’m running out of time.”

“I just want to be doing something that I love and enjoy, get paid well to do it, and have plenty of time to myself to do the things I want to do. I like hiking a lot so, definitely plenty of time for that. [I’m studying] natural resources, so I guess that relates to like that whole theme, working in nature, hopefully. I personally like the outdoors a lot. Spending time outside, hiking and all that—camping. And [forestry is], from what I understand, it’s a job where starting out especially you get to spend a lot of time outdoors, doing field work.”

“[To my younger self] take time to take care of yourself, and keep on having a positive attitude. I think I’m a bit of an over-worker sometimes, but I also think that one of the traits that I try to maintain to this day is just a positive attitude, and I think that’s helped so much with just every life pursuit I’ve had. [To my future self] just keep being kind. In 10 years, I see myself hopefully maintaining a good work-life balance, spending a lot of time outdoors, and enjoying my career, and pursuing my career goals and stuff like that.”

“[To my younger self] everything is temporary, and…you should be grateful for what you have, because you never know when you won’t have it anymore. Which sounds really sad. [One lesson I’ve learned is that] our parents always know what’s best for you, even if you don’t think so in the moment.”

“One lesson I’ve learned at State High that I think has been really important for me is that there are always opportunities around you. You just have to look for them and seek them out on your own, and it’s very easy to just get caught up in doing the same routine, the same thing every day, but, like, if you actively are looking for things to do and things that excite you and just staying curious all the time, you can have a lot more success and enjoyment of your time at school.”