Graduates reflect on lessons learned, hopes and fears
Matt Witzeman
High school: Bellbrook High School
College: University of Dayton Major: Chemical engineering Greatest lesson you have learned so far: “Appreciate what you have, not just knowledge, but family and friends. To appreciate that and utilize it is important.”
What are your hopes/fears as you begin the next chapter in life? “I hope to pursue a higher education, and that I can get a secure job with that helping other people.
“I fear that it will be really stressful and there will be many hardships and obstacles I will have to face in life to get to my goals.”
Advice for the next class on how to make the most of their high school years: “Don’t get senioritis and don’t give up. Plan time accordingly for academics because you don’t want to get too overwhelmed. Senior year is the most important and if you can pull through there you will be successful in the rest of your life.”
Best advice you ever received: From parents, Angela and Frank: “Try your best and even when you don’t succeed if you are proud of what you have done, then it is worthwhile.”
What will you remember most about high school? “The relationships I’ve established with my friends and my teachers, and how they have positively impacted my life.”
Kelsey Limbert
High school: Brookville High School
College: Bridgewater College in Virginia for prerequisites, then transfer to Life University in Georgia
Major: Nutrition and health coaching
Greatest lesson you have learned so far: “People are going to like you and dislike you, so don’t try to conform to anyone’s expectations and be yourself. That’s when you learn who your true friends are in high school.”
What are your hopes/fears as you begin the next chapter in life? “Bridgewater is a Christian college and I hope to not only learn more about my major, but grow closer with God and make a lot of friends while I’m there.
“I’m moving seven and half hours away, and I’m a bit nervous being so far away from home.”
Advice for the next class on how to make the most of their high school years: “Everything starts the moment you walk in the door your freshman year. Get started on the right foot and work hard. It will help pay for scholarships and help pay for college. Colleges will be more attracted to you.”
Best advice you ever received: Told by seniors when entering high school: “Get involved because you never know who you will meet or accomplish when you step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”
What will you remember most about high school? “I participate in a bunch of sports, so I like having all the memories of my teammates. Also all the ups and downs I faced in high school, and what my friends and I did to accomplish and overcome.”
Kayla Hill
High school: Fairborn High School
College: Wright State University
Major: Film studies and production
Greatest lesson you have learned so far: “Be responsible for everything that goes on in my life because it is my life.”
What are your hopes/fears as you begin the next chapter in life? “My hope is that I will be really successful in the job that I choose. My fear is that I won’t be successful and won’t be able to get a job in the profession I want.”
Advice for the next class on how to make the most of their high school years: “Make sure you have as much fun as possible, but you also have to make sure to do all your work and try your hardest.”
Best advice you ever received: From mom, Cheri: “To always stand up for my beliefs no matter the circumstances.”
What will you remember most about high school? “I will remember being class president and having a bunch of decisions to make to represent the senior class.”
Airiana Bolton
High school: Meadowdale High School
College: The Ohio State University Major: Considering Biology Greatest lesson you have learned so far: “Time management is important because you get more work as you go through school. Be careful because not all people are what they seem to be.”
What are your hopes/fears as you begin the next chapter in life? “I will probably get out of school in 6 or 7 years to get my bachelor and master’s degree. I want to be a neonatal nurse.
“I am nervous because science is not my strongest point and I’m afraid it might take longer.”
Advice for the next class on how to make the most of their high school years: “Procrastination is very bad. Try to reach out to different people and make different connections. Make sure that you take the best you can out of high school, and try not to stress too much about anything.”
Best advice you ever received: From Pamela Shackelford, 9th grade transition coordinator: “Even though life can get hard at times you’ve got to keep your head up and keep pushing yourself forward to make it though.”
What will you remember most about high school? “The fun stuff that happened during school, like the dances and good times. Also the people I became good friends with.”
Rachel Bowman
High school: Springboro High School
College: Lycoming College, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania Major: Archeology Greatest lesson you have learned so far: “Always do your best and sometimes that’s all you can do.”
What are your hopes/fears as you begin the next chapter in life? “I hope I have a really great time in college.
“I fear not being able to find a job and pay for college.”
Advice for the next class on how to make the most of their high school years: “Never give up and get frustrated with the work you have.”
Best advice you ever received: From Lindsay Sav, an art history teacher: “Always have an open mind and be open to suggestions.”
What will you remember most about high school? “My friends and spending time with them at extracurricular school activities.”
Alex Hopkins
High school: Centerville High School College: College of Wooster Major: Political science or international relations
Greatest lesson you have learned so far: “You get more out of life when you’re surrounded by people you enjoy and have good relationships with.”
What are your hopes/fears as you begin the next chapter in life? “I hope all the good things I thought about the College of Wooster are true. You have to take a leap of faith no matter where you choose to go.
“I fear how much harder it will be than high school. Time management will be hard because of school and balancing soccer.”
Advice for the next class on how to make the most of their high school years: “It goes a lot quicker than you think. You always see in movies how people look back fondly on their high school years and that is true. Don’t take anything for granted.”
Best advice you ever received: From John Mers, a club soccer coach: “Whatever choice you make in life, do it with all your spirit.”
What will you remember most about high school? “The friends I have made, going to the state championship in soccer my junior year and raising a lot of money for spirit chain in student council.”