Finish Line

What achievements have you made in high school 

R-S Central: I’m really glad I got into UNC Chapel Hill. Before moving to North Carolina I actually wanted to go to Carolina, so when I moved here I knew I had a better chance in actually getting in and I did! Being apart of Junior Miss has helped me a lot getting to branch out into the community. I’ve been able some really great people at state and I think it has helped me relate to other people as well. Lastly, being named an Outstanding Senior for R-S has made me felt more connected to the school.  I am also proud of my academic record (for the most part), but school isn't just defined by grades, but also experience. 

... what opportunities did you miss? 

Even though it was a personal choice not to go to Disney, I still sometimes wonder what it would have been like to go with my new graduating class at Central. Sophomore year, I went to Disney with my high school and it definitely was a highlight in my life. However, I decided not to go because I have had a lot of opportunities in high school and I thought it was important to let my older brother Ryan go and enjoy his own Senior Experience without having his little sister overstep any boundaries. So even though I wonder what my experiences would have been like, I think it was good for me to step back and let my brother have a good senior experience without me. 

I think I missed out getting to know some really great people. When I moved here, I was excited to get to know my new classmates and meet new people, creating the same level of friendships as I did back home, but I really never gave myself the opportunities to do so. I spent a lot of time getting involved in school and the community that I never set aside time to get to really get to know anyone. Seeing that I am about to graduate in one month, I am frustrated and regret not really getting to know my classmates. If  I am ever given the chance to meet up with these people in the future, I am definitely not letting that second chance go to waste! 

Again, missing out on random senior moments. I guess because I didn’t grow up here, I didn’t have the same level of understanding as a lot my classmates. I do not hold the same sense of tradition and pride, which I think has left me detached in having the same feelings of excitement becoming a senior. Instead, I wait. I wait for college, for leaving, anything that may constitute as change so I can finally be on the same level as everyone else. A lot of times instead of thinking about my legacy at R-S, I tend to think about my old potential at Medina. Graduating with my friends, going to state, Hinkley, Crocker Park, spending the summers camping and hiking. I just feel that there is no way for me to accurately reflect my time here in Rutherfordton because I have not given it the chance that it deserves. As I long for my life back in Ohio, I am losing the potential in North Carolina.

What moments will you never forget? 

Going to high school raves. These were by far one of my fondest memories at Molly Roup’s house. They were usually thrown in the winter, because it was sooo cold in Ohio, the only way we could get warm was dancing it off. Now, these raves didn’t pertain to the usual negative connotations, they were actually fun. Molly’s Raves were definitely the best in Medina. The music was classic with 11h30 and Hypercrush, and the basement had plenty of room to participate in wild dancing. I’ve always wished Rutherford County natives could experience the rave scene. Seriously, best thing of my life. 

The random adventures with my old Ohio friends. Sophomore year was filled with Hinkley Park, trekking around Medina, driving all the way home on South 42, camp outs, Eaten Park, attempting to sky dive, living, laughing, and loving to our fullest capacities. I loved all the experiences with Catherine, Danielle, Eleni, and Angela. Awkward in our ways, we dealt with drama and heartache, stupid inside jokes, making big deals out of little things, and managed to survive and graduate high school. Even though I didn't graduate with my Medina class, I am proud of my former classmates for their successes. These people will remain as a highlight to my high school experience and has truly impacted my life in a multitude of ways. Thank you for all of your love & support, I love you guys so much!!

Moments with Sarah  Miller. I can't really describe it.

How have you changed in high school  and who has helped you with this? 

I think I have become more reflective and less overcome with little issues. Open-minded, the students at R-S Central have taught me how to be more connected to the world on a global level (despite the tininess of the town itself) and have shown me a different approach looking at life. Before, I tended to be very school oriented and faced a lot of pressure, but now I am ready to enjoy life and everything it has to offer outside of the school walls and embrace experience in all its contexts. 

What has been the single greatest thing you have learned or gained in high school and how has it affected who you are will become? 

I am really glad I can read and understand poetry. It wasn’t a big interest to me until we started reading and annotating poetry in Mrs. Pittman’s class. Reading poetry has now provided another outlet for me to express myself and to learn about life as well.