Senior Section--Class of 2012 by The Roar

Don’t you wish you were one tWo?

2012 SENIORS

PHOTOS BY AMY ZHANG

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Hall of Fame Honorees

Select seniors were honored for their integrity, leadership, positive attitude and school spirit in the classroom with a dinner banquet on May 1. Each teacher received fifteen votes to go toward deserving students. The top 5 percent of all nominated students were then honored and selected a teacher to honor as well.

compiled by Abigayle English, news editor

Nicole Albrecht honoring Lisa Pieper

Sarah Almand honoring Megan Winkelmann

Jackie Amdor honoring April Wilson

Justin Benden honoring Cathy Bush

Franco Bettati honoring Chauncey Lindner

Taylor Beyer honoring Michelle Greene

Paige Blomstedt honoring Travis Angel

Kyle Campbell honoring Jessica Kouba

Alex Carstens honoring Mike Williams

Zach Carstens honoring Beth Creel

Alex Caruso honoring Richard German

Alexa Cepeda honoring Cynthia Stephens

Abbie Craigen honoring Van Henry

Patrick Cunha honoring Michael Skinner

Aparna Datta honoring Aaron Hogan

Alina Dattagupta honoring Kristen Jones

Abigayle English honoring Stacey English

Kelsey Gaines honoring Steven Day

Eric Gan honoring Karen Swann

Alison Garlick honoring Julie Foght

Jenna Helduser honoring Chris Diem

Kent Juliff honoring Jill Faith

Holland Knapp honoring Freda Carraway

Joanne Koola honoring Jason Pratt

Peter Lambert honoring Casey Akin

JJ Lollar honoring Chelsea Frashure

Celina Malave honoring LaBridget Lewis

Jennifer Hoyle honoring Matthew Young

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Chaiss Matthews honoring Jan Fechhelm

Austin McDougal honoring Sara Wendt

Zerrick Merchant honoring Gregg Frashure

Katherine Nunley honoring Janice Attaway

Madeline Packard honoring Scott Faulk

Alec Paradowski honoring Bob DeBesses

Courtney Peters honoring Mary Ashlock

Kendall Pye honoring Cindy Knapek

Danielle Reinecke honoring Janet Peterson

Sofia Rojo del Busto honoring Ann Langdon

David Rooney honoring Ryan Goodwyn

Cesia Sanchez honoring Kendra Lundy

Casey Shomaker honoring Paula Roddy

Kendra Spaw honoring Chris Norton Not Pictured: Kandeel Ali honoring Elizabeth Cunha and Salou Kraft honoring Helen Carstens

Kayla Strong honoring Melanie Bruxvoort

Tiara Tucker honoring Lisa Shead

Katy Turner honoring Stoney Pryor

Serena Wang honoring Connie Wood

Senior Jenna Helduser, her mother and former vice principal Chris Diem applaud as students are recognized. “Mr. Diem has provided me with a steadfast support system that I know I will always continue,” Helduser said. PHOTO PROVIDED BY HANNAH RUDDER

Quinton White honoring Dennis Rhodes

Amy Zhang honoring Courtney Wellmann

Senior Taylor Beyer reads her letter on Tuesday, May 1, at the Hall of Fame Banquet. She honored Michelle Greene, her theatre tech teacher. “For the rest of my life, I will remember what Greene has taught me, anything’s possible,” Beyer said. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAKELL GARLICK

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TAYLOR BEYER

by Kelsey Gaines Tiger Theater had just found out that they didn’t advance in the UIL competition, One Act. With high hopes and expectations crushed after an unsuspected loss, they all began to pack up their belongings and props in silence. A sweet, high pitched voice broke the silence, “everyone in here is just so beautiful.” Suddenly the once-silent room was filled with laughter and smiles because of Taylor Beyer’s ability to uplift a large group of disappointed friends comes from her joy of life, friends and passion for musical theater. Beyer belongs on a stage; having danced and sang since she

KEVIN LI

was little, acting seemed to be next natural progression from these interests. During her sophomore year, Beyer said she went through open auditions and was offered two different roles in two Tiger Theater plays. She has been involved in the company ever since. She is not simply just a captivating actress, but what she brings to life in the group of actors and actresses off stage makes her life just as captivating, theater director Michelle Greene said. “She loves what she’s doing,” Greene said. “Even if she’s had a really bad day, she never lets it affect rehearsal, her performance or

even class time because of how much she loves what she is doing.” The love that Beyer found in musical theater changed her previous wants and desires for her future plans of just pursuing dance. “I sat down and thought what I could see myself doing with the rest of my life and see myself being the most happy. And [musical theatre] is the thing that hit me,” Beyer said. Beyer excels greatly in school and had the option to pursue a “stable, profitable career.” Instead, she chose to follow her passions instead of following the normal pattern of society, she said. “That’s really scary,” Beyer said, “because being a performer is so not stable. It’s very intimidating, but it’s also something I really love and I want to do. So I’m going to try.” Beyer’s parents, who were originally expecting her to take a year off after high school to dance, are simply pleased that she’s pursuing higher education. “[They] know I have talent in more intellectual aspects and believe that to be more practical, but honestly, they’re being very

pursues a career in theatre arts supportive of my dreams and ambitions,” Beyer said. After getting accepted into numerous schools and auditioning all over the nation, Beyer committed to Sam Houston State University to pursue a bachelor of fine arts in musical theater. With Christianity being a minority group in the theater world, Beyer said she will face new challenges in pursuing her faith at the next level, but Beyer is no stranger to struggles. During April of last year Beyer was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. Ulcerative Colitis has no cure other than the removal of the colon, and as her doctor told her that removal was not neccesary, Beyer said she began to face the facts that she would be dealing with the disease for the rest of her life. “Even though I was sick, and needed to take a break more often, that didn’t mean I wasn’t strong,” Beyer said. “[The people involved in theater] encouraged me to realize that I’m stronger than my disease and that I can overcome and that the disease wouldn’t control my life.” Ulcerative Colitis caused Beyer to rapidly lose weight,

hair and energy, while becoming malnourished and anemic due to her immune system attacking her large intestine. She was constantly on medication and had to get an IV to remain healthy every six to eight weeks. After visiting a different doctor in Temple, they decided that her large intestine did in fact need to be removed. On May 16, Beyer had her large intestine taken out of her body, and her small intestine took over what her large intestine could not accomplish. Beyer is beyond thrilled and looking forward to being healthy again, she said. With no longer having to focus on her sickness, Beyer said she will truly be able to return to normal health and be able to focus on the next step of her life at Sam Houston. To pursue a career in musical theatre is very rare, but with hard work and passion, two characteristics that Beyer does not lack, she will find herself fulfilled in following her heart instead of the crowd. “I’m really proud of her. More than anything I can’t wait for her to get out there and be the best,” Greene said. “She will be successful. I have no doubt about that.”

heads to MIT to study mathematics

In his opinion, he’s “not that fast, can’t jump that high, not that tall.” However, he’s the one with the basketball, driving down the court, dodging casually around the people on the opposing team who try and stop him. As he easily makes shots, sliding in baskets, it becomes obvious that the other players might hold a different opinion on the state of his basketball skills. For senior Kevin Li though, he’s just another player, no matter what everyone else says or thinks. His attitude translates to life off of the basketball courts, where he’s patented his own kind of humor. He plays some things off modestly, brags sarcastically without others, but always underplays his own accomplishments. “I don’t like studying--I can’t ever study too much at one time,” Li said. “If I’m sitting there for an hour, that’s probably the maximum.” Despite his casual studying habits, Li has ranked second in his class all four years of high school, obtaining national math and science honors along the way. This year, to add to his already-

impressive list of accolades, Li was named as one of two Texas state winners of the 2011 Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, a scholarship competition that recognizes the nation’s top scorers in AP tests. When people mention his achievements, however, Li usually responds with a tight-lipped smile, occasionally accompanied with a shrug or confused expression. Often, he jokes lightly. “My sister [Kathy] was actually the female national AP scholar, so I didn’t do so well,” Li said. Regardless of his nonchalant attitude, several of the nation’s top colleges took an interest in Li, and noteably, he was admitted to Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has made plans to attend the latter, saying that the admitted student weekend was crucial in helping him make his tough choice. “I felt like I fit in better at MIT,” Li said. “More people [there] seemed excited to talk to me about college.” Certainly, MIT will allow Li to develop his intellect. “I want to major in math and economics, [hoping that] the

economics will be more mathinvolved than what we [learn] in school,” Li said. “My dad [tells me that] being an econ professor is the best thing ever, and [I’m currently] somewhat convinced.” Li’s natural affinity for numbers started at a young age, with his family coaching him in the basics of mathematics from as early an age as two. Since then, Li’s attended several math camps, including one last summer at Stanford University. While some might see the idea of an interest in mathematics as dreary, Li has a completely different perspective on the matter. “[In math], you kind of have to know what you’re doing. You’re not completely lost,” Li said. “There’s normally an answer to all the questions. You’re going for something--it’s not like English, where it’s like ‘write this essay, do whatever you want…it might be good, it might be bad, but it’s not going to be perfect’.” When asked about the past four years, Li has a rather flippant attitude concerning his achievements. “The last three years, I was really focused on getting good

by Amy Zhang grades, and that was pretty much all I did,” Li said. “This year, I realized that good grades aren’t going to do very much, and I [needed] to figure out what I’m doing. I still don’t know what I’m doing at all, and I still need to explore more, but senior year’s been a year where I’ve gotten to [try new things].” Exploration has certainly been a large part of Li’s senior year, as he was selected to be on the Homecoming Court in the fall. “I was surprised that people actually voted for me. I’m just different from your ‘normal’ homecoming candidate...other people

don’t [usually] enjoy math so much,” Li said. “It was a cool experience, even though I was really nervous, I don’t really like attention that much--after all, if you mess up [in that kind of situation], more people than normal can make fun of you.” As for next year, Li anticipates MIT as a place that “will hopefully be more interesting than high school.” “I am a bit concerned about how he’ll handle Boston winter, but I am really proud of him and excited to see him grow as a person and student at MIT and beyond,” Li’s sister Kathy said.

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BRIANNA HUBBARD plans agricultural career

by Kelsey Gaines Being the president of any organization takes a large amount of hard work and dedication, but being an influential president goes well beyond one’s physical presence. It becomes more about leading and moving forward with a group of people. Brianna Hubbard, the Chapter President of Consol’s FFA organization, has spent the last four years of her life towards the betterment and success of a rapidly growing group that she has come to call her family. Her involvement in the organization started when she realized that she no longer wished to pursue sports and that FFA would be

enjoyable due to her already existing passions. “It all started with my love of animals, and then I learned how it’s not just animals but that it encompasses clothes, food and economics,” Hubbard said. “It amazed me, and I wanted to look into it more.” Ag teacher Sheridan Clinkscales believes that Hubbard stood out even as a freshman in the organization. “The fact that she was able to start in FFA her freshmen year and immediately get active [set her apart],” Clinkscales said. “She was active the whole time and in

all the aspects of FFA that you can be active in. She was very wellrounded.” Hubbard’s long time involvement allowed her to become the Chapter President and an Area Officer. Even with the stress that comes with the position, it is never too much for her to properly manage. “She is extremely self driven. She doesn’t need to be pushed or asked to do something to be successful. She is a ‘go-to’ person. If I need something, I know I can go to her and it will get done,” Clinkscales said. With her persistence, which is what Hubbard accredits to her success, she is able handle the situations that come with leading a large group. This ability and persistence is also what spurred Hubbard’s desire to pursue further involvement in FFA after she graduates. Hubbard is currently in the process of running for FFA State President. After already having won the district and chapter elections, she’s faced with upcoming area elections, where if she wins, she will be one of ten state repre-

sentatives, but will continue on in the elections in hopes of becoming the State President. If elected as State President, Hubbard said she will take a year off after she graduates traveling to various schools around Texas. Hubbard has already been accepted into Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University, where she said she would like go on to major in Agricultural Economics with an emphasis in International Agriculture but will wait to commit until after the FFA elections have been held. Whether she takes a year off or goes directly into college after graduation, Hubbard’s long term goal is to be able to travel to other countries in the future to assist and advise people how to better their agricultural situations. Until then, Hubbard said she will be focusing her time and energy on finishing the year strong and enjoying the last few weeks with her teachers and friends involved in FFA. Clinkscales, who has been at Consol for three years, has created a close knit bond with Hubbard that is like that of a friend more than a teacher. “She’s obsessed with pick-

les, and she’s a Facebook creeper who teaches others to be Facebook creepers,” Clinkscales said. Clinkscales also believes that no one should own as many goats as Hubbard has, though Hubbard takes pride in having owned and raised 15 goats at one time. With their bond being as close as it is, and Hubbard’s upcoming graduation, it’s hard for emotions to not arise. “I am very proud of her efforts, and I am proud to know her,” Clinkscales said with a sad look on her face. A large portion of the Ag department’s success can be accredited to the passion and hard work that Hubbard has put into the organization, Clinkscales said. She built upon what was handed to her as the new president and will hand off her work at the end of this year having left her mark on the organization that has become so near to her heart. “I don’t know A&M Consolidated without Bri yet,” Clinkscales said. “But she does work hard to train others to be like her, and I will miss her personality. There are some big shoes to fill.”

PATRICK CUNHA prepares for two-year mission to India

It’s not easy leaving a family that has always been a solid support system. It’s not easy moving away from a town that has always been home. It’s not easy saying goodbye to all of the comforts and privileges that accompany everyday life in America. And it’s definitely not easy to leave all of these things behind at once to fly across the world to a foreign nation that is unfamiliar and culturally diverse. For senior Patrick Cunha, this is his future, and by living in India for the next two years of his life, he hopes that it will be an experience that will change not only his own heart, but the lives and futures of others. Cunha, who has grown up in the Mormon church for the entirety of his lifetime, feels a sense of duty and responsibility to commit the next two years of his life to a mission trip in India. “Growing up in the Mormon Church as a little kid, boys are always taught that when we turn 19, we go on a mission trip. So, growing up, I’ve never considered not going,” Cunha said. Cunha looks forward to the

many different experiences that he will face in India, but mostly he looks forward to the opportunity to share his faith with whoever will listen, no matter the possible consequences that could occur. “In India I will be telling people about my church and about God,” Cunha said. “Unfortunately, because of some laws in India, the separation of church and state isn’t really great, and it’s predominantly not Christian, so a lot of times the Mormon missionaries get arrested for teaching. It’s not like anybody is breaking the law, but the police can just do that.” In addition to potentially facing arrest, Cunha will be faced with the possibility of falling ill or catching diseases that he has never before had to worry about. “The water there is not safe to drink, and if the food is prepared in water, you’ve got to be careful because it can really get you sick,” Cunha said. “I’ve also had to get like a million shots.” Despite these possible set backs, Cunha’s trust in God, his love for people and his strong passion for helping others has helped him find confidence and a sense of

excitement in his decision. “I enjoy seeing people smile and meeting new people. I like it when people laugh because I see how much I like being happy, and so I want to be able to give the same thing to someone else,” Cunha said. “It’s crazy that I might be changing somebody’s life in India. It’s just an incredible calling.” Cunha feels that his parents have helped prepare him for this trip of a lifetime by always encouraging him to help others whenever he can. “I think I am as prepared as I’ll ever be,” Cunha said. “I’ve always had a passion and love for people, and my mom and dad have really helped me with that because they’re always making sure that my siblings and I have had plenty of opportunities to serve people. At first it’s a little intimidating, just walking up and meeting somebody totally new and opening up to them, but after a while it gets easier. You realize that every person you meet has their own story, so it’s important to just be real with them and by doing that, you can make friendships that will last forever.”

by Elena Edwards With parents who have always encouraged him to help others, Cunha has learned how effective small acts of service can be. “That’s really what my parents have stressed most--serving others, because that’s what affects people. People don’t help each other anymore, you know? In the world we live in today, you really don’t see people taking advantage of opportunities to help others, and so just by doing small little acts of service for people, it really changes their views of who we are as Mormons.” With such a big commitment

ahead of him, Cunha knows that after two long years, he will come back changed. “I don’t know how it will change me,” Cunha said. “I can’t really put my finger on it, but there’s just something different about people when they come back from these missions, just because of the incredible and life-changing experiences that they go through. I’m excited because it really is a ‘discover who you are’ opportunity. There’s a lot of trust in God that goes down during these things. There are some tough times ahead, but I’m ready for it.”

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pursue film passion at the University of Texas PACKARD &MADDIE PACKKENT JULIFF& MADDY

by Kate Williams Sitting in a small, soundproofed room with technical film paraphernalia scattered around, senior Kent Juliff, in his element, manages to explain his passion in three words: “Film is life.” Imagination and deliberation are all poured into a moving picture that captivates, moves and affects who we are and how we think. For Juliff and senior Maddy Packard, filming has become a passion that is leading them down a road of anticipation. Juliff and Packard received first place at the Skills U.S.A. competition for the State Video Producer Division and will go to nationals this summer to compete

against over 40 teams. They have also been accepted to the prestigious Radio, Television and Film program at The University of Texas. This program primarily focuses on students studying and creating media of their own. “The University of Texas RTF program is the opportunity that I never dreamed I would have,” Packard said. “When I saw that I was accepted, I immediately burst into tears.” Packard traces her interest and influences in film back to her childhood. “My father has always had a deep interest in films,” Packard said. “He would expose me to

CESIA SANCHEZ

As she walked into the chaotic school, surrounded by her fellow peers, she hugged her books tightly. On the outside, she seemed like any other sixth grader in her Dallas elementary school, perhaps more excited than most to be at school learning. However, on the inside, things were different. Her abusive childhood had given her low self-confidence, her father had just been fired from his job, her mother had recently gotten in a car accident. With her older siblings, everything had happened: drugs, gangs, jail. At school, she was lost in a crowd of complacency. Every day, she would go home, unsure if there would be electricity, gas, or water waiting for her. The bills were constantly underpaid by two months. Embarrassed, she would isolate herself. But six years later, the wide smile that adorns senior Cesia Sanchez’s face gives no indication of her troubled past. In fact, everything suggests the contrary as her face lights up as she talks about her love for learning. “Growing up, education

more things with cinematic credit and merit giving me a better appreciation for film.” From this initial exposure, Packard began getting more involed in the arts. “I started writing short stories, prose and poetry my freshman year, and I went into media tech and I saw that I was able to explore it even further by creating visual representations of my words,” Packard said. “I [find] comfort in my writing when I go back to my work and reflect on it.” After learning more about the different areas of the film industry and herself, Packard decided she desires to take the directing role. “I love being on production with actors and being on set,” Packard said. “It’s a lot of people collaborating on one image, working towards the same goal as you. I hope that people wouldn’t connect to the characters in the film, but rather they would connect to the film as a whole. Every aspect that I put into my film I do intentionally to provide a connection with me and the viewer.” Packard uses the

competitiveness of the industry to remain inspired. “Lots of times I just feel like I am a little fish in a big pool.” Packard said. “Although I might struggle, I continue to come back to it, and I think that’s because I want to have a final product that someone can relate to emotionally. Films don’t have to be so plain faced. There is so much more that can go behind them.” Juliff concurs with Packard on the idea that movies may contain a deeper meaning. “Movies are an expression of life,” Juliff said. “Photography is truth; film is truth 24 times per second. It’s more than just moving images; it’s the life behind them and the connection you feel with humanity. Sometimes I walk out from watching a film and it changes my perspective or the way I see film. It is a truly moving experience.” Juliff derives his pursuit of film from his passion for the art itself. “I don’t know what else I would want to do with my life than be involved with cinema,” Juliff said. “How could you not want to

make movies? It’s the best thing in the world. It’s good that people are passionate about other things, but I hope they are as passionate as I am about movies.” Juliff credits his work to those who have impacted him throughout his life. “My brother is the only reason I wanted to pick up a video camera in the first place,” Juliff said. “All of the people that spent time with me and invested in me have influenced my work.” Juliff is confident in his aspiration to eventually become a professional in the filmmaking circuit. “I know that at the rate I am going, I will be able to make the picture I want to make because I have the passion, ability and determination,” Juliff said. “My best film is the one I haven’t made yet, and my favorite will always be the one I am working on.” Juliff encourages individuals to follow what they feel most strongly about. “For me cinema is therapeutic,” Juliff said. “This life is all we have, so try to do whatever you love.”

overcomes odds, follows love of learning

wasn’t enforced on us,” Sanchez said. “With my past, I always thought I would have the future that my parents had, that I would have a house and lose it.” She trails off, stops briefly, then picks right back up, talking about her family with bright lights in her eyes. “Through [everything,] I just said that education was my option out of this mess,” Sanchez said. “I had to make sure to be a better person to influence my family, to tell them that despite [our troubles], we could overcome. I never expected to graduate high school, and it’s such an honor.” As her senior year finishes, Sanchez has gone above and beyond anything her family expected of her. Her accomplishments speak for themselves, with admittances to the University of California Los Angeles, the University of California San Diego, and Houston Baptist University under her belt. Due to financial concerns, she won’t be able to attend UCLA, one of her dream schools. But Sanchez has worked too hard to let it concern her, and has a full ride to Texas A&M waiting for her after a year at Texas A&M

Commerce. She’s also logged countless hours at Hastings, working on as many scholarship applications as she could find. Within books in Hastings and in libraries, she’s found a refuge. “[From a young age], the library was like a hospital to me,” Sanchez said. “I was sheltered in all these books, and I [could] always lose myself into another world. I’d think about my future and how I had to work, [and could motivate others through being a volunteer].” As a Hall of Fame scholar, one of fourteen national winners of the 2011 FCCLA Japanese Exchange Scholarship, and a finalist for the Gates Millennium Scholarship, Sanchez has accomplished more than she dreamed as a sixth grader in Dallas, a town she admits was filled with people who didn’t seem to care. “Whenever I talk to my Dallas friends, some of them have gotten pregnant or dropped out of school or they’re just working at fast food places,” Sanchez said. “As hardworking people who [have proven that they] can overcome anything, my parents have inspired me. I want to be an inspiration to Latin

by Amy Zhang American students or students who have had horrible pasts or are facing hard situations.” Librarian Kendra Lundy, Sanchez’s chosen Hall of Fame educator, has full confidence in Sanchez’s abilities. “She’s extremely mature for her age, and she can do anything she wants,” Lundy said. “She has gone through a lot of disappointments, but she knows she’ll be okay.” Certainly, Sanchez knows how to face disappointment with a strong front. “My ability to overcome adversity has allowed me to push and push and never stop,” Sanchez

said. “Whenever I see obstacles, like not getting a Gates Millennium Scholarship, I always think that’s there’s something better that God has out there for me. That’s what life is.” Even though she has dreams of running an international agricultural business while being a missionary, Sanchez does not know for sure what she’ll be doing next year. However, she knows that with the right mindset, she can do anything. “Never give up. Always continue and strive hard for your dreams, even if they seem difficult,” Sanchez said. “Your goals are all up to you.”

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QUINTON WHITE

by Kate Williams When the football season came to a close and the boys of the fall turned in their pads and hung up their helmets, Quinton Lamar White Jr. was adding more weight to the bar, training harder and running faster, because the next time he stepped on the field would be in front of a screaming crowd of thousands. After many offers of college football scholarships from coaches all over the country, White decided to stay in his home state to play the sport he loves for the Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock. “I chose Texas Tech because I am a Texas boy,” White said. “It’s close to home and close

to my mom. I got a call, and the [Texas Tech football] coach told me I needed to start studying the playbook more because I am probably going to be starting my freshman year. It’s a scary feeling, but I am ready for the challenge.” White has excelled in many sports, starting athletics at a young age. “I have been playing [sports] since I was in the second grade,” White said. “It was a way for me to take out my stress when I was mad. I also had a lot of energy as a kid so my mom put me in sports to use all my energy. I played soccer because I thought it was fun because I would run back and

SOFIA ROJO DEL BUSTO

With a love for trying new things, as well as a family tree that stretches from Spain to Greece, cultural diversity is infused into senior Sofia Rojo del Busto’s blood. It is because of this deep respect for different cultures and a courage to step out of her comfort zone that Rojo del Busto is doing what she can to make sure that her dreams are not ignored. By saying goodbye to all that she has known and studying abroad in Greece for the first semester of her freshman year of college, she is taking a large step in the right direction. “I’m going to Northeastern in Boston for college next year, and for the first semester, since I’m majoring in international business, I was selected [by the college] to study abroad in Greece. It’s one of the best international business programs in the nation. It’s right for what I want to do, and it’s just perfect for me,” Rojo del Busto said. Rojo del Busto, who has always had a love for politics, hopes that her trip overseas will help her one day become a lawyer.

forth and not get tired. I played basketball because my mom played basketball in high school, and I wanted to give back to her so that she could watch the sport she loved.” White describes the feeling when he steps out on the football field as being unlike any other. “I still shake before every game, and I love it,” White said. “I feel like I am in control when I am on the field, and when I have the ball in my hands I can’t be stopped. That’s my mindset.” White accredits his mother for his success in sports and his dedication to football. “I wanted to do something to make her proud,” White said. “Going to college and playing sports I feel like it definitely makes her proud. She is the reason I play sports.” White has been faced with a leadership role on and off the field. “Since my mom is a single parent, we didn’t have our dad growing up,” White said, “I had to be the father figure to my two younger brothers. I get to talk to them about sports and that’s something I didn’t have growing up, but it’s hard raising them.” Unsatisfied with his success

earns football scholarship to Texas Tech

so far, White said he trains three hours a day every day to rise to the top. “I’m not satisfied yet,” White said. “I haven’t proven to be the best. I don’t just want to be another good running back from Consolidated. I want to go to college and prove myself.” White has learned throughout his time as a high school athlete that working hard in the classroom is important. “Coach Rhodes taught me that sports come second and my grades come first,” White said. Coach Dennis Rhodes has been a constant influence in White’s life in the duration of his high school career. “From his freshman year, he has matured a lot,” Rhodes said. “He has learned that he is in a position to be a strong influence and leave an impression on people around him. I have watched him channel that into a leadership role.” Rhodes values their relationship on a personal level. “Talking to him is like talking to one of my own sons, trying to lead him down the right path,” Rhodes said. “I came from a single parent family, so I could

relate with him on that aspect. My goal was to teach him how to be the very best he can be. Anything that’s not worth working for is not worth having, because you don’t appreciate it. I think he learned that. He didn’t know that at the beginning.” Rhodes feels they will always be close and that he will always be someone to turn to for White. “He is becoming an exceptional person,” Rhodes said. “I value his friendship, and I value his ability to learn. I would love him to know that if he ever needs me, I am here.” White hopes his future plans for football extend past college. “I am excited to pad up and play in front of thousands of fans, but I am more excited about getting my degree in kinesiology,” White said. “If God says the same, I want to go to the NFL, then become a high school football coach,” White said. “I feel like high school football is better than college football in a sense because you have a full team of players that you have grown up with and been playing with since kindergarten. I just love it.”

will travel to Greece for study

“As far as international business goes, I want to deal with foreign policy type of stuff, and eventually I want to do law and then go into politics,” Rojo del Busto said. “I like helping people. Just like doctors help people physically, lawyers help people emotionally, so I think I would like defending people and standing up for what’s right. I’m hoping that this trip will help me in law school and help me become a new kind of lawyer with a lot of foreign experience.” A downfall to being so far away, however, is the distance between Rojo del Busto and her tightly knit family. “Everyone in my family is really close. If I were to tell anyone anything exciting I call them first, and I can talk to them about everything,” Rojo del Busto said. “At first my dad was really excited whenever I got into the program and he started doing all this research, but I think it was just kind of a way for him to not really think about how far away I’m going to be.” While her family is disappointed to see her go, Rojo

del Busto believes that her trip overseas will provide an opportunity for her parents to view her as more of an adult. “My mom’s really excited because the college that I’ll be attending is the college that she went to whenever she was younger, which is really cool,” Rojo Del Busto said. “I think it will be good for them though because they’ll get used to me being so far away in Boston when I get back. I think they’re going to have to look at me more as an adult, not that they don’t already, but I think that it will really ding on them that ‘oh my gosh, our baby’s growing up’ and in the long run I know it will be okay. It will help them in the future whenever things really do start to change.” Despite this difficulty, Rojo del Busto is looking forward to the different experiences that she will have the opportunity to participate while in Greece. “I want to scuba dive in Greece, I want to climb some really famous mountains, I want to run on the beach because I hear the water is clear blue, I want to go to one of those places where

by Elena Edwards they cook lamb on a rack, I want to Greek dance, I just want the full experience,” Rojo del Busto said. “I want to learn about the other half of me because I know about the Spanish part so well but not as much about the Greek part. I want to learn and be able to speak Greek and just gain as much as I can from the three months that I’ll be there.” Rojo del Busto feels confident that despite the change that she will face in the future, she’ll walk away from her three months in Greece as a stronger and better prepared individual. “I’m excited because its

something new and I’m not starting out anywhere near home. I think it will help me to mature and change and accept other things, so that in the future, if I were to study abroad again, I wouldn’t be so scared, and I’d be more open to it,” Rojo del Busto said. “I think everybody who is going on this trip is kind of closing their eyes and stepping into the water, you know? But it’s not in a bad way. Change is just scary in any way, and with this being such a big change, it will be difficult to face, but I know we’ll get through it.”

Class of 2012 reveals post-graduation plans

alabama University of Alabama

maryland Johns Hopkins University

pennsylvania

Katy Turner

Joon Eoh

Shannon Earnest

Tuscaloosa, AL

arizona

University of Maryland - Baltimore County

University of Arizona

Tuscon, AZ

Emily Ryan

arkansas

Harding University

Searcy, AK

Becky Zalmanek

Stanford University

University of San Diego San Diego, CA

Cristina Diaz Clark

colorado Creed Flynn

Morgan Smith

Colorado State University Denver, CO

Lauren Cashion

florida

Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL

Chandler Kieschnick Kalli Krivdo

Nikole Reich

illinois Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Leonel Drukker Mamie Huang

Halimah Jones

Johannes Kronenberg

Chicago, IL

West Lafayette, IN

kansas Wichita State University Jaclyn Roddy

Wichita, KN

kentucky

University of Kentucky Lexington, KY

Taylor Christenson Liz Ellis

Kirstin Sylvester

louisiana

Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA

Chaiss Matthews

massachusetts Amherst College

Amherst, MA

Lisa Hsiao

Cambridge, MA

Serena Wang

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Eric Gan

Kevin Li

Northeastern University Boston, MA

missouri International House of Prayer

Kandi Johnson

Kansas City, MO

Josue Ordonez

montana Montana State University

Bozeman, MN

Tanise Fox

new jersey Princeton University Austen McDougal

Princeton, NJ

new york Ithaca College

Alexa Cepeda

University of Chicago

Cameron Cermin

Ben Zimmer

Sofia Rojo del Busto

Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO

Ithaca, NY

Emily Creasy

Fordham University New York City, NY

Jaci Foxworth

ohio

Chris Woodward

Gambier, OH

oklahoma Southern Nazarene University Connor Svajda

Oklahoma City, OK

oregon Oregon State University

Katie Rietman

Pennsylvania State University State College, PA

south carolina Wofford College Alec Paradowski

Corvallis, OR

Spartanburg, SC

tennessee Belmont University Cole Tatge

Nashville, TN

texas Abilene Christian University Zachary Bradford Zach Carstens Alex Carstens Lacey Chollett

Abilene, TX

Jack Giletto Adriel Grant Claire Warlick

Art Institute of Fort Worth Fort Worth, TX

Tiariann Johnson

Blinn College (cont.) Kirstie Karonka Kristin Kasper Jacob Kavanaugh Jonathan Tyler Kay Keith Kennedy Taylor Kennedy Lindsay Knight Leigha Koucker Kailey LaBove Max Lampo Brooke Landers Sara Landreneau Chandler Lawless Jordan Leventis Kristen Lewis Brooke Littlefield Paige Littlefield Sierica Manley Hailey Mason Kade Massey Perla May Cody McCoy Johnny McGruder Logan McKown Matthew Mclean Melissa Quiroz Mariam Molake Erica Myers Amanda Nelson Malik Oukil Lindsay Pancer Duy Phan Cole Prevost Brittany Pritchard Will Pyle Alejandra Quezada

Taylor Rafferty Andrew Ramsey Hanna Reynolds Mahua Rimon Samuel Robert Christian Rodriguez Joe Ruggiero Trevor Samuelson Keren Sanchez Jordan Sanders Brianna Scanlin Zachary Shafer Samantha Shepherd Cole Smith Nick Smith Bethany Startz Breanna Stephey Amanda Stribling Thomas Sweitzer Jocelyn Switker Syed Tana Aaron Terry Nguyen Tran Ethan Trexler Dustin Tschirchart Micah Turner Colby Turton Carius Vazanez Norma Velasquez Luis Velazquez Kaileigh Vincent Chelsea Warling Jacob Wiese Jared Wren Yuhua Zheng

Blinn College

Brenham, TX

Courtnie Sample Tierra Tucker

Stephen Zissimos Ashley Weir

Concordia University

Austin, TX

Art Institute of Houston Houston, TX

Kyle Duncan Kolby Graff

Austin College

Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX

Kevin Davis

Sara Krusekopf

Justin Levan

Austin, TX

Austin Community College Austin, TX Samantha Lopez

Baylor University

Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY

Kenyon College

Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA

Woody Wu

Ayush Panta

Palo Alto, CA

Celina Malavé

Halthorpe, MD

Harvard University

california

indiana Purdue University

Baltimore, MD

friday, may 18, 2012

Savannah Batista Ryan Colson

Blinn College Austin Adams Dustin Aleman Anam Ali Kandeel Ali Keven Allen Melinda Archer Madison Averitt Kristen Bettiol Bridgette Bird Robbie Birdwell Mario Bonilla Evan Brickey Christian Brinkman Amanda Calkins Ashley Camarillo Jeremy Capps Hope Cargill Kimmie Cessna Laura Chapman Taylor Chenault Trevor Croome Nahomi Diaz

Waco, TX

Holland Knapp

Bryan, TX

Nabir Dinani Matthew Durham Morgane Ellard Taylor Elms Austin Fortner Peter Glidewell Ben Gracia Kaylie Griner Tyler Guerrero Christina Haas Sammy Hajj-Ali Anna Hajj-Ali Randy Harrison Laurie Hartman Cody Holleman Guy Holmes Bryan Howell Paxton Hunter Joseph Ilika Adrian Jackson Connor Jahnke John Jaska Rontall

Steven Ramirez

Chelsea McAdams

East Texas Baptist University Marshall, TX Christina Salas

Houston Baptist University Houston, TX Blake Martin

Zerrick Merchant

ITT Technical Institute Chandlor Ratcliff

Kilgore College Jenna Helduser

Lamar University Darrin Campbell

Waco, TX

Zakk Rogers

Kilgore, TX

Beaumont, TX

Vivion Green

McLennan Community College Waco, TX Tracy Biggs

McMurry University Brett Mahnke

Navarro College Allie McCrady

Rice University Franco Bettati Alina Dattagupta

Abilene, TX Corsicana, TX Houston, TX

Peter Lambert

Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX Victoria Adeyemi Haley Bethell Taylor Beyer Laura Casper Bridget Guzman Victor Hernandez- Gomez Seth Holbert Mitchell Isbell Jackson McKellar

Meghan Mendez Ford Moore Kolencia Nicks Keena Place Austin Ray Courtney Rogers Zakk Rogers Sarah Stuart Carolyn Windham Briahna Yuodsnukis

Southwestern University Georgetown, TX Kaitlyn Corbett Jessica Malone

Taylor Tollett

Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX Wes Smith

Adam Wolf

Texas A&M at Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TX David Levias

Amber Wilson

Texas A&M at Commerce Commerce, TX Cesia Sanchez

Texas A&M at Galveston Galveston, TX Laura Beck Amy Bingaman Kayla Brumley Abbie Craigen Tyler Isenhart

Mary Marvin Rachel Sicilio Erin Sherry Marshall Strain

Texas A&M at Kingsville Kingsville, TX Patrick Alexshonis

Prairie View A&M Ta'Sjaie Harvey

Tyler Tesch Jonathan Turner Scott Weaver Bethany Wilke Taylor Williams

Houston, TX

Joneishia Hill

Mary Beth Keating Byung Kim Eszter Kish Sara Koseoglu David Lee Nathan Lee Raul Lima Macey Lively Riley Martinez Michelle McCreary Karen McVay Robyn Miller Sid Mitchell Laura Moore Angela No Tiana Noffsker Katherine Nunley Ryan Olivieri Liz Opiela Ruben Pensado Courtney Peters Allyson Peters Ryan Popham Kristina Raphael Raul Reddy Hunter Rhodes Nathan Robinson Courtney Rogers David Rooney Aimee Roubion Debra Ann Roussel John Schlueter Brandon Schumacher Josh Simon Kara Slaughter Dillon Smith Kayley Smith Kendra Spaw Annie Steiner Jeff Steines Madeline Street

Kate Williams Kirby Williamson Sarah Wilson Dean Zhu

Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX

Abbey Askins Raquel de la Bastide

Riley Ferrell

Texas Southern University Houston, TX

Kirsti Shields

Texas State University San Marcos, TX Tyler Phillips Victoria Quintana

Brittany Torrez Alexandria Watson

Texas State Technical College Abilene, TX

Donald Hutchcraft

Texas Tech University Rebecca Albrecht Jack Chastka Kitt Crabb Joshua Lollar

Trinity University Cody Hamilton

Tyler Junior College Ryan Rhodes

Texas A&M University College Station, TX

Adrienne Adamson Sarah Almand Jackie Amdor Evan Ball Kasey Bangs Susie Barr Justin Benden Joanna Benjamin Matthew Bilke Kelly Bonasera Heather Brewer Tyler Bright Kendall Browning Shelby Buenger Edison Caldwell Katie Cantrell Alex Caruso Katie Cerami Fatima Charara Camillo Clavijo Kendall Dale Will Davis Sophie Durre Abigayle English Saadman Faridi Sarah Feigenbaum Rachael Florian Kelsey Gaines Maci Greene Libby Gustitis Madison Haas Duru Han Meredith Hansen Natalie Hatley Abby Hedge Macy Hicks Katie Higgins Nick Hoganson Charles Hopkins Jennifer Hoyle Cassidy Hudson

Texas A&M University (cont.)

utah Brigham Young University Alison Garlick

Utah State University Carter Park

Provo, UT Logan, UT

virginia

armed services Marines Matt Cardenas Matt Robinson

Josué Vargas Demetrius Willingham

Army Travis Black James Fletcher

Xzavier Roberson

Air Force Shaunna Fitzpatrick

district of columbia

Ashley Cobbs

Joyce White

Eboni Daniels Garryn Green Shadman Iqbal

Damian Lucas Eric Manuel

American University

Sarah Morgan

canada

Washington, DC Kilgore College

Trinity Western University Langley, BC

Ryan Robison

Navy

other Gap Year

Job Nathan Nichols Taylor O'Brian

Ransom Synwolt

Mission Trip Patrick Cunha

Sport Ben Wilkins

Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

Maurice Vellas

the roar | seniors | 9

Tech School David Leal

Undecided Catherine Chenault Christopher Dean Cameron English Kristina Monsivais

Mercedes Hilligoss Shalee Russell Lee Shepherd Landan Quartemont

Hannah Conrad

Lubbock, TX

Marco Ponce Megan Schulte Thomas Vasquez Quinton White

San Antonio, TX

Tyler, TX

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, TX

Kathryn Phinney Kendall Pye

Ciara Saunders Andres Tani

University of North Texas Denton, TX Tristen Barina Michelle Daleon Jenna Elsik Kelli Knott Chris Lopez

Zach Stolte Andrea Urbina Artem Vasilyev Yue Yan

University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX Kyunghwan Kim

University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX

Austin Anderson Tatiana Aramayo Paige Blomstedt Nevin Blum Amy Briggs Kyle Campbell Rebecca Chester Sarah Choi Aparna Datta Dustin Fry Michael Giedraitis Marie Guermond Adela Han Alex Hoganson Kent Juliff

Young-Jee Jung Joanne Koola Anikka Lekven Tom Li David Lo Katy Massey Yechan Moon Madeline Packard Joy Pfuntner Jesse Saenz Casey Shomaker Brent Winemiller Amy Zhang Alexander Zietsman

University of Texas at Dallas Dallas, TX Isabelle Andal

University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX Arusa Ali

Devonshire Lokke

UTI Technical Institute Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston, TX Ryan Erickson

check out the online version of the map at:

http://g.co/maps/y3rnf

Don’t see your name here? Contact us on Facebook or at the.roar@ymail.com, and we will add you to the online version!

t world’senon d i n g we’re justtaking over.

the

seeyou, SENIO12S:

8 | seniors | the roar

results compiled by The Roar Staff from 423 survey responses

Class of 2012 reveals post-graduation plans

alabama University of Alabama

maryland Johns Hopkins University

pennsylvania

Katy Turner

Joon Eoh

Shannon Earnest

Tuscaloosa, AL

arizona

University of Maryland - Baltimore County

University of Arizona

Tuscon, AZ

Emily Ryan

arkansas

Harding University

Searcy, AK

Becky Zalmanek

Stanford University

University of San Diego San Diego, CA

Cristina Diaz Clark

colorado Creed Flynn

Morgan Smith

Colorado State University Denver, CO

Lauren Cashion

florida

Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL

Chandler Kieschnick Kalli Krivdo

Nikole Reich

illinois Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Leonel Drukker Mamie Huang

Halimah Jones

Johannes Kronenberg

Chicago, IL

West Lafayette, IN

kansas Wichita State University Jaclyn Roddy

Wichita, KN

kentucky

University of Kentucky Lexington, KY

Taylor Christenson Liz Ellis

Kirstin Sylvester

louisiana

Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, LA

Chaiss Matthews

massachusetts Amherst College

Amherst, MA

Lisa Hsiao

Cambridge, MA

Serena Wang

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA

Eric Gan

Kevin Li

Northeastern University Boston, MA

missouri International House of Prayer

Kandi Johnson

Kansas City, MO

Josue Ordonez

montana Montana State University

Bozeman, MN

Tanise Fox

new jersey Princeton University Austen McDougal

Princeton, NJ

new york Ithaca College

Alexa Cepeda

University of Chicago

Cameron Cermin

Ben Zimmer

Sofia Rojo del Busto

Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO

Ithaca, NY

Emily Creasy

Fordham University New York City, NY

Jaci Foxworth

ohio

Chris Woodward

Gambier, OH

oklahoma Southern Nazarene University Connor Svajda

Oklahoma City, OK

oregon Oregon State University

Katie Rietman

Pennsylvania State University State College, PA

south carolina Wofford College Alec Paradowski

Corvallis, OR

Spartanburg, SC

tennessee Belmont University Cole Tatge

Nashville, TN

texas Abilene Christian University Zachary Bradford Zach Carstens Alex Carstens Lacey Chollett

Abilene, TX

Jack Giletto Adriel Grant Claire Warlick

Art Institute of Fort Worth Fort Worth, TX

Tiariann Johnson

Blinn College

Brenham, TX

Courtnie Sample Tierra Tucker

Stephen Zissimos Ashley Weir

Concordia University

Austin, TX

Art Institute of Houston Houston, TX

Kyle Duncan Kolby Graff

Austin College

Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TX

Kevin Davis

Sara Krusekopf

Justin Levan

Austin, TX

Austin Community College Austin, TX Samantha Lopez

Baylor University

Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, NY

Kenyon College

Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA

Woody Wu

Ayush Panta

Palo Alto, CA

Celina Malavé

Halthorpe, MD

Harvard University

california

indiana Purdue University

Baltimore, MD

friday, may 18, 2012

Savannah Batista Ryan Colson

Waco, TX

Holland Knapp

Bryan, TX

Steven Ramirez

Chelsea McAdams

East Texas Baptist University Marshall, TX Christina Salas

Houston Baptist University Houston, TX Blake Martin

Zerrick Merchant

ITT Technical Institute Chandlor Ratcliff

Kilgore College Jenna Helduser

Lamar University Darrin Campbell

Waco, TX

Zakk Rogers

Kilgore, TX

Beaumont, TX

Vivion Green

McLennan Community College Waco, TX Tracy Biggs

McMurry University Brett Mahnke

Navarro College Allie McCrady

Rice University Franco Bettati Alina Dattagupta

Abilene, TX Corsicana, TX Houston, TX

Peter Lambert

Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX Victoria Adeyemi Haley Bethell Taylor Beyer Laura Casper Bridget Guzman Victor Hernandez- Gomez Seth Holbert Mitchell Isbell Jackson McKellar

Meghan Mendez Ford Moore Kolencia Nicks Keena Place Austin Ray Courtney Rogers Zakk Rogers Sarah Stuart Carolyn Windham Briahna Yuodsnukis

Southwestern University Georgetown, TX Kaitlyn Corbett Jessica Malone

Taylor Tollett

Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX Wes Smith

Adam Wolf

Texas A&M at Corpus Christi Corpus Christi, TX David Levias

Amber Wilson

Texas A&M at Commerce Commerce, TX Cesia Sanchez

Texas A&M at Galveston Galveston, TX Laura Beck Amy Bingaman Kayla Brumley Abbie Craigen Tyler Isenhart

Mary Marvin Rachel Sicilio Erin Sherry Marshall Strain

Texas A&M at Kingsville Kingsville, TX Patrick Alexshonis

Prairie View A&M Ta'Sjaie Harvey

Tyler Tesch Jonathan Turner Scott Weaver Bethany Wilke Taylor Williams

Houston, TX

Joneishia Hill

Kate Williams Kirby Williamson Sarah Wilson Dean Zhu

Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX

Abbey Askins Raquel de la Bastide

Riley Ferrell

Texas Southern University Houston, TX

Kirsti Shields

Texas State University San Marcos, TX Tyler Phillips Victoria Quintana

Brittany Torrez Alexandria Watson

Texas State Technical College Abilene, TX

Donald Hutchcraft

Texas Tech University Rebecca Albrecht Jack Chastka Kitt Crabb Joshua Lollar

Trinity University Cody Hamilton

Tyler Junior College Ryan Rhodes

Texas A&M University College Station, TX

Texas A&M University (cont.)

utah Brigham Young University Alison Garlick

Utah State University Carter Park

Provo, UT Logan, UT

virginia

armed services Marines Matt Cardenas Matt Robinson

Josué Vargas Demetrius Willingham

Army Travis Black James Fletcher

Xzavier Roberson

Air Force Shaunna Fitzpatrick

district of columbia

Ashley Cobbs

Joyce White

Eboni Daniels Garryn Green Shadman Iqbal

Damian Lucas Eric Manuel

American University

Sarah Morgan

canada

Washington, DC Kilgore College

Trinity Western University Langley, BC

Ryan Robison

Navy

other Gap Year

Job Nathan Nichols Taylor O'Brian

Ransom Synwolt

Mission Trip Patrick Cunha

Sport Ben Wilkins

Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA

Maurice Vellas

the roar | seniors | 9

Tech School David Leal

Undecided Catherine Chenault Christopher Dean Cameron English Kristina Monsivais

Mercedes Hilligoss Shalee Russell Lee Shepherd Landan Quartemont

Hannah Conrad

Lubbock, TX

Marco Ponce Megan Schulte Thomas Vasquez Quinton White

San Antonio, TX

Tyler, TX

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Belton, TX

Kathryn Phinney Kendall Pye

Ciara Saunders Andres Tani

University of North Texas Denton, TX Tristen Barina Michelle Daleon Jenna Elsik Kelli Knott Chris Lopez

Zach Stolte Andrea Urbina Artem Vasilyev Yue Yan

University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX Kyunghwan Kim

University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX

Young-Jee Jung Joanne Koola Anikka Lekven Tom Li David Lo Katy Massey Yechan Moon Madeline Packard Joy Pfuntner Jesse Saenz Casey Shomaker Brent Winemiller Amy Zhang Alexander Zietsman

University of Texas at Dallas Dallas, TX Isabelle Andal

University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX Arusa Ali

Devonshire Lokke

UTI Technical Institute Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston, TX Ryan Erickson

check out the online version of the map at:

http://g.co/maps/y3rnf

Don’t see your name here? Contact us on Facebook or at the.roar@ymail.com, and we will add you to the online version!

t world’senon d i n g we’re justtaking over.

the

seeyou, SENIO12S:

8 | seniors | the roar

results compiled by The Roar Staff from 423 survey responses

10 | seniors | the roar

friday, may 18, 2012

Seniors salute freshmen siblings Compiled by Abigayle English Photos provided by seniors

Macy & Carly Hicks

eter Kate & Pm Willia s Dear Peter, Hey bud. I have gotten to know you and watched you grow this year, and even though I may not be around all the time in the years to come, this was our year together, the year we became best friends. That’s never going to change. At the beginning of year I asked God to bring us closer together, and I look back and smile to see that prayer answered in ten fold. Thank you for being you. Remember Romans 12:9. I love you, Kate

Alina & Preetha

Dattagupta

My dearest Preetha, You are the strongest person I know. Remember that hard work never goes without reward. Try your best on everything and make sure you always keep a positive attitude. Always help others in need and make sure you give more than you receive. Also make sure to always have a smile on your face! If you ever need anything, I will be there for you in a heartbeat. I love you so much! Love always, Didi

Carly, You are the best little sister I could have asked for. You are so sweet and kind and so incredibly talented, and I am so proud of you. Thank you for always being patient and for being the role model. I know I’m not the best at showing it, but I love you more than you can imagine. Always remember to thank Mommy and Daddy for being wonderful – we are incredibly blessed to have them. Keep working on your vertical – I know you’ll be able to jump over me someday. Your loving sister, Macy P.S. Daddy is right. Boys are icky.

Kimmie & Randy Cessna Dear Rands, Being your big sister growing up has been a privilege. Seeing you steal bases, you coming to know an amazing God, and even seeing you grow taller than me, I could not be anything but proud. My advice is simple, whenever you find yourself in good times or bad, look to God for answers because he will give you the faith for whatever lies ahead. I know you will do great things when you set that hard head of yours to anything, I love you, Kimmie

Sara & Kyle Krusekopf Sara & Emil Koseolgu Emil, Take every opportunity you get these next few years to meet new people and experience new things. Don’t procrastinate (too much) and try to stay out of trouble at school and at home. But most importantly, don’t take yourself or others too seriously. Make sure to laugh, smile and have fun every chance you get. Good luck! Love, Sara

To My Favorite Little Brother: While it blows my mind that we came from the same gene pool because of our opposite personalities, I am so blessed and honored that we did. It has been a joy to watch you grow into the passionate and powerful person you are. Don’t let high school deter you from your dreams or passions. Forever, Sara

Aparna & Anisha Datta

Alec & Megan Paradowski Dear Megan, You’ve got so much going for you, and I’m so proud to call you my sister. Don’t get caught up in who the world wants you to be, but stay true to yourself. I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the future. Stay focused and give 100 percent in everything you do! Love, Alec P.S. No dating until after high school.

Anisha!!! Where has the time gone? I can’t believe you’re going to be a sophomore soon! Even though I’m going off to college, I’ll always be here for you. You are a bright and talented person, and you should never forget that! Stay focused, but still enjoy the next three years! Love, Didi

the roar | seniors | 11

friday, may 18, 2012

Class of 2012 recalls favorite aspects of Consol What was your favorite year at Consol and why?

158

160 140

Favorite All Time Teacher Matthew Young

Mariam Molake: Senior year: “The end was in sight.”

120

ext for n

e dvic ur a nsol? o y .” Co t is blink Wha ents at on’t ast. D f o stud o t

100

20 0 Jackie Amdor: Freshman year: “Coming to a new campus was refreshing and exciting.”

year

’s

to be ol is oung scho en oo y h t ig e r e H ’ r “ yn G , you -Gav ur life p yo u s s ’t me our off y “Don ure.” tick il t a ’ f n o a piela nd d -Liz O ork a mew o h r u do h yo t and “Finis ers.” fulles ontaneh e c h t rt a e p e o t Holb ent t ces. Be s mom - Seth en each w experi e v li e ys fn “Alwa afraid o e en.” not b lassm nderc ous.” n Cashion u e b t .don’ -Laure men.. rclass s e d n “U am in Ad -Aust

Who was your favorite teacher?

Social Studies Jason Pratt

Foreign Language Peggy Cryan

Taylor Beyer: Junior year: “I finally settled into the school and it felt like a second home.” Kent Juliff: Sophomore year: “Emily Ryan.”

What was your favorite activity as a senior? No TAKS

Senior Skate Day

Elective Class:

11.7%

Math & Athletics Stoney Pryor

General favorites: Dress Up Day:

Music:

School Dance:

36.3%

11% Science Casey Akin

8.9% 14.1%

Graduation Off-periods

17.3%

Other

Foods 101

Pajama Day

Senior Wellness

.34%: Senior Survey

What was your favorite book in English class at Consol?

Results compiled from a survey of 215 seniors.

Country

Prom

What w il l y o u about C o n so l? m is s m o st

“I will mis s because the warm water fountain they built s - Austen McDoug character.” a l “I will m iss locked d being able to o oor betw pen the e and the cafeteria en the band hall because made m e it always - Dustin Fr feel like a spy.” y “I will m is me thro s my teachers ugh my who he sc if it wasn ’t for the hool years, be lped cause where I ir h e lp, I wou am now ld not b .” -Whitney e Esparza

Principal Buddy Reed

English DeAnn Aalbers

12 | seniors | the roar

friday, may 18, 2012

KeLSEY GAINES

position: assistant news editor college: Texas A&M major: undecided

kimmie cessna

position: assistant sports editor college: Blinn College major: education

Lesson learned through friend’s challenge

Common courtesy lacking through Consol

It was a late night conversation that cleared it all up; he confirmed what I had known in my heart for quite some time. But hearing it did not rock my world or send me into battle about whether or not I could be his friend. He was the same person I had known the day before and he remained the same person that I had loved all my life. If anything, him telling me that he was gay made me the proudest I had ever been of him. In knowing him for most of my life, I have listened to people verbally abuse him, taunt him, and tell him he is going to hell. They didn’t always know he was gay; they just assumed and saw him as different. I would find myself fuming after witnessing such heartless events, but in the midst of my rage I’d look over and see him taken aback, but never defeated or drug down to their level. It took me most of my high school career to become aware of the negative impact their words had on my attitude towards others. The words that people so carelessly flung from their lips or said under their breath in passing seemed to stab me harder than they did him sometimes. They were trying to hurt my friend, someone I loved. I was constantly trying to comprehend how they could get so much fulfillment out of trying to bring another person down. Slowly, in response to these incidents, I became no better than my word-flinging peers. I would shoot them daggers at school; I would talk about how much I despised them to my friends and given the opportunity, I would even throw out similar rude comments at them and become excited knowing I was being able to fight them with their own weapons. I was letting their

While surviving my four years here at Consol, one would think I would have all the advice to get Consol students through the rest of the years. Some students would say, “Do not procrastinate, get ahead, and get involved.” Well, my advice is a little more geared towards the daily thoughts and situations I encountered; the lack of common courtesy in our school. Hallways: Know what to do, and what to expect. While trying to walk swiftly through the crowded halls to get to my classes, with the little time I have, I would suddenly be interrupted by the stopping of a person directly in front of me. When someone suddenly halted in the middle of the hallway, I would occasionally and accidently run into the person. After bumping into the person and apologizing for their abrupt stopping, I would get a harsh look that made me want to yell at the person for even stopping in the middle of the hallway to begin with. Fortunately, I would just keep walking and try to get to class on time. Alongside students abruptly stopping in the middle of the hallway, the amount of PDA in the hallways is a little to the extreme. Do not get me wrong, I think couples walking to class together and holding hands is an acceptable act. When I cannot go a few feet without a couple attacking each other with their lips is when PDA gets a little inappropriate and blinding to the eyes. Some would say just to not look, but it gets difficult when I am surrounded by it constantly. Sometimes I just want to look out the window at the beautiful day, but cannot due to a couple displaying too much affection. A good solution to PDA is to show affection outside of school. School Parking lot: Just park the car

words and attitude bring me down to their level and I was completely blind to the monster that I had evolved into. I had become the person that I previously thought I could not understand. To my horror, I realized I was not a part of the solution, but a part of the problem. Facing that realization was almost more troubling to me than the people I so strongly disliked. In learning the truth about myself I realized I would have to fight this battle in a different manner. Being his friend had become a journey through which I was taught more than I ever anticipated by simply knowing someone. I became aware that life is about rolling with the punches, however they are thrown. It’s about showing people love, especially when they’re being the most unloving, because you never know what they’re dealing with in their lives. Life’s about being the bigger person and striving to be a light to others in a very dark world. It’s about understanding that some people won’t accept who you are, for whatever reason, and that it is okay. Getting worked up over how people acted towards my friend or anything else I did not agree with was a waste of my emotions and drew me away from showing people love. He never sat down and told me that I should not get worked up by what they said, but by seeing how he loved people who hated him changed me. It changed how I react, think, and love other people, even the ones that try and bring me down. It is astounding how much better life is when you seek out the good in bad situations and when you search for opportunities to love people any chance you get, no matter the circumstances. Kelsey will be attending Texas A&M University. She is not sure what to major in, but is waiting for guidance to choose the right career. If you’d like to talk to her about a smiliar situation, email her at kgaines04@yahoo.com.

Kimmie will be attending Blinn College and pursuing a major in education. She is anxious about making it through college, but is also excited to see where she ends up. If you’d like to ease her mind of worries, mail her at amctigers12@yahoo.com.

or truck, no one cares about revving engines and honking vehicles. Another situation I would come upon was the spacious luxurious parking lot -insert sarcasm here- I walk across daily. Maneuvering through the parking lot at our school is like a game of dodge ball. Trying to not get hit by a car, the loud obnoxious noise of a person finding the gas pedal and revving their engine, the speed the cars come at; the game gets quite challenging and dangerous. So be careful, students at Consol, and let the games begin. Cafeteria: Pick up the trash and lend a hand to the hard working custodians When the bell rings between lunches to let kids in and out of the cafeteria, the tables are bombarded with trash. Looking around, I have noticed the mass amounts of trash the custodians have to pick up after people. The custodians in our school work extremely hard to maintain a clean environment for students daily. Having to go the extra mile to pick up trash is something most people are capable to do themselves. Students: R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means for the teachers’ sake. During class instruction time some students choose to not pay attention and do unnecessary tasks that do not relate to the subject. When a teacher addresses a problem amongst a student sometimes back talking is encountered. Some students find the need to give the teacher back talk for their wrong doing, well; doing this back talking is not needed. Teachers here at Consol are trying to further our education and we should be respectful of that. There are probably more frustrations students at Consol come upon. My advice to Consol students is to not forget common courtesy and try to show respect to others.

the roar | seniors | 13

friday, may 18, 2012

ABIGAYLE ENGLISH position: news editor college: Texas A&M major: education

Friend serves as faithful companion, inspiration

We don’t have pillow fights or braid each other’s hair. We seldom carry on long texting conversations and our arguments are as rare as a senior who still does homework. We can read each other’s minds with a single eyebrow raise and have spent days laughing about the same YouTube video or inside joke. Courtney Peters is the definition of a best friend and for that I am eternally indebted to her. After twelve years of being around me, I would not blame her for having a dart board with my picture on it. My jokes get old, sarcasm continues to dry out and I begin telling the same story to the same person multiple times. But Courtney has remained constant through it all. She laughs at all my jokes (sometimes to the point of tears), falls for all my old school tricks (“Hey look, a deer!” *steals cheeto*) and listens to me repeat myself without rolling her eyes. If patience is a virtue then Courtney is the description of virtuous. It all started in first grade when we bonded while cheating on spelling tests. We became instant pals and formed a connection during the long hot bus rides home. One of our favorite childhood games was a classic that I’m sure most students also took part in. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the bus and continually slapping each other on the legs to see who would turn the reddest before their bus stop. My mom always seemed a bit worried when I came home bleeding, but appreciated the fact that I was making friends that could put up with my “unique personality.” Growing up we passed through many phases of our lives together and never experienced a falling out. We went through tom–boy stages, boyfriend issues, grandparent funerals, broken bones, parent divorces, sicknesses and surgeries, almost failing classes, and more. No matter where

I found myself on that lovely mountain of life, I always knew Courtney would be right behind me. Courtney has seen me at my very worst and at the lowest points of my life, but for some reason has decided to continue our friendship (the investigating of whether my parents are paying her is still inconclusive). The Christlikeness of Courtney is not hard to witness as she always seems to find the best in people and love them for that. I don’t think that she would have known what the word judge meant if it wasn’t for our American Idol obsession. Not only does Courtney accept my “matchless individuality” but she also does not mind partaking in ridiculousness with me. We have jammed to rock band, dressed my dog up for our annual pet fashion show, made dozens of muffins each with a different secret ingredient (shout out to my sister for trying every single one of them), made up songs about squirrels eating habits, told jokes to other drivers at red lights, and much more. I appreciate Courtney’s willingness to be herself around me and her compliance to let me be my foolish self around her as well. Many times we have found ourselves rolling on the floor crying from laughter, and I know that this will always continue (until we become too old to roll around and will instead resort to laughter in our walker or wheelchair). Courtney has enough patience to room with me in a dorm next year, and I can only pray that our suite mates can put up with our nonsensicality as well. So, thanks, Court, for the advice, the laughs, the memories, your patience, your prayers, an ever-present shoulders to cry on, ears willing to listen, and for your Christlike example that I look up to every day. I owe you more than I could ever try to repay but I thank God constantly for blessing me with your friendship. Abigayle will be attending Texas A&M University next year to major in education. With faithful friends always at her side, she looks forward to this new adventure. If you’d like to contact her, email her at maenglish@suddenlink.net

ELENA EDWARDS position: opinions editor college: Blinn College major: undecided

Rejection provides valuable learning experience In the eyes of some, I have failed. I didn’t get into Texas A&M University and have decided to attend Blinn College. Those words have felt like lacerating, poison-laced daggers coming out of my mouth these past few weeks. I did everything that I thought I was supposed to do, and although I’ve never slaved over school, my grades have always been good enough for me, for my parents, and I had hoped for the single university to which I applied. I’ll admit, my emotions have been what I visually image as the Tasmanian Deviluncontrollable and sporadic. I’ve gone from feeling confident that this happened for a reason, to feeling like a grade A loser who’s going nowhere in life. And if there’s one thing I’m confident about, it’s that this rejection is just one of many for me in my lifetime. There is a way to ease the aching pain that so often accompanies the cold blow of a rejection, however, and that’s to not view your situation as a failure, but rather as an opportunity to experience something different than what you had originally anticipated. For example, I applied to be on the yearbook staff in 10th grade, and I didn’t make it. So instead, I applied for the newspaper staff, made it, and realized that I have a passion for words and for people. The alternate route that I was able to take due to my original rejection turned out to be a blessing, and an experience that ignited a certain passion in me that I know I would not have found elsewhere in high school. Point being, beautiful things can result from an initial let down, all you have to do is look. I don’t have good study habits, and I have no idea what I want to do with my life. With my current situation, I’m now able to really look at what my freshman year could have been like at A&M…stressful and disorganized. I’ve also come to realize just how Elena will be attending Blinn College next year and hopes to figure out what she wants to major in. She feels confident that many more lessons will be learned next year. If you’d like to get in touch with her, email her at elenaedwards12@yahoo.com

prideful I am…too proud to be able to say that I’m going to Blinn College without turning bright red and wanting to curl up in a ball of shame and disappear. I’ve always told myself that the grades you make, the college you attend and the amount of money you earn doesn’t define you or make you any better, more important, or more worthy than the next person. But when it came down to it, I was embarrassed to admit I was going to Blinn, and I’m really not proud of that. I got so wrapped up in worrying what other people think and receiving an acceptance letter from a college that would make me look smart and successful, that I forgot to trust in God, and as a result subjected myself to a lot of negative feelings that I could have avoided. I guess if there’s one thing that I would want somebody to take away from my experience, and this advice is just as much a reminder to myself as it is to others, is that as bad as rejection hurts, it’s no reason to get down on yourself or feel like you’re not adequate enough. God has a plan for everyone, and even though you may not be able to understand why something didn’t turn out as you had hoped, I believe that there is always at least one good thing that can be found in all situations if you really search for it. As for me, I’ll be at Blinn next year, improving my study habits, figuring out what I want to pursue in life, marinating in the fact that I’m surrounded by valuable, beautiful people at my community college, and will be continually learning to trust that the Lord will always be my guiding hand. Rejection is a part of life. It’s going to happen to the best of us. And even though it may seem like the world’s screaming in your face that you’re a failure, it is so vitally important to remember who you are, and to know that a loving and happy heart is what will lead you to your success, rejections and all.

14 | seniors | the roar

friday, may 18, 2012

KATE WILLIAMS

position: senior editor college: Texas A&M major: communications

Appreciation of surroundings leads senior to value others Look up. Scan your eyes across the room to see what consumes, surrounds and leaves an impact every second of every day: people. Human beings have set footprints literally and figuratively in this place we call home. No matter what you believe, where you are from or who you are, deep down each individual understands that mankind is precious. These beautiful beings have talent, intellect, emotion and most importantly each heart that beats has a story behind or before them. Because every human is a novel full of live chapters sitting on a shelf just waiting to be reached for and poured over, analyzed, dog-eared and memorized. The sole purpose of this binding of pages is to be loved simply for the way their story fits so perfectly in someone else’s hands. I believe everyone knows they are here for a reason. They weren’t printed just to sit on a shelf, never to have cracked their stiff spine. They were meant to be known. Known better than they know themselves. Known by the reader. As readers, it is our job to make an effort, pursue, and dedicate our valuable time that we have in this extraordinary library of people. We have the opportunity to carry a conversation with a stranger, to feel compassion for those in need, to hold a young life tenderly in our hands. These beautiful glimpses of life illustrate the intricacies of communication. We perceive, evaluate and respond and repeat the cycle over and over and over and over again as it becomes our nature. This moving windmill generates an energy and excitement among the human race that explains the past and produces a precursor for the future. Communication makes the world go round. Whether it be through a squeeze

of the hand, a teary-eyed smile, words of kindness or a simple silent presence, these interactions make us who we are. With every moment that passes, the gift of communication is being given, received, rejected or accepted. It’s what makes the human race a fine web with no incidental pattern. However, as it is often said, with this great power to connect, comes great responsibility. It is up to us to stop. Look up. Approach. Listen. Respond. It is up to us to close the gap between one another, to cross the line of acquaintance and move closer to friendship, love, and eternal connection. I challenge the one that is quick to speak to listen intently and the one that listens to speak wisely. Approach each other with love and leave each other with joy. Tie your heart to birds of your feather, so that you may all soar high together. Reach out to those in pain, barely hanging on by a vine of thorns and lift them up on level ground, so they can stand and heal. Dig deep into thought, so that any seeds that are planted in the mind grow only the sweetest fruit. This is our purpose. To love and to be loved. Our stories are just beginning, our books barely written. Never forget to stop and read others. And once you have read the astounding stories, seen the miraculous illustrations and appreciate the writing, maybe then you will read the greatest story of all: The perfect story. The one who sacrificed his very being after being ripped, destroyed and scared just so that the burned books’ stories may live forever. The one that died for his love of our incriminated, tangled web of this world. The one that makes stories eternal. The Author of all stories, Jesus Christ. Kate will be attending Texas A&M University next year to major in communications. She cannot wait to see what her fellow classmates have in store and to see who they truly are. If you’d like to share her sentiments, email her at kate_ williams777@yahoo.com.

KENDRA SPAW

position: executive editor college: Texas A&M major: education

Newfound calling allows senior to form aspirations “It started out as a feeling, which then grew into a hope, which then turned into a quiet thought, which then turned into a quiet word. And then that word grew louder and louder until it was a battle cry. I’ll come back when you call me, no need to say goodbye.” - Regina Spektor Many seniors are graduating this year not knowing what they want to do with their life. I, on the other hand, am extremely blessed to have found my calling, and I am ready to pursue it with all my heart. As Regina Spektor sang in her song “The Call”, for me it started as a feeling. I had a natural pull towards those in need, a sense of protection and comfort for those who didn’t know how to handle certain situations. I wanted to listen to people who were hurting and advise them, hoping that I could impact their life in that instant. I hoped that anytime they experienced a pain similar to that again, the words I said to them could and would aid them. With that hope came a quiet thought. As I watched my younger sisters age and learn, I realized how much I wanted to positively influence them. I wanted to teach them how to read and add, I wanted to teach them how to act properly. This motivation I felt to help them made me realize that there was something in my heart telling me to be there to support those who lack the knowledge to support themselves. Finally, that thought turned into a quiet word: teach. The word rushed on me with impenetrable force. What was more valuable than giving a human the ability to coexist in this crazy world? To count, to write, to express, to interact, to care. All of these abilities are essential to the success of a human, and by letting Kendra will be attending Texas A&M University next year to major in education. She’s so excited to put her calling into effect and touch the lives of others through teaching. If you’d like to learn more about her, email her at kendraspaw@ gmail.com.

what I know and have learned from others to flow from my lips into the tender and hungry minds of kids who want to be loved and appreciated would only seem natural to my driven heart. As I first accepted the idea of myself as an instructor, I had dreams of going to India and Africa to teach the impoverished youth how to read, write, and count so they could provide a better future for themselves than what society tries to make them believe is possible. I want children to know all that there is to know, and I feel that it is a crime to rob youth from the chance to ever get beyond the limitations of ignorance. So, this is now my battle cry. I will help those who are pushed aside. I will help the students that refuse to follow instruction because they’ve never had someone care if they even existed. Children need to be taught the alternative ways to handle troubles in life instead of being sent away to be someone else’s problem. Children need to realize that there are people in their lives who want to see them succeed, and yet they must be conscious that everyone deserves a chance to shine, not only themselves. I will hold the hands of those with empty ones and lead them to a brighter future. I leave this school satisfied with what I’ve learned and experienced. I hope that one day I give a student of my own that feeling. Who knows, maybe I’ll teach students in Bryan, or maybe I’ll follow my dreams and teach students in Indonesia. Either way I’ll be back, and there is no need to say goodbye.

the roar | seniors | 15

friday, may 18, 2012

AMY ZHANG

position:editor-in-chief college: University of Texas major: Plan II Honors

ALINA DATTAGUPTA

position: managing editor college: Rice University major: chemical engineering

Future, decisions cause worrying complications

Chance to achieve dreams helps overcome fear

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who got the top award for mathematics in her French/English preschool in scenic Colorado Springs, Colorado. At that point, the little girl was so shy that she could barely walk up to the stage in front of “hundreds” of people to accept said award. To be quite honest, she spent the entire trip there and back frantically praying that she wouldn’t trip. This little girl had a pretty fantastic life, in her five-year-old opinion. To her, life’s greatest problem was whether or not to wear a dress that particular day—a dilemma solved quite easily by the fact that if it was more than 70 degrees outside, a dress would be worn. But somewhere along the way, life complicated itself. Gone were the days where the largest conflicts arose from alliances for freeze tag on the playground or the preference for the purple crayon over the green one. She found herself having to compete with others, striving for first in everything from multiplication tables to AR point totals. She met a girl who would trip her every day during PE, making it impossible for her to jump-rope properly. When she was seven, a little brother came into her life, complicating things even further. Certainly, it isn’t as if life took a nosedive into a pit of horridness; after all, she was quite the drama queen. (That much hasn’t changed.) However, as her choices grew, her indecisiveness developed as well. She found herself developing a natural tendency to teeter back and forth on her toes, a physical embodiment of her indecision. With every rock back and forth, decisions presented themselves—each time she timidly scratched her left leg with her right foot or frantically tucked her too-short hair behind her ears, anyone could tell that some “life decision” was bothering her. Twelve years later, the little girl isn’t

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” While I am a huge believer in my dreams and have full faith in what I would like to accomplish, I’ve always been apprehensive of the future. I’ve planned my whole life around what I aspire to become and trying to find myself, and now that the time has come to put everything in motion, everything feels so surreal. It’s crazy to think that I have put my plan into action. The fact that I will be attending my dream school, a place that I have imagined to be at for years, is a reality. The time is actually now, and I’ve always been scared. Scared of leaving the sense of security my parents have provided me for all these years. Scared of leaving my childhood and friends behind. Scared of what the future may bring for me. From my childhood I’ve shifted from career choice to career choice ranging anywhere from wanting to be a princess, every 7 year-old-girl’s dream, or a movie star. However, after realizing that I actually had to leave my illogical fantasies in hopes of finding a more pragmatic career choice, I stopped believing in my lofty dreams. I started planning everything out and not veering from what was on the schedule. While I still had things that I imagined accomplishing, I never truly was able to put full faith in them for fear of what may happen if they didn’t come through. Since I was so worried about my future, I was not able to appreciate my imagination, which serves as the stepping stone in one’s life. I’ve always been afraid of the unknown and of what others may think. I believed that not knowing the consequences ahead of time affected my future. Because of this, in high school I started making decisions in which I would be able

quite so little anymore (even though she’s still quite short). Her mathematic abilities have definitely been placed on a different scale, but that certainly isn’t the only thing that’s changed over the years. She’s found herself more indecisive than ever. Aside from being the worst multiple-choice-question-guesser she knows, she’s spent countless hours dawdling in lines, scanning menus with feigned interest while rapidly going over two choices in her head. Her friends have had to develop patience over the past few years with everything from dress shopping to class selection. But there’s something about senior year that’s changed her. As inane as it might seem, it might have something to do with her recent obsession with Tetris. It’s a puzzle phenomenon that she’s always played on the side, but it’s become a major facet of her senior year for everything it holds. A release from hours of studying, a calming monotony when everything else in her life is chaotic, but above all else: an exercise in making split-second decisions, with the penalty of getting wiped out hanging in the balance. Perhaps it’s too dramatic a comparison, but the little girl doesn’t mind the fact that tetriminos flash before her vision whenever she closes her eyes. She’s discovered over the past year that life, when worried about so extensively, often becomes more troubling than it’s worth. She’s found that sometimes, the best thing to do in a stressful situation is to stop obsessing over trying to make the “right” decision. After all, life shouldn’t get to the point where stress-induced hair loss occurs until about age 60, right? Next year (as of press time), this little girl’s not sure where she’s going, or even what she’s doing with the rest of her life. However, if high school’s taught her anything, it’s to not worry so much—after all, things could always be so much worse. Amy will be attending the University of Texas next year to major in the Plan II Honors Program and possibly economics. Naturally, she can’t decide if she wants to double major or not. If you’d like to help her out, email her at amy.zhang@ ymail.com.

Alina will be attending Rice University next year to major in chemical engineering. She’s not positive what’s going to happen in the next few years, but she can’t wait to find out. If you’d like to keep in touch, email her at a.dattagupta94@yahoo.com.

to know exactly what they would lead to instead of taking risks and then not knowing what the outcome would be. After a while I realized that making safe decisions and doing the same things everyone does not make me special in any way. While I am far from an inveterate risk taker, I have learned that it is okay to take chances and make decisions that I may be criticized for at first. It’s okay to have faith in my decisions despite what others think. I wish that I had taken more time to appreciate the now instead of thinking of the later. Despite learning all of this, until now I’ve been afraid. Afraid of what the future may bring me. But actually I now realize that I have that last part wrong. I’ve always been too stressed to take a deep breath and look around. I’ve been so busy worrying about my future that I haven’t been able to believe in my dreams. However, now I know that the future cannot bring me anything unless I take full control of it. While, of course, I am still apprehensive of my future, I should know that I am the one in charge of it and only I can be the one who steers it. Where I end up in the future is where I am meant to be. With all of this in mind, why should I be so stressed and afraid? If I sit around waiting and contemplating what tomorrow may bring me, what does that make me? Just a dreamer, not a believer. The difference? As a dreamer I would have spent my whole life thinking what if, and as a believer, well, I guess I’m about to find out.

Don’t you wish you were one tWo?

2012 SENIORS

PHOTOS BY AMY ZHANG