Tell us a little about your family – parents, siblings, pets, etc.
My house is kind of a petting zoo. In addition to my parents, brother, and sister, I also have a golden retriever, Anna, a springer spaniel puppy, Luna, and two cats: Enzo the “Enz-hole” and Emily, the three-legged cat. I also have some fish and a snail, so It’s never a dull moment at my house.
What are some of your hobbies and/or interests?
I’m very passionate about making music and acting, but I enjoy other activities as well. When it’s not snowing, you can see me on my moped driving around town. I also play a lot of video games like Legend of Zelda and Mario Kart with my girlfriend. I’m a huge aviation/space nerd as well and even went to space camp a couple of times.
Tell us about a favorite school memory (any grade)
Probably some of the most memorable school memories were during tech week of the Musicals. It’s stressful, chaotic, and busy, but it’s also when the cast and crew grow close in the shared experience of theater. It’s also when you can see just how collaborative of an art it is, and it’s kind of magical and special. I also have fond memories about school events and dances, as it’s a good way to spend time with friends I don’t always get to see.
Tells us about a favorite teacher, coach, school staff member, etc. who made a difference in your life/education (can include more than one and any grade).
I think two of my favorite teachers were Mrs. Sass and Ms. Hawkins. Mrs. Sass was my APUSH teacher during that one year where we were half online and half in-person, and I think her class was one of the only that I really felt like I did well at during online school. She helped me get a pretty good score on the AP test too. Ms. Hawkins is the new choir director and she has been very influential in helping me prepare for college, as well as expanding my love for choir and music in general. It baffles me that this was her first year teaching because she’s such a natural at it. Mr. Trutna was a great Cross Country coach for the 6 seasons I ran and is one of the best motivational speakers I know. I think I’m going to miss my One Act directors, Mr. Purdy and Ms. Glover most of all though. They made me fall in love with theater and have been supportive and caring people for as long as I’ve known them.
What has been your favorite subject to study in school and why?
My favorite subjects I’ve taken at the high school are the art, music, and history classes. I really love the teachers who taught it, as they’re very knowledgeable in their subjects, but they can teach their curriculum in an engaging way that helps me retain the information and enjoy doing so.
What has been the most challenging part of senior year for you?
Realizing that every “event” is my last at this school, like Homecoming, theater performances, choir, Prom, etc. I’m also dreading leaving my friends and going to college. It’ll be really sad to leave them.
What has been the best part of senior year?
I really like having a lot of freedom. I’ve had most of the teachers at this point, or I’m at least familiar with them and so I’m no longer nervous or uncomfortable in the high school. I also like being one of the oldest, and so underclassmen have looked up to me for advice/someone to hype them up, and I really like being able to help other people so that’s another great part of being a senior.
Have you made any plans for after graduation (additional schooling, work, etc.) and if so, what are they?
Right now I’m planning to go to Concordia College in Moorhead, where I would like to get a degree in Music Education. I’d also love to be a part of their theater program- their stage is super cool.
Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years? What goals do you have for the future?
Honestly, I’m not the best at looking super far into the future. Ideally I’d like to be a music or choir teacher at an Elementary school, but a lot can change in 5 or 10 years. I’d like to get a degree, a job, and then be able to travel more maybe? I want to continue to learn more and grow, and maybe I can even get a pilot’s license. One goal I for sure want to complete in the next 5-10 years though is to get a Vespa.
Tell us a one or two dreams/bucket list items you have for yourself
1. I want to get a private pilot’s license and have a small airplane or something.
2. I would like to go to Florida and see a rocket launch sometime in my life.
Are there any classmates who made a positive difference in your life/education that you would like to mention?
The students in theater and choir are some of the funniest, caring people I know. When I was an underclassman, I had upperclassmen students who supported me and welcomed me into their community and helped me if I needed it.
What are some things you like about our city of Big Lake in general?
I honestly like the school here at Big Lake. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of things I would like to see improved but I think the educators and staff at the school really make it special. I also think the events that the community does – Spudfest, Music in the Park, the farmer’s market, etc.- are well put together and really fun for the Big Lake community. Big Lake has definitely improved in the past decade, and I hope that continues in the coming years. I would love to see Big Lake have even more local businesses and community events – especially in the Winter – and I’d like to see this town become a more hospitable and welcoming environment, and have more pride/self respect.
What Big Lake establishments/businesses/restaurants are your favorites?
I’m a food person so I appreciate all the new restaurants/food establishments that have been opening in Big Lake. I love going to Cambo Flare, it’s a great date spot and the frozen boba and fried rice is superb. Ember Coffee is also a great place for drinks and a quick breakfast – I recommend their Golden Chai and Almond croissant – as well as Coca Maas, the chocolate/ice cream shop that has really good peanut butter cups and salted nut rolls, as well as the homemade chocolate.
What advice would you give younger students as they continue their education?
It’s not going to be easy, obviously. Find a group of people you can trust and who has your back, and then be that person for them. If you’re in need of those kinds of friends, join clubs/groups/sports that interest you, and you’ll be more likely to find other people with similarities. Take action about things, don’t just “think” about doing them. You might have to get out of your comfort zone, but the payoff will be well worth it, trust me.
