You can only have one: Rose’s caramel corn, an ice cream cone from Jersey Junction, or a Yesterdog. Which do you choose?
Easily Jersey Junction. It's a no brainer. Once you step into Jersey Junction it brings back so many memories. One second you are ordering a double scoop of cake batter, and the next you're in paradise.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am proudly attending Michigan State University where I will be starting out on the business track. My major is not set in stone at the moment and I might end up going pre-med. I guess only time will tell. However, I am glad to be a Spartan for the next four years. Go green!
What have you learned in East that will enable you to be successful?
I have learned that sometimes being an outcast in certain situations is better than fitting in with the majority. It has motivated me throughout my life in East Grand Rapids to become the best version of myself as I can be and even though it hasn't always been the easiest of times, it makes the successes even sweeter.
What were you like in school?
I was a nervous wreck all up until senior year. I would always stress about bad grades on tests, tardies, and even a missing assignment here or there. Once senior year rolled around, I unbuckled my seatbelt and enjoyed myself. I became an occasional nuisance to some teachers and it ended up being the best year out of them all. It was filled with a lot of unforgettable relationships, memories, and opportunities that I am very grateful I was able to be a part of.
Did you have a favorite teacher or class?
I would say some of my favorite teachers were Mrs. Weigel, Mr. Titus, and Mrs. Billman. They always brought a sense of energy to each day that was unmatchable and made the school day just that much better.
If you had to choose one moment in one location to serve as the signature moment of your East school experience, what would it be?
I would say standing on Memorial Field against Lowell my senior season in the first game of the playoffs. It was towards the end of the game, all the momentum was going in our direction and I remember looking at the sold out home side of the stadium. It sent chills down my spine and I wouldn't trade that moment for anything. The deafening cheers and excitement for the community that night made this my signature moment of my East Grand Rapids career.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
I wish that I understood that being yourself and being outgoing is something you have to embrace because, by the time you know it, it will all be done. It's impossible to have no regrets as you grow up, but you can try to have as few of them as possible.
Who from East do you think you’ll stay in touch with in the future?
Well, my ultimate goal is to stay in touch with everyone who has impacted my life in a positive way and I know that it is most definitely easier said than done, but it is worth the effort.
What advice do you have for young East kids?
Never pass up an opportunity that will make you grow and never take anything for granted because you never want to have any regrets when you are walking across the stage getting your diploma in May of your senior year. Time flies by in the blink of an eye and I know it sounds hard to believe, but it all makes sense when you're sitting where I am right now, in front of your computer, wishing that you had a little more time to be an EGR senior.
Bonus question: What are you glad we didn’t ask you about?
I am glad that you didn't ask about the middle school years. Everyone goes through their "awkward' phase of life while in middle school, but we can say mine was on steroids. Nevertheless, those times shaped me into who I am today and they continuously make me and my friends laugh when we reflect on this stage of our lives.
Want to read more Celebrating Our Seniors Virtual Cups of Coffee? Visit the page. And to help educate the next Pioneers during this crisis, contribute to One East.
