The Future- Kayla Beebout

Junior year.  You know, I’m not totally sure how I feel about it yet.  Maybe after I analyze it more, I’ll be able to figure it out.  Successes… I would say keeping straight As, making it into GSP, doing well on the ACT, becoming Lead Consultant for the Writing Center, and surviving junior year are all successes. Failures are a bit harder to talk about, but I think that at times I became too stressed over everything, which could be a failure.  Also, I failed to make it into GSA, which was ok since I got into GSP, but since writing is so important to me, it still felt like a big deal.

This year, I’ve learned how to combat pressure, and what is worth stressing over—although that knowledge doesn’t always stop me from being anxious over the small things.  But I know now that just sitting quietly, listening to music or maybe reading a little, can help me calm down, and that knowledge is amazingly helpful.  I’ve also learned how my innate determination (some might call it stubbornness) and perfectionism can actually push me to be the best I can be.

This summer, I’m going to go to GSP, and hopefully I’ll get into the Creative Writing focus area (that wish probably doesn’t surprise anyone reading this).  Other than that, I really want to spend some time with my close friends who I don’t go to school with, since the school year makes that difficult.  I’m hoping to make a lot of progress on my novel and read more of the books on my classics list.  I’m going to work on piano, hopefully finishing my book of music from The Hobbit.  Of course, I’m also going to enjoy just relaxing, spending time outside, making a futile effort to tan, and being home with my family.

As far as senior year goes, I’m hoping to keep my GPA up, be accepted to my favorite colleges, have a successful year running Beta Club, and have a great Senior Mentoring Project.  Academically, I’m planning to work as hard as I have this year, which should help me with my first two goals.  As for Beta Club, I’m hoping to start planning over the summer and to get to know the new officers so we can start the year strong.  For my Mentoring project, I’m going to keep to my schedule and use every resource I can to make sure it is a success.

So, junior year.  Overall I think it was a success.  I think I’ll be able to look back on it and remember everything I accomplished and learned without much regret.  I’m on a good track, and it looks like senior year will be even better than this year!