Perseverance is something that so many high schoolers are having to learn right now. It’s also a skill that will benefit them in every single area of life, and when I heard a senior tell me that it’s becoming one of their strengths, I’m always so thrilled. Whether at work, parenting, college, or in friendships, perseverance is the mark of strong person and leader. Catherine shared with me that it’s a skill she really has honed in her years at Lake Brantley, where she attends high school. “When I don’t get something on the first try, I struggle. I’ve had to work hard at persevering when things can be frustrating, and I know that when I learn something new, I want to put it into real life and relate it to the real world.” Catherine has really enjoyed her time at school, and has been part of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, and the knitting club. History has always piqued her interest, in addition to her love of music (she plays the piano), and her passion for water polo! I love that she has a balance of things that she cares about, and things that she loves, and that she manages to find ways to do both. “I’ve also been a counselor at Wekiva Youth Camp for two years”, she explained, “It’s a nature oriented camp, and I get to encourage kids to enjoy nature”. Although she has many accomplishments to celebrate, she says her biggest one has been achieving academic success while still playing a sport and maintaining a social life.
“I came across an Aesop quote that said that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted”, she adds, “I came across this quote in middle school and I put it in my room. I like it because sometimes, it seems like something you do isn’t a lot, but it could have a big impact on someone’s life.” Catherine jokes that she’s known as “the mom friend” among her peers, because she enjoys taking care of everyone and making sure she has thought out the next step for them! She also told me that she looks up to her dad the most, and considers him a hero in her life. “He’s always working hard to do things for others and making sure that I have the things I need to succeed. He’s always been there for me and has led a really interesting life”, she shared. I loved working with and learning more about this beautiful girl…she is multi-faceted, smart, and creative. I know her future holds many good things.
