As the end of the year approaches, the graduating State Scholars shared their wisdom and future plans. We can’t wait to see the amazing things they accomplish! Here's what they had to say:
Emma Ackland
- Plans for next year: Attend Lake Forest College
- Area of study: Chemistry with a minor in Spanish – Emma is committed to playing golf at Lake Forest College
- Advice to incoming freshmen: Try and take all the required classes your first couple of years. That way you can take the classes you want to take your junior and senior year to make it more fun. If you’re struggling to decide on what to do after high school, make yourself a pro and con list. If you are still undecided, take a couple of classes at MCC to see what you're interested in.
Jaqueline Gonzalez
- Plans for next year: Attend Princeton University
- Area of study: Chemistry, Global Health and Health Policy
- Advice to incoming freshmen: For starters, it is completely fine to know what you wish to do after high school. It is also perfectly okay to go against what others believe you should do or what you consider to be the "acceptable" route to take. Follow your gut instinct. More often than not, it will be correct. If you have absolutely no idea about what you wish to do, I recommend giving yourself time to think. Even if you begin your desired path one, two, three, or more years after graduating, that is okay.
Kerrigan Kotecki
- Plans for next year: Attend McHenry County College
- Area of study: Chemistry – I decided on this career path after discovering my love of science at Harvard High School
- Advice for incoming freshmen: Looking back, I would have told my past self to get more involved. Do the fun school spirit activities. Join clubs or a new sport. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Your time is limited, and getting involved helps you make some lasting memories!
Also, take advantage of the wide course selection that HHS offers. Try a variety of different classes, and explore until you find something that interests you.
Alexis Lehmann
- Plans for next year: Attend Saint Louis University
- Area of study: Nursing
- Advice to incoming freshmen: If I were a freshman all over again, I would make sure I enjoy the little things. Don't try to rush out of high school too quickly – it goes by in the blink of an eye.
Also, do your best in high school, even if you are unsure about what you want to do after. Doing your best in high school opens so many doors and helps you have as many options as possible. Take advantage of all the opportunities that Harvard High School gives to you!
Sadie Mayer
- Plans for next year: Attend McHenry County College
- Area of study: Computer Science
- Advice to incoming freshmen: Ask questions as much as possible! It is better to be overinformed than to know nothing. Also, if you don’t know your passions yet, try new hobbies. Trying new hobbies not only tells you what you like, but it tells you what you DON'T like.
Joelle McMillan
- Plans for next year: Attend Illinois Wesleyan University
- Area of study: Undecided – Joelle will be playing golf at Illinois Wesleyan University
- Advice for incoming freshmen: Relax and focus on living in the moment as much as possible. It's so easy to get wrapped up in to-do lists, deadlines, and homework. Without realizing it, I often neglected the activities, people, and passions that brought me joy.
Also, focus on doing things that are uncomfortable to encourage personal growth. The four years go by fast. Seize every opportunity and there won't be any regrets. Pursue anything that seems remotely interesting and make sure it's an honest interest, not the result of another's influence. Take time to identify your values, strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations.
Travis Melson
- Plans for next year: Attend Western Michigan University
- Area of study: Aviation Flight Science – thanks to Strategies for Success with Mrs. Warren
- Advice to incoming freshmen: Some advice I would give to freshmen year me would be to put more effort and time into my education. Take more challenging classes, and be yourself. The earlier you find what makes you happy, the better off you’ll be.
Nora Nava-Bernal
- Plans for next year: Attend McHenry County College
- Area of study: Undecided, with an interest in graphic design
- Advice to incoming freshmen: The first piece of advice I would give is, “if you need help, ask for help.” On my second day as a freshman, I got lost in the building and ended up exiting through the back door of the school.
Another piece of advice I would give is to get involved. In a sport or club, in class and with friends – get involved. Taking this action provides us with many opportunities to grow and explore our interests. Getting involved can help you realize what your interests are and thus figure out a plan for what to do after high school.
First Row (Pictured left to right): Norma Rojas Nava, Jaqueline Gonzalez, Melany Avila Castro, Sadie Mayer
Second Row: Joelle McMillan, Kerrigan Kotecki, Bryce Fiegel, Alexis Lehmann
Third Row: Nora Nava-Bernal, Emma Ackland, Travis Melson