SUSAN PETERS 17, SENIOR AT XAVIER COLLEGE PREPARATORY
HOW HAS BEING A STUDENT AT XAVIER IMPACTED YOU? Because it is an all-girls school, Xavier has enabled me to meet some of the most hilarious, intelligent and interesting girls my age. Making friends with them in an environment mostly isolated from boys has assisted my intellectual and emotional growth. Some of the best discussions I have ever had have taken place at Xavier with my friends. On an academic level, Xavier has given meevery opportunity to succeed. They have over 75 different clubs and many engaging teachers who take an interest in their students. I am exceptionally lucky to go there.
WHAT TEACHERS AND COACHES INSPIRE YOU? In my freshman and sophomore years, I had an extremely competent and knowledgeable biology teacher named Mrs. Weiland. She is serious about education and is certainly one of the best teachers at Xavier. Because she holds her students to a higher standard, it was useful to have her early on in my high school career, and Ibelieve taking her classes has made me a better student overall. Mrs. Grubisic, a wonderful geometry teacher I had freshman year, had a similar effect on me. Her no-nonsense approach and clear passion for the subject inspired me to work harder. No matter what, my geometry homework was always a top priority. My mock trial coach, Mr. Cosden, is the definition of dedication. He has put his heart and soul into Xavier’s mock trial program, and, because of his guiding hand, we are one of the best teams in the state. He acts as though he is from another era, a better era, when people were more authentic. He inspires me to be unafraid in my passions and to never, ever give up.
HOW DO YOU RELATE TO AND DIFFER FROM YOUR PEERS? I can relate to much of the pressure my peers feel as teenagers living in the age of social media. Itis a noticeable presence in our lives, as separation from technology is not easy. We all feel how high competition is for acceptance into excellent universities as well. As far as being different goes, I was recently listening to some music in a car full of teenagers and literally knew none of the songs. Everyone else, on the other hand, could sing every lyric perfectly. I never thought I was a stranger to what the kids are listening to these days but apparently I am. Additionally, I am very much a homebody, and I enjoy spending time with my family.
HOW HAS BEING IN STUDENT COUNCIL IMPACTED YOUR TEENAGE YEARS? It has taught me how to make the most of meetings and to never be afraid to propose an idea. Creating a useful dialogue in student council meetings replicates real-world marketing discussions. The difference is that we’re dressed in plaid skirts, and business executives are not afforded that luxury. The skills of time management and scheduling awarded by student council will inevitably be invaluable later in life as well.
WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS? I am interested in a variety of things all across the board. Because of this, I have trouble narrowing my focus to one specific career, but I do know that the professional athlete ship has sailed. I hope to have a job I enjoy for much of my life. Then, I will run for congress and open a winery before retiring to a quiet life in the mountains.
PHOTO BY CORI ROBERTS
