By Chelsea Royer
Go for it now. The future is promised to no one. – Dr. Wayne Dyer
Kate Christensen is a senior from Ocosta High School, co-valedictorian of her class, and soon to be headed for the streets of Manhattan, New York and the dorms of Columbia University. A straight “A” student and participant in multiple programs and clubs over the course of her high school experience, Kate is far less intimidating than you might assume with her level of success.
Kate is just like any other girl-next–door. Her room (reportedly) trends toward the messy, she loves the Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games, and enjoys playing with her dog in the yard. Having lived in Grays Harbor all of her life, Kate’s led a fairly quiet existence. Her dad owns a hardware store, her grandpa teaches ballroom dancing and most of her relatives live nearby to surround her with love and support. Yet her dreams reach beyond that which is offered here and she is allowing them to take her to new places and experiences.
The stark contrast between the town of Ocosta and the crowded city of Manhattan is no minor comparison. Life is about to change drastically for the local girl, but Kate is taking it all in stride. “Outside of my family and friends, I think what I’ll miss the most is the green…the trees…the fresh air. But I want to learn what I want to do (for a career). About other cultures and other people…I want to see things,” Kate reflects.
She isn’t quite sure what she wants to major in at this point. Beginning with basic requirements, Kate is figuring things out as she goes along. But with a brain for math problems as well as interest in the medical field, she’s sure to find her niche.
Teri Hulbert is Kate’s math teacher and who she referred to as one of the most influential at her high school. “She’s encouraged me to do things and push myself and be the best I can be and has also helped advise me along the way,” says Kate.
“Kate is a wonderful young lady with all of the potential to succeed,” expressed Hulbert. “Kate loves to read and remembers every detail about the books she has read, making her an outstanding captain of our Knowledge Bowl team. But it is Kate’s mathematical ability that never ceases to amaze me as well as her fellow classmates.”
Hulbert’s praise continues in Kate’s mathematical talents, but also highlights the student’s constant humility. In fact, when asked if Kate felt she would succeed at school, she responded, “I hope so. If not I guess I’ll go back and try again.”
Kate’s unassuming attitude adds a gentle air to her presence – you would never gather from her own speech that she is in possession of such a brilliant mind. She doesn’t flatter herself. Instead she speaks of her love of reading, how she looks forward to her upcoming new experiences, and about how she likes to sing (but only when no one is listening).
As far as high school goes, Kate explains that it has been a positive experience. She’s taken part in the groups, Future Business Leaders of America (which took her on her first trip to New York), Knowledge Bowl, and the Math Club. Despite interactions with such a wide variety of people, Kate reports, “It’s a small school so we all know each other and we’re all kind of friends. We get along for the most part so we all are able to learn from each other…it’s not like we’re preoccupied with this big drama or like a certain set of people hate this one person…we all pretty much like each other.” What Kate has taken away from the experience is that it is better not to procrastinate and to stay organized. An applicable lesson to apply to her upcoming college courses.
Kate is just one example of someone willing to work hard and take advantage of opportunity. Despite the fact she hasn’t made up her mind when it comes to a career, she is dead set on continuing her education and working hard until she reaches her goal. An entirely new experience awaits her and she refuses to let fear inhibit her opportunity to experience and explore new things.
To Kate and all 2014 graduates: congratulations and may you attain your grandest dreams through dedication, perseverance, and imagination.
