“What have you learned as a Freshman at Gunston?”
“Not Biology!…But anyways, I guess it has helped me see the power of a community and how change can actually happen through awareness. Social issues were not discussed at all at my old school, and everyone here is considerate of others’ beliefs and opinions. I guess it’s really teaching me how to be apart of something bigger than just me”
I watch my dog roll happy in the grass…
A big transition is about to occur…
Preparing to leave the old me behind…
“How has your age affected your worldview now that you’re a senior?”
“In a school setting: strange. I see gaggles of Sophomores at my school and think it’s weird that I’m the same age as them, but in a different class, then I look at my class and think it’s weird how I’m there, but a different age. I’ve grown to feel more comfortable as a senior, but it’s taken a while to adjust. I used to think all the time that I had two years less world experience than most of my classmates, but only recently I’ve come to forget.
I consider myself fortunate for where I’ve been; traveling affected how I saw the world. I’m lucky to be this young and feel that I know my place, what I want to do, and where I want to go. Traveling has allowed me to see the unique beauties of the planet; I care deeply for it, and I want to devote my career and my life to protecting it. It’s interesting though, I find that my objectives are so much different than the things advertised to my age group. Things like Snapchat, and social media in general, is everything with my age group, I don’t diss people who do those things, but I just don’t hold them at high standing…”
“What do you do when you feel lonely?”
“It’s weird, I love being alone, but I hate being lonely. I love solitude, especially in nature, finding a tree to climb or woods to walk through by myself is so comforting. It used to be the ocean; now the woods. Nature doesn’t care what’s going on in your life. The birds, the trees, they don’t care. It’s all a cycle and it’s humbling because it puts your problems into perspective, and I feel more complete and at peace as a person in nature…
But, then there are some times where I just watch anime, drink a large cup of tea and cry; I like the BIG things in life or just not thinking at all.”
“In what ways do you hold yourself back?”
“I’m hesitant to voice my opinions…I really dislike tension and hate making others unhappy. It’s different around my family! I often share how I’m feeling or my thoughts with them because I know they won’t judge me. Though at school, or when I’m around my friends, I find it harder to speak up with what I believe. I might just have a fear of being judged, but I know that I hate making people unhappy.”
“What would you want your tombstone to say?”
“Well, I don’t think I’d have anything to say…so, I’d leave a WiFi router on my grave, to ensure that people will come see me after I’m dead.”
“Are there any laws/social norms that baffle you?”
“Yes actually, what is the big deal with Bruce Jenner? There are people with much bigger struggles, or even the exact same struggle, yet they were and could still be ostracized by a group of people. But, when bigshot Bruce Jenner with all his money and fame tells the world his struggle, everyone all of sudden is told to accept him. What makes him so special and the others who have fought and gone through the same thing not so special? It baffles me how influential a little bit of money and fame can be
“What is your proudest moment?”
“Well, when I was younger I used to have really bad Asthma. It prevented me from doing a lot of physical exercise, and made it really hard when I wanted to play sports. As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve begun to overcome it more and more and it really doesn’t bother me like it used to. So, just two days ago for Crew I completed my first ever 6 mile run, and I have to say it was probably one of my proudest moments.”
“What’s your favorite element and why?
“Earth.”
“And why is that?”
“Well, water just follows other shapes, fire is reliant on others, and wind is everywhere, but earth is independent.”
“What are you starving for?”
“Inspiration. I love to write, but lately I haven’t been doing it.”
“Where would you find inspiration for your writing?”
“I look for it in people”
Tyler Urquhart 