What is the most influential book you have read besides the Bible? Why?

This summer Cindy Young gave me the book When Helping Hurts, and I read it as one of my books for Senior Thesis. It is hands down the most influential book I have read. It opened my eyes and gave a new perspective on how to see those around me. I was challenged to view each person with inherent dignity, as an image bearer of God. The book reminded me that because Jesus’ ministry was focused on the lost, hurting, and the poor, and because He came to “seek and save the lost” I too should yearn and strive to do the same. Thanks for the book, Mrs. Young!

What is your favorite or funniest moment at Geneva?

After we lost our playoff game for volleyball my junior year, Coach Vaughn did not want the season to officially end so we stopped at seven Starbucks’ on the way back from Houston to drag out our time with each other!

What will you miss most when you leave Geneva?

I will miss the volleyball team the most when I leave Geneva. The camaraderie and bond we have is unheard of and is a tremendous blessing. Those girls, Vaughn, and Nags make me laugh like no one else can. We have so much fun together and enjoy being with each other both on and off the court. They bring me so much joy and brighten my life. I am so blessed to have been a part of such a great program with such an amazing group of girls for four years. I will miss them so much! 942 forever!

Who has influenced you most while at Geneva, How?

When I walked into freshman geometry class three years ago, little did I know that Catherine Davis would become my mentor, friend, and role model. Mrs. Davis showed me the value in relationships and the impact relationships can have on people. Mrs. Davis taught me the importance of making face-to-face time with others a priority and how significant it can make someone else feel. It blessed me tremendously that she took time to personally get to know me and show interest in my life. I value her influence because she taught me the importance of true, real relationships and the touch they can have on others.

What does being a Geneva student mean to you?

Being a Geneva student means getting to participate in a whole bunch of worthwhile things. Geneva gave me the opportunity to learn to play the clarinet, be a part of a varsity sport, participate in designing a yearbook, serve on student senate, learn Spanish, attend really fun dances, be a part of Chaucer, and on and on and on. I think it is really important to take advantage of all the opportunities Geneva provides during middle school and high school because you never know what you are going to love doing.

How would you encourage a Geneva kindergartner to persevere in school?

I would encourage a kindergartner to never give up trying your very best at school. Don’t be concerned about how well someone else is doing, just do your very best. Geneva has teachers, staff and parents who are all invested in helping us succeed and cheering us on as we try. It is a great place to learn how to learn, and I would encourage you to never give up!

What about Geneva do you hope never changes?

When people ask me what I like about Geneva, the first thing I always say is the community. I hope it never changes. It is uncommon for a school to be so bonded. Teachers, staff, and parents are all invested in the lives of students. It has been a huge blessing to see how the whole Geneva community comes together. We all hurt for those who are hurting, and we all celebrate with those who are celebrating. As a community, we do not have to tackle things alone because we tackle things together. I hope and pray that never changes.