Embarking on the journey ahead, I, Kate Anderson, reflect on my outlook. It’s a jungle of opportunities, questions, beliefs, and interpretations awaiting me. If I take one step in the wrong direction, do I mess up my future? My future is up for interpretation as my story is yet to be written, yet amidst this uncertainty, one thing remains within my control: my present attitude, body, and actions.
Four years of high school certainly were not wasted by a girl with a whirlwind of commitments. Instead of four years of repetitive school days, sports, and various activities, my strive was to break the norm of a “comfort box,” thus expanding my horizons into opportunities the world can hand to me.
Alexander Hamilton
“There are a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait.”
“Hamilton” by Lin-Manuel Miranda has always held a special place in my heart, though it took time for me to share my passion for musical theater. Despite my love for sports overshadowing my stage presence, as high school drew to a close, I felt compelled to share the emotional impact of Alexander Hamilton’s story.
I would like to extend my appreciation to Mrs. Ford, Blair Mellone (12), Corinne Rhodes (12), and Ella Miller (11) for allowing me to perform none other than a musical masterpiece, “Burn, “ sung by Angelica Schuyler, Hamilton’s wife. Although I fell short on the vocal standpoint of the performance, my willingness and devotion for choreography and confidence outshined exactly how well I hit the notes. Just because one is involved in different hobbies, does not necessarily mean you need to put your time and energy into one field. Instead expand into the unknown, because sometimes you don’t realize how far it could take you. Although my experience might not have taken me to Broadway, it led me to my next hobby: Musical theater acting.
Hutchison Lacrosse
Bruised, Confused, Lost, and overall helpless. These words come to mind when describing myself as one enthralled in the lacrosse world. I thought after watching a game, I got this. This sport is for me. It wasn’t until I started playing, I soon realized maybe I was not as athletic as I thought. However, this gave me a powerful role on the team. Designated “secret weapon,” they called me. When the team was up by 10, it was secret weapon time. I was the world’s best bench player, not because I was the best at the sport, but because I was used as entertainment for my teammates because my skills barely consisted of catching and throwing. After my sophomore year, my return to the team was questionable, considering I could be cut or simply quit because of my lack thereof. However, neither stood in my way because the team consisted of a family. A family of a close-knit group of girls all from different backgrounds, but sharing one thing in common: love for the team. Over my 18 years in sports, the Hutchison Lacrosse team has truly been my favorite family to be a part of. Whether it consists of late-night team dinners, Pitch Perfect locker room performances, or sleepovers with my favorite sophomores, I am grateful for my lack of athletic talent in the lacrosse department. Fast Forwarding to my senior year, I now represent our team as a captain, not just any captain. I am the one and only honorary bench captain. Safe to say, unfortunately, my talent ceased to develop, but I’m happy I stuck with it. Although countless hours and days spent on a sport one barely plays may not sound appealing, I have learned it is not exactly about the actions, but what you get out of it. For me, I gained a new family.
YIG
Although not my senior year, at the end of my junior year of high school I decided to join the Youth In Government Program. After competing in Model United Nations the past November and surprisingly being humbled by the failure of our bill, I was ready for another challenge and this one was government and politics. As I arrived at the capitol downtown Nashville, TN, I was confident that my power team, Blair Mellone (12) and Melanie Woodbury (12), were ready for battle. Model UN and YIG are two very different organizations, but thanks to Caroline Kim (12), Izzy Ellis (12), and Sakshi Singh (12) I was confident in my ability to debate policy. My team wrote a bill in favor of raising the salary of Tennessee DCS workers, which through research it came as no surprise that Tennessee held the bar for the lowest DCS salary throughout America. Debating Policy felt natural to me.
As I sat in the Capitol building, it became clear that I was passionate about change. I was passionate about unfair legislation in Tennessee. This was the day I realized there was work to be done, regardless of false promises and guarantees. My voice was recognized by men and women as they filled the room. People cared about what I had to say, valid or not. From debates concerning criminal participation in voting, and the ban on contraceptives, to installing Narcan in schools, I was passionate about debating a true and legitimate plan for Tennessee.
After a long extensive weekend of my first political experience, I was more than grateful to be awarded Outstanding States Person. However, it came to my surprise when announcing the National CONA delegate award my name would be present. After extensive long hours of debate and hard work, I was chosen as one of 7 students in Tennessee to advance to National YIG for the 2023 summer. I found my passion after a short 4 day weekend in Nashville, TN. I discovered that my dream is to excel in political science to take me far beyond my comfort zone. I learned that my passion for public speaking could properly be used into fighting for what I believe is right.
As I write my last Signpost article, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought me to this point. Navigating through high school isn’t always smooth sailing, with challenges arising from friendships, academic demands, and societal pressures. Yet, amidst these trials, I take pride in the moments I’ve carved out to savor the small joys of life.
To the underclassmen reading this, I encourage you to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Step out of your comfort zone, try new activities, and engage with organizations you may not initially find appealing. You never know what new perspectives and experiences await you. The four years I’ve spent at Hutchison have passed by in the blink of an eye, reminding me to cherish every fleeting moment.
