To commemorate the start of a new school year, we chatted with six seniors who reflected on their high school experiences, regrets and shared their plans for the future.
Nikki Muggli, a senior at Boise High School, will complete her last year of school in an exchange program with George vocational high school in Taipei, Taiwan, as a Rotary youth ambassador.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to be a lawyer and working all over the world in international law.
If you could do anything with your life, what would you do? I’d want to make a difference, and travel, and have a meaningful impact on humanity.
What is your favorite memory of high school? Debate class changed my life and perspective on politics and understanding what’s happening in the world.
What do you regret about your high school career? I regret rushing through high school and not enjoying it. I wish I had taken more times to do fun things like going to football games, hanging with friends and also going to dances like homecoming and prom.
Why did you decide to go through the Rotary youth exchange program? Because I decided I wanted to do something different, I didn’t want a cookie-cutter life of high school then college. I wanted to travel and explore the world and become independent.
Elizabeth Mason, a senior at Payette High School, will graduate at the age of 15.
Where do you see yourself in one year? I will be in the process of getting my associates degree in accounting, staying home and working full-time, since I won’t be old enough to live on my own.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Finished with my master’s degree in mathematics and working towards my Ph.D. in mathematics and I will have an associates degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business.
If you could do anything with your life, what would you do? I would make a discovery that would change human nature for the better and make everyday life simpler by finding simpler ways to apply mathematics. I would also like to achieve the impossible and find the end of Pi and solving for irrational numbers.
What is your favorite memory of high school? All of my band competitions because the band is so tightly knit that it just feels like a family and you feel at home and it’s super easy to be around them even if you mess up they still accept you. We fight like a family, but we always make up like a family and we get through it we fail together and we succeed together.
What do you regret about your high school career? I regret not being outgoing and not caring what people thought and just having fun.
Kaylee Whitworth, a senior at Century High School in Pocatello, hopes to attend Idaho State University or Brigham Young University.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to be raising a beautiful family with a wonderful husband by my side.
If you could do anything with your life, what would you do? I really want to see all of the national parks. I love the outdoors, so this would be a cool opportunity.
What is your favorite memory of high school? Definitely state drama. I had the opportunity to go up as an alternate and watch the best actors and actresses in the state! Way cool!
Hannah Verdi, a senior at Coeur d’ Alene High School, plans to audition for Broadway shows after high school.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself living in New York either auditioning for Broadway or performing and living the dream.
What is your favorite memory of high school? My favorite memories are getting cast and performing in my school plays and musicals. I just finished playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and it’s something I’ll never forget.
Cameron Preston, a senior at Ridgevue High School in Nampa, wants to own a photography business.
Where do you see yourself in one year? I see myself going to an out-of-state junior college (I hope) to knock out my basic classes and prerequisites, as well as taking advantage of my four-year athletic eligibility.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself working full-time in a creative field, whether it be owning my own photography business, working on a film set or pursuing graphic design. Early in my career, I want the flexibility to travel as often as I can, but 10 years down the road I want my career to be stable enough to support whatever family I may have.
If you could do anything with your life, what would you do? I have always had a really strong sense of wanderlust. I always want to be somewhere new. If I could do anything with my life, I would want to travel the world with my camera and document my experiences for others to see and enjoy.
What is your favorite memory of high school? Production of my school’s musical. It required dedication that included rehearsal after school every day for three months. I was able to make lifelong friends and it opened my eyes to the world of performing. I can’t wait for the next experience.
What do you regret about your high school career? One thing I really regret about my high school career was not caring about my credits during freshman year. Going into my senior year I have to fit a science class into my schedule, royally screwing it up. But as long as I graduate, I am happy.
Danny Martinez, a senior at Caldwell High School, dreams of starting his own clothing line.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I will be a college graduate and at this point in my life I hope to have started a clothing line business.
What is your favorite memory of high school? Building up my character and my voice that made me the person I am today.
What do you regret about your high school career? Even though I’ve been involved with many clubs and programs, I wish I could have done more.
