Cast members pose for a selfie before the 2019 musical “Anything Goes.” Senior Joel Behrens, a sailor in this show, said that he would tell his younger self to “do all the activities you want to do while you still can.”
Different Perspectives: Freshman vs. Senior
Two students share their perspective during this pandemic.
April 30, 2020
Freshmen and senior students, though only three years apart, have very different philosophies and opinions about life. While one is planning vigorously for college and their future to come, the other is getting accustomed to the crazy schedules and large workloads of high school. During this COVID-19 crisis we are currently in, I was able to conduct an email interview with freshman Elizabeth Anderson and senior Joel Behrens concerning their view on life, as well as how they are holding up in lockdown. This is twenty questions with an AHS freshman and senior.
Freshmen, Elizabeth Anderson
Q: How are you doing?
A: “I’m doing pretty well. I’ve been bored in quarantine and I miss my friends, but I’m doing okay. I hope the quarantine ends soon because I’m getting bored.”
Q: Biggest worries right now?
A: “My biggest worry right now is if my family or friends become sick and end up getting the virus. They have stayed home, but there’s always a chance of getting it from going to the store or out somewhere. I hope we’re out of quarantine for summer break. Lots of events have been canceled for summer, but hope that I get to see my friends soon.”
Q: What is something you learned this week?
A: “I’ve learned how different pandemics in history (smallpox, cholera, black death) have impacted our world.”
Q: What is your favorite part of school?
A: “My favorite part of school is how you get to talk to your friends every day and how friendly everyone is. They can always make me smile on bad days.”
Q: Least favorite part?
A: “My least favorite part is the work that comes with school. Petersen’s tests are difficult and some days you get homework for every class. I also hate how much drama happens in high school.”
Q: What are you afraid of?
A: “I don’t like clowns and spiders. I also hate balloons popping.”
Q: Who is your favorite person in your life?
A: “My favorite person in my life is my dad. He’s always there for me and gives me the best advice. He can always make me laugh and smile. He always has good vibes.”
Q: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
A: “I want to go to college to study medicine and become a doctor, so I hope I’ll be graduated from college. I also hope I have a job that I like.”
Q: Advice you’d give to your younger self?
A: “I would tell myself to go have fun with friends before you get super busy and you aren’t able to. I would also tell my younger self that I shouldn’t let everything get to me and to stay out of the drama.”
Q: What makes you happy?
A: “Hanging out with friends, talking to people I haven’t talked to in a while, my cat, my family, watching Netflix, summer, swim team/meets, and the Christmas season.”
Q: What makes you sad?
A: “When I overthink a situation.”
Q: Which school subject is the most important?
A: “English is important because you need to have exceptional grammar and spelling.”
Q: Average number of hours of sleep per night?
A: “During quarantine, I’ve stayed up later and slept in late, so around zero to nine hours.”
Q: Coolest place you’ve ever seen?
A: “Anywhere in Branson because of the scenery there.”
Q: Favorite book you’ve ever read?
A: “‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green”
Q: What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
A: “’You seem so much happier’ or ‘Your eyes are really pretty.’”
Q: What are three things you can’t live without?
A: “My family and friends, water, and my phone.”
Q: What movie makes you cry?
A: “’Brain on Fire’ or ‘A Dog’s Purpose’”
Q: Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: “Everyone is going through something that you don’t know about- so treat people with kindness.”
Q: How has COVID-19 affected you personally?
A: “Villa Dance Company’s recital has been postponed until further notice. I haven’t gone to work for a month and a half. Also, my freshman year ended.”
Senior, Joel Behrens
Q: How are you doing?
A: “I’m doing fine, besides being a little stir-crazy.”
Q: Biggest worries right now?
A: “My biggest worry right now is getting everything ready for college.”
Q: What is something you learned this week?
A: “I learned that it’s okay to slow down and not be productive everyday during this quarantine.”
Q: What is your favorite part of school?
A: “My favorite part of high school is seeing friends everyday and growing closer relationships as the years go by.”
Q: Least favorite part?
A: “My least favorite part of high school is trying to balance school, work, and friends/family.”
Q: What are you afraid of?
A: “I’m afraid of getting myself out of my comfort zone.”
Q: Who is your favorite person in your life?
A: “I really can’t pick just one person. My favorite people are all those who’ve helped me open up and be more comfortable with myself.”
Q: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
A: “I see myself working somewhere as a social worker and helping kids in all different circumstances. I also plan on having a lot of dogs.”
Q: Advice you’d give to your younger self?
A: “I’d tell my younger self to get out there and do all the activities you want to do while you still can.”
Q: What makes you happy?
A: “Doing stuff outdoors with my dogs.”
Q: What makes you sad?
A: “Having a lot of stuff piled on to do.”
Q: Which school subject is the most important?
A: “I think the most important subject is English.”
Q: Average number of hours of sleep per night?
A: “About seven.”
Q: Coolest place you’ve ever seen?
“Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos in the Dominican Republic.”
Q: Favorite book you’ve ever read?
A: “‘Crazy by Han Nolan'”
Q: What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
A: “That I’m a good friend.”
Q: What are three things you can’t live without?
A: “My dog, my phone, and matcha.”
Q: What movie makes you cry?
A: “‘Eighth Grade'”
Q: Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: “Always be honest with yourself.”
Q: How has COVID-19 affected you personally?
A: “It’s made me feel very frustrated and itchy to do the things that I can’t right now.”