My friendship with Hannah Markel is one that was destined to fizzle out. As an eighth grader new to the district, Hannah quickly took me under her wing and showed me the ropes, which she recently admitted was because I also wore a trendy outfit on the first day of school and was a runner. Throughout that year, our relationship blossomed while in classes, on the track and over Facebook Messenger, but toward the end, Hannah announced that she was attending a different high school than me. I think we both assumed that our friendship would fade once high school hit, like most middle school friendships. However, we continued to keep in contact every once in awhile over the next four years and then miraculously both chose to become University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Our friendship did the impossible -- defied the middle school odds. I can now cheer for Hannah when she crosses finish lines, alters her career direction and gets jiggy on the dance floor at fraternity parties.
Age?
20!
What is currently keeping you busy?
I am on the UC cross country and track teams, so I spend a majority of my time running. I have had a pretty successful year of setting records and building invaluable friendships with my teammates. A few of my 2018 running achievements include setting the third best 3k time and fourth best mile time in UC history, and contributing to the UC win of the American Athletic Conference (Emily here -- Hannah did not want me to include these, but people need to know how talented she is). I also recently switched my major from speech pathology to marketing, so I am busy learning new subject material, meeting new classmates and navigating a new building. Finally, I am trying to be as social as I possibly can in my free time.
What inspires you?
Watching my family and friends succeed and do what they love.
What aspect of your major are you most intrigued by?
Compared to speech pathology, marketing offers so many career possibilities! I just have to figure out which possibility I want to pursue.
Have you acquired any new passions lately?
I have been trying to take more time for myself lately, which has uncovered several passions. The new hobbies that I picked up consist of reading and crocheting, and the old hobbies that I rekindled consist of journaling and PenPaling with my aunt who lives in California.
When was the last time you challenged someone else? What did it entail?
I challenge my teammates on an everyday basis. My team is made up of the most fierce competitors, yet compassionate friends, and that combination fosters a powerful dynamic where we strive to achieve as one strong unit.
When was the last time you challenged yourself? What did it entail?
Switching my major was challenging. I felt comfortable and competent as a speech pathology major, so it was difficult to start over again in a larger college with not many contacts. I am glad, though, that I took the risk.
What is one thing you are proud of yourself for doing in the past month?
I have cultivated a number of friendships, new and old, this month. I have also closed the book on other friendships. So, I am teaching myself to recognize when to continue relationships and when to end them.
Have you been a part of any conversations recently that really made you think?
I find conversations on gun laws very interesting. Seeing individuals my age step up and talk about them, especially after the terrible incident that occurred in Florida, inspires me to also step up. Generation Z will be the generation that drives radical change in our society and I am eager to be a part of the movement.
How do you remain sane?
Following a hectic schedule keeps me sane! I like to call my life "organized chaos" and would not have it any other way.
My friend is trying to set a personal record. Any advice?
Write down your goal so it is out in the universe and you can hold yourself accountable!
What are you looking forward to at the moment?
Visiting my sister Halle in Denver over spring break!
How has your life changed since last February?
A lot has changed for the better. In summary, my life was great last February, but I sometimes did not see it that way. Since then, I have been able to take a step back and realize all of the positives in my life, and doing so has improved my relationships, running and overall well-being. I am now more confident and independent.
How are you making an impact on the lives of future Generation Z'ers?
I am showing the world my most authentic self, which hopefully fosters a more positive community for generations to come.
What does being a Generation Z'er mean to you?
It means stirring up society, and, in turn, making the world a better place.
Cheers to friendships that make it out of middle school alive.
P.S. If you know someone who is actively developing their passions, opinions and goals, let me know by submitting their name through the Contact page!