Senior Alissa Brewer is continuing onto the next big chapter of her life. As the next chapter in her life unfolds, she feels more nervous to graduate high school. 

The next step to her future after high school is to stay close to home and go to college at YSU to study nursing. She says, “In 5 years, I will see myself as a nurse in a hospital. In 10 years, I plan to still be in nursing and have the ability to say I changed lives and helped people heal and achieve wellness.”

Over the years, Brewer has been involved in cheerleading. She even coached a cheer team and did marching band freshman year. Her extra-curricular activities made her realize how enjoyable it is to spend time with other people and create bonds. “They really opened up my eyes to how good I would be at nursing because I realized how good my people skills were and how well I can work with others to achieve a common goal.”

Her favorite class was English, which was taught by Laura Wood. “She makes class fun everyday regardless of her mood, and it’s very apparent that she’s passionate about her work and genuinely cares for every student and their success,” Brewer states.

While English was her favorite, geometry was her hardest because the entire year it “was very stressful asking questions through a computer screen when the teacher had to manage both her online and in person students.” That is also the year she wishes she could do it over because it was stressful and a bit difficult.

Brewer claims, “Being in person and having the full learning experience would be much more beneficial because I feel like a year was stolen from me.”

Over the past 4 years of high school, Brewer changed both her self confidence and academic ability and now is a much more confident and proud of who she is as a person. She has also greatly improved her academics and is continuing to push herself to do better everyday. She’s proud of her ability to bounce back from difficult situations and give her all in class. She persevered even when she thought it was impossible.

Brewer’s friends, family and a few teachers played a large role in her motivation to do well and succeed. Her sister, Amber, made the biggest impact on her choosing her future. “She is a fantastic nurse and works extremely hard to help everyone everyday. I knew ever since 4th grade that I wanted to be as good as she is and help as many patients and families as possible to heal and return to the life they used to have.” 

Along with her sister Amber, English teacher Wood also had a very positive impact on Brewer’s high school career. “She pushed me to succeed and encouraged me when there were times I needed it. She saw my potential and knew I could do it even when I didn’t think so and I’ll always be grateful I had her.”

As her senior year plays out she feels it is flying by really fast and that graduation will be here before she knows it. Who she said she’ll miss most  is “my best friend Cierra. I’ll miss going after school and going to games together. We always go to lunch together and spend a lot of time during study hall hanging out and doing work. She’s a ball of sunshine and pushes me to be the best version of myself every day and achieve my goals. There’s no one else I’d rather spend my time with and she makes me smile and laugh constantly.”

Over her past two years Brewer’s been at Lakeview, she likes the unity our school has at times. “Especially during football games, we all come together to support our dogs and bring as much school spirit as we can.” She also enjoyed the senior sunrise, when she hung out with her close friends and got coffee and breakfast in the morning. Even if it was cold she said it was definitely worth the experience.

The guidance counselors and staff overall have properly prepared Brewer for the next chapter in her life. She knows which steps to take, as well as helping her take them. “They’ve helped me accomplish my goals and pushed me to work hard academically. As a senior, they help you with scholarships and college applications and I found that very helpful.”

What she wishes she could tell her younger self is that assignments are much more important than you realize and how well you perform throughout high school greatly impacts your future. And from that she states, “I would tell younger students to treat others well, pay attention in class and to assignments in general, and social status does not matter. You are not better than anyone else around you, and everyone deserves kindness and human decency. You never know what others are going through, so how you treat them can go a long way.”

Over the span of her life school has taught all of us a life lesson. She says “life is short, so don’t take it for granted. You never know how much time you don’t have until you reach the end and you’re looking back on your first day of freshman year like it was yesterday. You need to live life to the fullest everyday, and do what’s best for you.”