Aunah Jones is an academic rock conquering her junior year. Being in AP classes and being in multiple school clubs at the same time can be hard. And, it’s even harder during junior year, the grade known to be the hardest year in a high school student’s career. Though as hard as this year is for her, Aunah Jones strives to succeed in all aspects of being a junior.
Aunah takes AP Government and Politics, AP Statistics, And also AP English and Composition with Mrs. Greenwood. Mrs. Greenwood is an advocate for Aunah’s hard work and dedication. “I’m not sure that I’ve really done anything special to help Aunah succeed. She is the one who shows up and does the work. I support her in any way that I can, so that she knows I am available, if she ever needs me,” shares Mrs. Greenwood. Being in an AP class, or being in multiple of them, can bring stress to a student, which Aunah has experienced, but it also brings her pride. “I feel like I am smarter than maybe the average person my age, which makes me feel proud of my education level, and keeps me motivated,” she expresses. Being in AP class(es) can bring stress to students in many ways. The classes tend to bring more challenges to help students grow even farther, after all, it’s for students who are ready for an ‘Advanced Placement’ class. Though as hard as the classes can be, Aunah doesn’t linger on that fact. Instead, she reminds herself what it means to be in an AP class, to take pride in herself, and to be motivated by what she has accomplished.
To add on to Aunah’s busy schedule, she is also in Theatre/Drama Club and the African American Heritage Club. The Theatre/Drama Club was especially busy a while back with preparations for their musical, Shrek. Aunah, along with many of her cast mates found themselves staying after school multiple days of the week, for multiple hours, to make sure the musical is as close to perfect as possible. And, in the end, the directors, cast, and everyone involved were satisfied with the results. Aunah was greatly happy with her part in the musical, and how the musical turned out, as a whole, because of her love for being on the stage. “It’s a lot of fun to watch Aunah participate in so many activities, especially Drama, where she excels on the stage,” says Mrs. Greenwood. Even from the audience, it can be observed how great Aunah is on stage, and that greatness comes from her love of performing. Aunah works hard, and with great dedication to not only her classes, but to her school activities, as well. “Theatre has taught me the weight of just how important structure is in one’s life,” states Aunah.
Finally, when the stress of school is over at the end of the day, it’s time to go home, but when that time comes, another worry comes along. Like any other person her age, Aunah has chores. It can also sometimes get hard when home life and school life start to mix in. As Aunah says, “Sometimes, it feels like too much is happening at once, and becoming overstimulated. It can challenge me to stay organized, motivated, and balance that with personal and home life.” As difficult as things can get, Aunah always makes sure to have a positive mindset. She also came up with a solution to help keep her school life and home life separate to ease her stress. “Leaving home stuff for home and school stuff for school, if possible, especially for the stress of each. I also try to focus on the present, and what’s most important at that moment/day or within that week and prioritizing those things,” states Aunah.
In all aspects of her life and career as a high school student, Aunah strives to be the best. And because of her determination she is proud of all the accomplishments she has achieved in her life, though she’s not the only one who is proud. Her teacher, Mrs. Greenwood feels the pride of her student, as well. “I am incredibly proud of all Aunah has accomplished. I know she works very hard to achieve her goals, and she does it all with a beautiful smile on her face,” Mrs. Greenwood comments fondly.
