Senior Athiei Aguto has been at Brownell Talbot since seventh grade. When asked what she loves about BT, she shared, “I love the close-knit community BT has. I’ve really gotten the opportunity to connect with all my classmates in some shape or form. In my experience, I feel like most people are close and cordial with each other, which makes the school day a lot more enjoyable.”
On campus, Athiei participates in a variety of activities. She is the captain of the cheerleading team and the executive editor-in-chief of the school yearbook, The Triangle. Apart from this, Athiei participates in theater, choir, Pirate Radio, National Honor Society, and National Thespian Society.
Athiei shared her favorite memories from these activities: “Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved to perform. Whether it’s cheer competitions, opening night for the school musical or play, or a performance for Pirate Radio or choir, getting to showcase my skills in front of an audience alongside my peers after weeks of hard work and dedication is always so rewarding. Plus, I get to do these activities with some of my closest friends, and I have created so many life-long bonds, which is even more rewarding.”
When asked what her favorite classes in high school have been, Athiei said, “My favorite classes in high school have been Mr. Smith’s Ancient History and AP European History classes. I’ve never been a huge history person, but Mr. Smith is one of the most engaging teachers I’ve ever had. His classes are so interesting, and his passion for history is contagious. I have never once fallen asleep in his class. I have learned a myriad of things, ranging from the origins of Mesopotamia to the French Revolution, and the information I have learned from his classes has stuck with me ever since.”
Out of all the grades, Athiei’s favorite has been ninth grade: “I took for granted how easygoing it was. It was scary at first and a lot to take in because getting used to a new school environment is never easy, but I genuinely had the most fun that year. I tried and learned so many new things and got close to so many amazing people who I am so lucky to call my friends today. We also got to sing Sparklejollytwinklejingley from Elf in choir for the winter concert, and to this day, that has been my favorite piece of music we’ve gotten to sing.”
Athiei’s college application process has been going well so far. She shared, “I feel confident in my college application process because I know that what is meant to be will be, and I will end up in the place that is right for me. I was born and raised in Omaha, so I would love to venture out and attend college in a new city and/or state. I love California, so hopefully, I will get accepted to at least one of the California schools I’m applying to, but also, I wouldn’t mind staying near home so I can have a support system close by. As for what I want to study, I’m a big STEM girl, so I intend to major in either Biology, Environmental Science, or Public Health.”
Athiei is most looking forward to the senior trip in April: “No matter where we end up going, It will be a fun way to destress from senior year and make final memories with my classmates as we come together as a grade for one of the last times.”
As Athiei thinks about the end of her high school years and the start of a new chapter, she said, “Everything feels very bittersweet and almost surreal. Time has moved very fast, I remember freshman year like it was yesterday. On the one hand, I am thrilled to start a new chapter in my life in a different place and discover new things about myself and the world as I study what brings me joy. On the other hand, I am deeply saddened to leave my family and friends who make me smile everyday. It will be weird to get used to the fact that I won’t be able to go about my day and see the same familiar faces I do everyday.”
Athiei ended by sharing some important advice for underclassmen: “My advice would be to slow down and take in the moment. At BT I feel like it’s easy to get caught up in the million activities and classes people partake in, and it’s easy to forget to recognize the small moments you have with your friends, teachers, and family. As cheesy as it sounds, high school really is the fastest four years of your life (even though sometimes it feels like it’s never-ending). It is important to breathe, relish the moment, and express gratitude because you will never get these years back.”
