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Lily Strok is a compassionate, strong, empathetic individual who inspires everyone around her. Her journey through high school has taught her many valuable lessons and given her unforgettable memories. Lily always strives for success and greatness, she is excited about the future and looks forward to her next adventure to greater things.
Lily’s goals are admirable and her future looks bright as she continues her journey to college. She has her eyes set on going to college and earning a degree in education. Lily states, “I will be attending the University of Cincinnati for Early Childhood Education.”
Lily has many goals and aspirations, however one defining factor stands above the others. This goal is what truly makes her the best candidate for starting her teaching career. Her outlook on teaching is everything a teacher should be and more. Lily is a caring soul who is perfect for the teaching profession. Lily explained, “My goal is to become a positive light for so many kids, like that I have found within so many teachers around me. I want to make a difference in their lives, spark their curiosity, and help them believe in themselves — because every child deserves that.”
Lily’s passion for teaching children has a deeper meaning than most may realize. Her leadership and ability to connect with others only furthers her passion for teaching, which becomes evident when she describes why she enjoys it: “I’ve always loved working with kids; their energy, curiosity, and the way they see the world is so fun to be around. I want to be a teacher because I believe that the right support and encouragement early on can make a huge difference in a child’s life. Knowing that I could help someone feel confident, cared for, and excited to learn is what drives me to want to pursue this career path.”
The memories that we hold onto in high school will last a lifetime, and we must cherish each moment with the people we care for the most. Lily is ready to graduate and move on to college, but will always remember her time in high school. She will look back on her time with fond memories. Lily shared, “Graduation feels really bittersweet. I’m excited for what’s next and to start a new chapter, but at the same time, it’s hard to say goodbye to the people and memories that have been such a big part of my life. It’s that weird mix of wanting to move forward but knowing I’ll miss the little moments that made high school what it was.”
Certain memories hold a special place in each person's heart. These are the memories that make an impact, and we never forget the joys and the sadness that come with each. Lily has one memory that stood out to her above all the others while talking about her last cross country race: “I really loved my last race during my senior year cross country season. It was a bittersweet day full of so many emotions and it didn’t feel real that this was the last time I would run as a part of that team. Everyone’s reactions truly proved what this program gave us and how deeply we loved this sport. This final race perfectly captured the season, giving us one last opportunity to soak in this cross country season.”
Lily has enjoyed her time in high school and part of that is due to the teachers who impacted her on her journey to success. One teacher impacted Lily who is always there for her without fail, Lily declared, “I think Mrs. Watt has impacted my life the most. She is my coach for track and I had the opportunity to take her class this year and I am so glad I did. She is such a kind and simply genuine person, someone who I could talk to for hours and she is always there for me if I need anything.”
When reaching senior year in high school, there are many lessons that each person leaves with. Lily passes on the wisdom she has learned throughout her four years to underclassmen: “Don’t rush through high school just to get it over with. It’s not always easy, there will be tough moments, but if you’re only focused on getting to the finish line, you might miss out on experiences that make it all worthwhile. Sometimes, it’s okay to look beyond grades and allow yourself to be present. High school isn’t just about getting through the next four years, it’s about making the most of the time you have with the people around you, embracing unexpected opportunities, and finding joy in the little moments.”
Lily has her eyes set on becoming the best teacher she can be. Her goals of becoming a teacher are long-term and once again make it clear why Lily is going to be an outstanding teacher. “By 2035, I see myself as a dedicated teacher, creating a classroom environment where young children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. I want to be the kind of teacher who not only helps kids build curiosity, creativity, and confidence. More than anything, I hope I’ll look back and know that I’ve made a difference in the lives of my students, helping them grow, just like great teachers once did for me.”
Lily has made her way through her four years of high school with determination, grit, and perseverance. Lily has one final message as she graduates and moves on to greater things, and her advice is something that each student should take with them wherever they may end up: “High school can be fun as long as you make the most of it and have good friends! And not everything is always going to go your way, persistence is crucial because challenges often take time to overcome, and each effort builds resilience and skill. Progress isn’t always immediate, but those who adapt and keep pushing forward create opportunities that wouldn’t exist if they stopped trying.”
Lily has made the most of her time at Aurora High School and will be just as successful at Cinncinatti. Her fun-loving spirit and her dedication will take her far, Lily is going to change the world for the better, she is an inspiration to us all. To close, Lily gives two quotes that are special to her:
"Whatever you do in this life, it’s not legendary unless your friends are there to see it." — Barney Stinson
“Step one: You start running. There is no step two.” — Barney Stinson
Chloe Lors
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