Five Osseo Senior High School students recently reflected on their most memorable moments from high school and looked forward to plans after graduation. The Press worked with the staff at Osseo Senior to gather and compile the information. Each of the senior’s responses are below.
Graduating seniors from Osseo Senior High School will take the stage during commencement at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9. The ceremony will be at 3M Mariucci Area on the University of Minnesota campus, 1901 Fourth St. SE, Minneapolis.
1. What is your most memorable learning experience during your high school career?
Hafizah Adam - My most memorable learning experience was in my AP English Literature class. It was during the poetry unit we had in March. Our teacher put a fun twist on it to make it similar to March Madness, but instead of basketball teams, we had 32 poems. We voted until there was only one poem left that we thought was the best. At first, I was apprehensive about this because I usually avoided reading poetry because I found it hard to understand. Poetry was not the first thing I would pick up to read during my free time. However, the discussions in class and breaking down the meanings of the poems helped me. I started to learn how to properly read and understand poetry. This unit was very memorable for me. It changed my view from disliking poetry to actually appreciating and enjoying it.
Kamal Amadou-Ba - By far my most memorable learning experience was in biology. During that class, we had many class activities including labs, which involved team work. In one of those labs, we were learning about genetic probabilities using punnet squares. Before we began, our teacher showed us rare traits and asked if we had any, and I happened to be one of the 20 or students who had a hitchhiker’s thumb.
Leigh Karnes - I think my most memorable experience would be asking my crime and justice teacher for help on my English paper. We took most of class working on it, but it helped me a lot and I felt really grateful for being able to ask for help and getting it. In the end, with the help of my crime and justice teacher and my English teacher, I got an ‘A’ on my paper.
Nadia Kue - My most memorable learning experience during my high school career was finding a place where I was comfortable being in. My comfort place is the CRC. It’s filled with lively people almost everyday. Someone new everyday. Not only that but they also have so much information about anything you could think of. I never felt like I couldn’t do anything there. Not only is it comforting but it’s also a place that keeps me occupied. Always able to lend a helping hand! They taught me that, it is okay to try new things and it’s okay to be nervous. Don’t be scared to try because at least you did it, and that’s worth it.
Isaac Stanley - My most memorable learning moment is when I learned that you don’t have to be good at subject in school if you put your mind to it.
2. What advice would you give to an incoming freshman to maximize their high school experience?
Adam - I heard this phrase during one of the first school assemblies I attended during my first year at Osseo, and it was, “Your experience is what you make of it.” I didn’t really pay much attention to it at the time, but now that I am graduating I understand it. I think it’s important for incoming freshmen to know that you are the only one who can decide to show up to school everyday and decide to learn, to put effort into your classwork, etc. As a final reminder, even though I am sure you have heard it a million times like I did myself, although it may not seem like it right now, high school does fly by quickly, and remember to enjoy it.
Amadou-Ba - Do your work. I can’t stress this enough. You might be stressed out by the idea of high school, but in reality, the work is easier than you think. That does not mean you shouldn’t challenge yourself, but speaking from experience, you’ll soon regret your decisions once you’re a senior and are looking at your grades from the beginning of high school. Everything is going to be okay. The stress will go away, time passes, the anxiety passes, live your life. I came into high school very self-conscious, always worrying about what people thought of me and whatnot. But at the end of the day, everyone just wants to go home and enjoy their time, people in the hallway aren’t looking at you with judgment – everyone has their own problems. The way you perceive yourself is how others will perceive you, be kind to yourself. Ask questions! There are staff and counselors always available to help you. Ask questions, speak up when you’re confused or need help and don’t give up or lose hope just because you’re stuck on something.
Karnes - To the incoming freshmen, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Teachers and staff are willing to help you if you’re putting in the effort and want to succeed. Also make friends if you come into high school without any, high school can be difficult, but having my friends with me made it a lot easier and a more enjoyable time. Oh, and just go to class on time, it makes everybody’s life easier to be honest.
Kue - Advice for freshman I would give, is to try everything and expand your learning palate. You may like things that you thought you didn’t. Do the sport, do the play, join a new club. It’s all about learning. While doing those things, be sure to take care of your mental health. Keep yourself healthy mentally and physically. Do things at the pace you know you can handle. Don’t be afraid, find confidence in the unknown.
Stanley - Let loose a little. Don’t make high school all about school work. Go to school activities, do sports. Those help you build relationships with people you never knew you could.
3. What are you future plans after graduation?
Adam - I’ll be attending Macalester College in the upcoming fall, which is located right here in St. Paul. My prospective major is international studies and I am still deciding on my minor and concentrations. After completing my studies, although I am still deciding what career path I want to pursue, being a lawyer is at the top of my list right now. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me.
Amadou-Ba - I plan to finish my associates degree at the North Hennepin Community College and transfer to the U of M to study computer science and business. I’ll also be considering project management.
Karnes - After graduation I plan on going to cosmetology school while also working. I’m unsure about what schools, but probably will be Aveda Institute of Sciences and Arts. I’ve always loved hair, makeup, and nails so because of that passion I want to be a cosmetologist and specialize in wedding and/or theatrical performance.
Kue - I will be attending St. Cloud State University for nursing. I plan to live there on campus. I plan to attend there for all 4 years. I hope to find a part time job and intern at the local hospital. I’m currently trying to find new hobbies like working out, meditating, and crocheting to keep myself more relaxed when being in this new environment.
Stanley - My plans after graduation is to attend Iowa Central Community College to continue my football career and study exercise science.
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