When I was six years old, I received the devastating news that my little sister had died in an accidental drowning.
Going into high school, I thought about how I would never see her grow up, go to her first dance, drive a car, or even walk at graduation.
Although this experience was tragic, I have learned to never take life for granted.
Entering my senior year, I have mixed thoughts on the career path I would like to take, but I will always go into thinking about what Serenity would want me to do: Live life to fullest and do the best to your ability.
As I walk through the halls, I’ve come to the realization that everyone’s story is different. We all go through some aspect of struggle which causes stress.
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For senior Eden Latham, the story of her adversity began at a young age.
“When I was two years old my mom and dad got a divorce,” Latham said.
However, a light quickly shined into her life when her mother met her stepdad. Although Latham now had a father figure in her life, she still felt abandoned by her biological father.
“When I was six, he disappeared until I was about nine. He got arrested for drunk driving. So he’s never been a good role model,” Latham said.
This experience caused Latham to have mixed emotions regarding that relationship growing up.
“I always felt jealous of people who had a good relationship with their dad,” Latham said.
In the spring of her sophomore year, Latham’s world was shattered when she learned that her mom had been diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in her leg, which is cancerous.
“My grandma and little brother were devastated. Being the oldest child I tried to keep us together and keep the situation sane,” Latham said.
Although Latham has been through many struggles, her future is still bright as she looks forward to life after high school.
“Michigan, Purdue, and Western Michigan are the top three schools that I’m interested in,” Latham said. “I plan on studying international studies and politics.”
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On May 8, 2016, senior Aubrey Knisley can remember going to church and receiving a phone call that her father had passed away.
“This was the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with. But it has made me into a stronger person,” Knisley said.
Independent and adaptable. These are the words that best describe Knisley.
“I’ve been able to cope with everything because I feel like I can do it by myself,” Knisley said.
This lost hit so hard because Knisley’s father looked to have a promising future.
“My father started a relationship with my mom again and I saw him on a regular basis. So the fact that he passed away was heartbreaking,” Knisley said.
While working through this tragedy Knisley thinks and plans for the future.
“At the moment I’m going to attend Western Michigan University, yet my career path is undecided,” Knisley said.
Although the future draws near, Knisley continues to take challenges day by day.
“Having a positive outlook on everyone because everyone deserves a second chance,” Knisley said. “Not going to Northview will change me. This is life and trying to find the right ‘fit’ will be a challenge.”
