Senior activities and a college decision

She is doing this! She is finishing high school and is going to college!

Rachael is in the home stretch of high school, and her perseverance is paying off. She didn't give up even though she may have felt like it at times, and she is seeing fruits from her struggle. I am so proud of her.

The college application process was fraught with anxiety. It includes too many options, with too many financial, career, living and well being considerations. It is stressful. Rachael considered a few schools, but prioritized UMBC because it is a fantastic school, is close and allowed for her live at home with her cat. There was an early action application deadline Nov 1 and we finalized the application fee 5 minutes after the deadline. It was what it was, we would have to wait to see. We were so excited when a fat envelope arrived in December with an acceptance and a very generous scholarship. The next application deadline was approaching and Rachael asked, "do I have to submit more applications?".  I told her "If you want to go to UMBC, then no. You can say yes and be done.". She was happy to say Yes and so were we.

Spring included another visit to UMBC and it reaffirmed that this was a great decision.



Rachael took 2 art classes this year and was recognized by having 4 pieces in the High School showcase at the local art guild. Rachael had been talking about her clay projects throughout the year and it was gratifying to see them first hand.

Rachael is the Secretary of the Math Honor Society and it was fun to see her speak at the spring induction and then receive her senior cords.

Rachael also received her senior cords for the World Language Honor Society for her efforts in Spanish at the start of her high school journey.

Throughout all of these special events Rachael worked with the Robotics team to prepare for the Worlds VEX Competition.  I'll add a separate post on that.

When they got back from Worlds, she shifted to AP exam prep and finishing up her assignments for the year. It is a whirlwind and all of the activity allows the distraction from the goodbyes that are coming. I think this distraction makes moving forward possible, and Rachael is doing just that.