In high school, I was a high performer, excelling in academics and sports, where I developed a strong sense of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. My deeper connection, purpose and understanding went beyond academics. I was often caught daydreaming in class. I sensed that a traditional class schedule wasn’t best fit for me. I thrived when I had the freedom to explore my own ideas and goals which often didn’t align with a structured academic routine. I started exploring my creative side, focusing on my painting abilities and even creating a business centered around my art. This venture gave me a taste of entrepreneurship, and I realized I was drawn to shaping my own path. High school helped me see that success isn’t about following a single route but about pursuing what feels most aligned with who I am and the impact I want to make.
I graduated high school in 2020, a year that was challenging for everyone due to the COVID pandemic. Navigating the end of my high school journey amid lockdowns and uncertainty was difficult. Traditional celebrations and milestones were disrupted, and adapting to virtual learning wasn’t easy, especially since I’d always felt a pull away from structured schedules. Despite these obstacles, the experience strengthened my adaptability and resilience, reinforcing my belief that my path would be unique and self-driven.
Mariah Kirbie 
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