Graduation

Hello, all! Soon (May 2025) I will be graduating from Heritage Academy Mesa and Rio Salado College. I am excited, yet apprehensive about beginning a new chapter in my life. High school has brought me so many good things, and I will regret leaving many of them behind. However, I have had the good fortune to gain several opportunities to continue to progress in areas I have loved as I continue my education at Arizona State University this fall. Thank you so much for all of you who have supported me in the last years!

• I have competed in cross country for all four years of high school, and track and field for the last three. During these years, I've had the good fortune to be mentored by amazing coaches and great teammates, who have helped me succeed. I will have competed in state championships six times now, with some of the most exciting moments being a third-place podium finish in the 300m hurdles in spring 2024 and an 18:45 5K at the Nike Cross Regionals last fall. Unfortunately, I am not expecting to continue on to collegiate athletics. However, I am planning on regularly racing in the Mesa and Phoenix Marathons in accordance with my tradition.

• From my childhood, I have played the piano. Over the past few years, I have picked up playing clarinet, saxophone, and viola. I've been able to play with both the highest orchestra and the advanced jazz band at my school, and I've enjoyed learning more about jazz and music theory. I am working on my composition and production skills, and am starting a music lessons/producing studio this summer. If you know of anyone that might be interested, I encourage you to share my email, wilds08se@gmail.com.

Above all, I wish to thank my friends and my parents, who have helped me to develop the skills necessary to succeed in life. It is thanks to them that I am blessed with the opportunities I have today, and I have the deepest gratitude for their efforts. One of the things I have been taught is the importance of personal finance: both keeping a budget and avoiding debt. As my parents and I have determined that I will be paying for attending college and serving a mission with my own hands, I anticipate needing to work hard for much of this summer. If you wish to support me in my further goals and endeavors, I ask you to consider donating. Thank you so much for your support, everyone!