The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper: Features

Senior Leader gives advice on extra curricular activities

by Katie Barnes

March 08, 2008

The average girl looks forward to the weekend as time to shop, party or relax, but this is not the case for Michelle Taylor. Her weekends consist of her extra curricular activities including debate, forensics, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Scholars Bowl, the high school play, the high school musical, student council, and choir. Although Taylor loves all the activities she participates in, she enjoys debate the most.

“I participate in debate mainly because I plan on going into political science and pre-law. I figured that it would help me a lot there and it gives me a lot of confidence when I can stand up and make logical arguments in front of someone and say things that make sense and are backed up by evidence,” said Taylor.

Taylor has many more reasons that make debate her favorite activity.

“One of my favorite things about being in debate is being part of a squad there are a lot of cool people who come out for debate that I wouldn’t normally hang out with. It’s really cool to meet those people, and also to go out on the circuit to tournaments and make friends,” replied Taylor.

Taylor has had some great accomplishments in debate so far this year.

“My partner and I have qualified to the CSL national qualifier tournament the past two years and we have also have gone 6 rounds at NFL which is a very competitive tournament. This year we also won the Manhattan tournament which was a huge accomplishment,” said Taylor.

Taylor believes many of the activities that she participates in will continue to help throughout her life.

“[Student Council] has helped me to acknowledge and appreciate all the school does for us and other people. I think that will help me later in life with working with people,” comments Taylor.

Taylor has mentioned other interests that will assist her in college and her future career goals.

“I think Scholars Bowl is a really great activity because you have to know lots of information and I am kind of full of otherwise useless information and it really helps you think quickly,” said Taylor.

Two of Taylor’s favorite events are the musical and play, which she has participated in all of her high school years.

“What I enjoy most about the musical and the play is that everyone does such a good job working together and doing a good job. I love to sing and I love to act so its always fun to do the musical and the play,” said Taylor.

Taylor has many goals she would like to see completed before her high school career ends in May of this year.

“One of my goals is to continue handling all of my activities. It gets a little difficult, and since it is my last semester, I just really want to spend time with my friends and have fun my last semester. Also, I need time to prepare for college,” explained Taylor.

Although Taylor believes that she will miss being in high school, she remains excited for things to come in the future.

“The thing I will miss most is the teachers and the teacher relationships. Also I will miss the small atmosphere,” remarked Taylor.

Taylor has two role models that have helped her in many ways become a better person and succeed.

“I have a couple of role models my first would be my mom and second one would probably be Mrs. Naylor mainly because she has given up so much for the kids that she teaches and she is such a wise woman who knows a lot about life and I respect that in her,” remarked Taylor.

There are other things that Taylor would like to do as well when she gets out of high school.

“After high school I plan on attending KU and majoring in Political Science after that I plan on becoming a lawyer and then hopefully someday becoming secretary of state, senator or president,” states Taylor.

Taylor had some great advice for upcoming freshman entering high school.

“First off, I would tell them to try to get in debate and forensics and don’t be scared of high school, it will be fun. Most of all be respectful and do your work,” said Taylor.