By Megan Deist

High school students, especially those in Audubon, always seem to be motivated to be extra involved. Some balance music and sports activities, while others gravitate towards their own interests and hobbies outside of school. At Audubon High School, approximately 57% of students are involved with more than three extra curricular activities compared to larger city schools, such as 3A and 4A schools, with students being involved in one extra curricular activity. A planner is sometimes necessary in order to keep a school, sport, homework, and work schedule organized. Many students find themselves busy, and even that can be an understatement.
So with being involved in many groups, activities and academics, one may pose the question: Do they even have time to have a social life? It’s pretty clear that Audubon High School’s students lead very healthy social lives, simply judging from the amount of 'squirellyness' in day-to-day routines with one another. According to Courtney Walter, the school counselor, “I think most AHS students are able to balance school work, activities, and social lives fairly well. We encourage students to be involved in many things and hope that we've taught you something about time management. The great part about our small school is that those three areas are usually intertwined, which makes for a good balance. Social events are often centered around extracurricular activities with students who generally share the same academic workload, so there's some camaraderie in that.”
With all of that being said, it is clear AHS is a motivated group of students geared towards school and activities. What makes students like that, though? What drives students to be continually motivated? That question was posed to about twenty Audubon High School students that are heavily involved in extra-curriculars, work, and academics. Responses of "what motivates you?" were anywhere from being with friends, college preparation, following the law, sports, living up to sibling’s reputations, and the importance of hard work. Junior Trevor Smith said, “What motivates me is trying to be the best I can be. I don’t settle for less than what I am capable of.”
Maddie Christensen, a senior who seems to be motivated more than ever, agrees that motivation is huge and adds, “Usually for early morning jazz choir, I tell myself that each practice will get us closer to being state jazz choir champs.” Little did Christensen know then, that a few days later, Voices Only jazz choir would win 1st place on Tuesday. She also lightheartedly adds, “Oh, and food. Gotta look forward to lunch.”
It’s clear that personal motivation is a driving force for Audubon students to be involved, even when the stress gets to be too much. But with the school year winding down, remember even the littlest thing can inspire greatness and keep a person moving forward.
So with being involved in many groups, activities and academics, one may pose the question: Do they even have time to have a social life? It’s pretty clear that Audubon High School’s students lead very healthy social lives, simply judging from the amount of 'squirellyness' in day-to-day routines with one another. According to Courtney Walter, the school counselor, “I think most AHS students are able to balance school work, activities, and social lives fairly well. We encourage students to be involved in many things and hope that we've taught you something about time management. The great part about our small school is that those three areas are usually intertwined, which makes for a good balance. Social events are often centered around extracurricular activities with students who generally share the same academic workload, so there's some camaraderie in that.”
With all of that being said, it is clear AHS is a motivated group of students geared towards school and activities. What makes students like that, though? What drives students to be continually motivated? That question was posed to about twenty Audubon High School students that are heavily involved in extra-curriculars, work, and academics. Responses of "what motivates you?" were anywhere from being with friends, college preparation, following the law, sports, living up to sibling’s reputations, and the importance of hard work. Junior Trevor Smith said, “What motivates me is trying to be the best I can be. I don’t settle for less than what I am capable of.”
Maddie Christensen, a senior who seems to be motivated more than ever, agrees that motivation is huge and adds, “Usually for early morning jazz choir, I tell myself that each practice will get us closer to being state jazz choir champs.” Little did Christensen know then, that a few days later, Voices Only jazz choir would win 1st place on Tuesday. She also lightheartedly adds, “Oh, and food. Gotta look forward to lunch.”
It’s clear that personal motivation is a driving force for Audubon students to be involved, even when the stress gets to be too much. But with the school year winding down, remember even the littlest thing can inspire greatness and keep a person moving forward.