Julianna is back in school, and things are going well. I asked her what all she does other than classes, both in school and outside. I got a much longer list than I was expecting! Read the full interview below.

Meet the Class gets updated each month from September to May. Each installment features an interview about both the facts and the feelings of where the student is in the process.
Interviews may be edited lightly for clarity and grammar. Names may be changed to protect privacy.
Julianna attends a public high school in Kentucky

How’s school? Did you go back in person? Do you feel like there’s learning and development, or is it mostly going through the motions and figuring out the logistics?

I returned to in-person school on September 18, and it has gone smoothly so far. My school is taking lots of precautions and I really feel safe and protected. The first few days were logistics based, but now we’re fully into content and it feels like any other school year. We are full capacity 5 days per week, which is different than lots of other in-person models. I feel so lucky to have a return to normalcy, and I’m crossing my fingers that our diligence continues and we keep the coronavirus out.

How big a problem has Covid been at your school? Have there been any cases or outbreaks?

There have been some students that got the coronavirus before we started in-person school, but since we’ve started I don’t believe there have been any cases, or at least any that I’ve known about. Hoping our luck continues in that regard.

How would you describe the mood of your school right now, and especially the senior class?

It seems like everyone at my school has high spirits. The senior class is trying to forget all of the things we’re missing, but it’s hard not to think about it sometimes. Any other year, we would have already had homecoming. Very weird.

What do you do at school other than class? Are you involved in any clubs or teams?

I’m involved in lots of things at school. Primarily my involvement lies within the film and broadcasting department, where I’m the director of our sports broadcasting operation. Right now we’re focusing on football. We live stream every game so that viewers can watch at home, which is especially helpful now that there’s no general admission. I’m also the film director for the school play this fall, which will need to be live-streamed in order for audiences to watch from home. I’m the captain of the mock trial team, which hasn’t started up yet but will very soon. Our tournaments will be virtual this year, which is heartbreaking for me. I’ve been on the team since freshman year, so losing my senior mock trial season is devastating. I’m the Lead Critic of my school’s Cappies Critic team, which involves attending and writing reviews for high school theatre. This season for Cappies will also look different than the past. I’m writing for my school newspaper too, which is so much fun! I’m also a German tutor for younger students, which has allowed me to keep my German sharp since I couldn’t fit it into my class schedule this year!

What do you do outside of school?

Outside of school, I have a lot going on. I’m working two jobs: I’m a cashier at my local aquarium, and I also work as a paid intern for a U.S. Senate campaign. Additionally, I’m an intern with a local advocacy organization that focuses on enfranchisement and voter registration. I’m a busy bee!

You needed to take an SAT for National Merit. Have you been able to? I know there have been a lot of cancellations at test centers.

I was just recently announced as a National Merit Semi-Finalist, and they adjusted requirements for Finalist standing this year. ACT and SAT scores will not be accounted for. I have only taken the ACT, so I was worried I would have to try to fit in the SAT just for this. Luckily, I won’t have to now.

Did you have any college activity in September? Any visits or interviews, either in person or online?

I had an interview with American University, which I believe went well! Other than that, September was a relatively relaxed month for me college-wise.

When are your applications due? Are they mostly early January? Are you applying Early Decision or Early Action anywhere?

Most of my applications are due November-December range, because scholarship deadlines are all early action. I’ve already applied to DePaul University, the University of Georgia, and Indiana University. Syracuse University and Northwestern University are my only January deadlines because they are regular decision! All of my other deadlines are early decision/scholarship priority.

Do you have a top choice from your list?

My top choice is definitely the University of Georgia. Based on the other schools on my list, that may be unexpected, but when I stepped on the campus I just knew it’s where I need to be. I’m really hoping to get a merit scholarship!

Has your college list changed any?

My college list hasn’t changed! I’m so happy with where it is and I’m really proud of the balance I curated. I made a conscious effort to not apply anywhere I wouldn’t love going to. If I won’t love going there, I’m not going to apply. End of story. I’m in love with every school on my list and can’t wait to see where my journey takes me.

Julianna’s College list:

University of Georgia. Top choice. Applied

Indiana University, Applied

DePaul University. Applied

Boston University

American University

Syracuse University

Northwestern University

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Photo by Angela Elisabeth.