Grace Eschbach

From collecting albums to learning about the history of bands, senior Grace Eschbach has been invested in music her whole life. One of Eschbach’s favorite activities is going to concerts and watching bands perform live, which pushed her to become involved in the theater tech department.

Although Eschbach found fun in going to concerts in her free time, school was a different story. As a freshman, her grades were the biggest priority. Eschbach is now learning to adapt that practice to live a more fulfilling life.

“I was so used to breezing by in middle school with straight A’s that when I got my first B on a test, it was a total slap in the face. Learning to adjust my standards or expectations for myself depending on the standards or expectations of specific classes was pretty tricky,” Eschbach said. “Now that I’m a senior I still definitely care about my grades, but I don’t let one bad grade dictate my anxiety or ruin my week. I will learn from it and try to improve for the next time.”

Through observing her parents and family friends, Eschbach learned how to let go of smaller issues and become more active in her relationships with friends and others.

“I can look at my parents or family friends and realize that they go through daily stresses while still being active in their family relationships and friendships. I realize that I can do the same and not sweat the small stuff,” Eschbach said. “I would definitely tell my freshman self that everything with high school will become more familiar. Take a breath every now and then because you can afford a minute to just relax.”