The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
“[I want to do something in life] that interests me. [I’m] going to keep that [same mindset throughout my] life for a long time and [am] probably going to have a job related to [my interests]. You have to do things that you enjoy, and that makes you happy because that is what you’ll be putting your life and all your blood, sweat and tears into. If you don’t you could end up in a bad situation. You need to [prepare yourself], learn about the subject [that intertwines with your interests] and prepare yourself for what could be coming [in the future].” - Puneeth Thotapalli, 9

Puneeth Thotapalli

Hrushi Eluru, CJ1 Writer • February 2, 2024

“I'd say my biggest accomplishment was founding the Indian Club with my best friend. I [most proud of it], because it is the only thing that I've done here at West that has proved that I care about my identity, culture, that I care about other people who might struggle with the same [struggles as me], and who may want a place to come and build a community. So that was the first time that I actually created something [that] I deeply wanted to create. I wanted to [make] an Indian Club because I wanted to consolidate a safe space for people who struggled with their identity in school [and] may have formerly faced some sort of bias because of their identity. [My purpose behind making the club rooted from] wanting to learn more about the history of India and being super interested in learning about a lot of the forgotten history.” - Riya Ashok, 12

Riya Ashok

Mahiya Pallipat, CJ1 Writer • February 1, 2024

“My proudest moment was probably getting the lead role [as the narrator] in our school play, ‘Puffs’. I thought I wasn’t going to get a role and I was kind of nervous. I was doubting myself. But then when I got it, I was excited and proud of myself. The play was a ‘Harry Potter’ parody. It’s all about the Hufflepuffs and the crazy seven years of magic school. My favorite part about being the narrator [was] probably the rehearsals and all my long lines that [were tongue twisters and] [used to] mess up. It was really funny and it helped me know what I need to work on [in aspects of my acting]. I was excited to see how far I got [during the show dates] and I’m excited to see [how far I go] in the future.” - Kanya Livingston, 10

Kanya Livingston

Ade Fasano, CJ1 Writer • December 20, 2023

“My freshman year [was my hardest] because that was the first year of high school and it was when COVID-19 hit. It definitely [shook] things up, and it's also the year that my dad's illness basically took over my life and changed it beyond belief. My dad was immunocompromised, so I had to constantly focus on [questioning whether I was sick and if it were contagious]. It was a lot for anybody to handle, let alone a teenager. During that time, I didn't have my drivers license, [so] I couldn't escape it. I [was really] spending a lot of time outside playing golf and focusing on college even though I was that young. My main motivation is showing that I can be good at something but still do better. Leave it better than you found it. That's sort of been [my motto ever since] my dad passed away because it changed my perspective. Death doesn't seem so far; It seems so close. You want to make the most [out] of what you want to do in your life.” - Kylie Secrest, 12

Kylie Secrest

Laney Thomas, Yearbook Contributor • December 15, 2023

“My favorite quote is probably from one of my favorite musicians, Maynard James Keenan. The quote is, ‘One day if you're lucky, you realize that you are not the story. You are [a] part of the story and the story is much bigger than you.’ I'm only just a part of the story [in] this world. I am not the main focus of everything, but we're all in this together. We have a direct relationship with nature and with everything around us. [In that sense,] it's more validating. I've kind of felt it before but hearing somebody else say [those words] was a good feeling. The biggest lesson I’ve learned was realizing that it was okay to not fit in. [As] I haven't fit in with my peers very well. [It was impactful just] realizing that it's okay to not be like everybody else and [it's important to] figure out who you are. Change is hard. But every time you are in a new situation or a new environment, you're learning things about yourself and about other people. It’s important to realize that it might be hard, but you're going to grow from it and you're going to become a better version of yourself.” - Kristi Ponder, Art

Kristi Ponder, art

Srisha Gujjula, CJ1 Writer • December 13, 2023

“I went through a sport-ending injury. There was a lot of time where I questioned coming back to my sport because of how separated I felt from my team and all the complications that came with my surgery and physical therapy. It just felt like a lot was holding me back and that I shouldn't even attempt to come back to my sport but [I had to] push past that. I've been playing soccer for 12 years. If I wanted to come back and play soccer, which I love, I had to rush past the pain and the mental part of not being ready to come back. I value hard work and always push myself to the limit because, if you're not putting in 100% you won't get anything out of it. You have your highs and lows but it's up to you whether or how you react to them, and [the circumstances] will get better. This is just a period in your life, [and it’s] tough. But you have to work really hard. You have to [do what you] want to get past it to feel better.” - Hanna Jacquin, 10

Hanna Jacquin

Anuradha Vijayakumar, CJ1 Writer • December 11, 2023

“I’m proud of being a captain of the varsity football team. I've always wanted to be a really good football player, especially after we win a football game. I don't know what makes football so special to me, but I’ve played it my whole life. There's just something [special] about being on a football team. It's just not like any other sport. Everyone has to do their part [in being a part of the team]. There's no one that can be a standout player and just carry a team to victory. Everybody has to be one team. My dad is really important. He knows a lot about football and helps me. He also just keeps me in-check and so I work hard for him. There is a golf tournament fundraiser coming up for him to raise more money. He has ALS so he is in a wheelchair and it's basically just trying to make up money to help [him with his condition]. My friends are also a big part of my life. They're just always there for me when I need them. I feel like it [applies] for me too. Whenever I tore my ACL they were so kind to me. It helped me feel better. Last year's second game of football season was when I tore my ACL, and now I'm totally good. I mean, it definitely had setbacks, but I feel like I came back strong.” - Carson Rakers, 12

Carson Rakers

Juliet Fotheringham, CJ1 Writer • December 8, 2023

“My biggest passion is graffiti. I love putting my name on stuff. I love the style, and the improvement [I make]. People overlook it, but once you start trying to do it, it's a lot harder than it might look. I love creating art. I love making new designs, sketching my notebook and painting. I think that making art in general, is what makes me me. I think other people think I'm unique because I have an interesting history and an interesting life because not a lot of people are into [things that I’m interested in]. My history was sour, but I think it's what made me. I don't care about how I'm perceived. As long as [people] like me for me. I want [to be surrounded by] the type of people that bring me up, [and rely on them to] help me back up if I fall down.” - Ryan Mues, 9

Ryan Mues

Quinton Wallace, CJ1 Writer • December 7, 2023

“One of my hobbies is sewing. I love to sew, and I got into it in eighth grade when I took a class in middle school. We made a stuffed animal and a duffel bag, and I thought it was so cool. I've been sewing different things such as clothes, quilts and redoing vintage clothes ever since. I have only taught science, although I taught [ in fourth grade] summer school for about five years with my mom and aunt. My most memorable moments are my most fun [ones]. What makes them memorable is when we have Homecoming weeks and dress-up days. I love having an excuse to dress up like a total moron, and I love making up costumes. I have an entire rack of costume stuff like Halloween costumes, so I love that. Being a science teacher here was my first job, and I've been here ever since. I've been teaching at West throughout, but I will eventually retire [from my current role].” - Colleen O’Toole, Science

Colleen O’Toole, science

Nikhita Cherukuri, Staff Writer • December 6, 2023

“Something exciting in my life right now is cheerleading. I have been [doing competitive cheer] for five years. I always wanted to be on a high school cheer team and be a part of that [community]. Even though cheer is something I look forward to every day it can clash with some of the other things I really enjoy doing. For example, when I want to hang out with my friends after school I can’t because I have [practice]. Time management and balance are things that get pushed to the side because of it too. Sometimes I can’t get all of my homework done in time and that is something I’m still trying to work on. But I think with practice and more time I will be able to get a good balance on everything.”-Zowie Hrabak, 9

Zowie Hrabak

Penelope Kilgore, CJ1 Writer • December 5, 2023

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