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 was painfully shy as a middle school student and early in high school. I didn't like to ever participate in class. Luckily I don't think it impacted me long-term in any real way, and I was able to break out of my shell a little bit by my junior and senior year of high school. I regret not continuing to train and run competitively after high school. In my senior year of track, I was still improving, but as soon as that season ended, I stopped doing any serious training or running competitively. I never picked it up again, so I regret that I never reached my peak in running. My parents had the biggest impact on me for sure, but my high school cross-country coach probably influenced my career choice more than anybody. He was the first one who planted the idea of me working in education. I had such a good experience running high school cross country with him that I decided I wanted to work at a high school in the future, and he also made the first phone call to get me a foot in the door at West. I am proud that I decided to go into teaching even though it really did not come naturally to me. I have never been someone who liked to be the center of attention or had a lot to say, so teaching was not something I really ever saw myself doing. I knew I didn't want to work in an office, and I had a great experience in my own education and some great teachers and coaches who influenced me, so I decided that teaching was something I might be able to pursue. It was not easy, but I am proud that I tried it and have stuck with it. I am looking forward to biking the Katy Trail this summer, hopefully with a few fellow math teachers.” - Kevin John

Kevin John, Math

Lia Emry, Staff Writer • February 9, 2023

“The scariest moment of my life was getting into a car accident. One night I was driving with my friend in the car, and all of a sudden a car hit the side of my car we went sliding across the intersection, and all the airbags inflated. After we were hit, I was in shock and worried that my friend was hurt. Not only was this traumatic but I was also really scared that I'd traumatized my best friend and she would never want to ride with me again. Something I took away from this experience is the fact that you only live once and make the most out of your life because time is valuable.” - Hannah Zaiser, 10

Hannah Zaiser

Lacey Hubert, Staff Writer • January 31, 2023

“[The happiest moment of my life was] last year when I asked my crush to Homecoming. I asked her on the bus, she said yes, and I got really happy about it. We've been together well over a year now, but I liked her for a year before even asking her out. [Before] the dance, we went out and had a nice little dinner together, and at the dance we talked, hung out and danced - it was a great night. Looking back, it's a blur, but I remember it as a really happy night. We went to Homecoming [again] this year, and I'm planning on asking her to prom too.” - Cameron Licata, 11

Cameron Licata

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • January 27, 2023

“One of the happiest things I can remember lately is when [I was] at a volleyball tournament. After playing three games, we had busted our butts working to win the point and it was tied at 27. We ended up winning 28-27 and it came down to that last point. Everyone was so happy and really excited in the moment [that] we were able to win the game. I'm a middle hitter for Parkway Lightning Volleyball Club, and I've [been playing] for five years. [My favorite thing about] volleyball is the people I'm surrounding myself with, because these people are very uplifting and they push me to be a better version of myself, not only [as] a player but as a human being.” - Gabriella Black, 10

Gabriella Black

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • January 26, 2023

“I’m proud of my art and where it’s taken me. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do; I surprised myself, [and] I think it could take me places. [Art] means a lot to me. It’s a different way to look at the world. I remember after taking a photography class, I would look outside and be like ‘oh, that would make such a great photo.’ When you become more into art, you look at the world differently and in a more artistic way. Art is different for everyone. Everyone creates their own art and it’s such a cool way to express yourself and in such different ways. And that’s really beautiful. ” - Amy Rein, 11

Amy Rein

Emily Early, Editor-in-Chief • January 19, 2023

“I like to spend time with my family. My sister, [junior Yena Ahn, inspires me the most]. She just always does the right thing. Even when she’s around her friends, she sticks to her morals. I admire that a lot. I like that I can both learn from her and teach her things. Everything she knows, does and experiences, I am able to know the same through her and vice versa.” - Yein Ahn, 9

Yein Ahn

Emily Early, Editor-in-Chief • January 18, 2023

“[For me, the happiest times are] when I celebrate holidays with my family. [My favorite is] Christmas, mostly because I got a lot of presents. I remember [my sister and I] used to write letters to Santa, and he would always write back to us. One year, I was very excited to get a bell from Rudolph's sleigh, but [the best present I've ever received] is a drone that my dad got me. I haven't been able to use it because I can't fly it without my dad, and he just never goes out to fly it. Hopefully [we can fly it] this year. On the other end, the best [present I have given was when] I poured a bunch of peanuts into a really big ornament and gave it to my mom [who was] really into peanuts then. This year, I'm very excited to see my siblings again. I have five, and most of them are away at college, so it's gotten more lonely,” - Declan Ryan, 10

Declan Ryan

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • January 17, 2023

“[The happiest moment of my life was when] when I did my first dance solo for the first time, it was contemporary and to the French song, "Je te laisserai des mots" [by Patrick Watson]. I performed it last season, so March through May, and got 11th overall in one competition for it. [I also] got platinum and high gold at other competitions. I've been competing for six years, but dancing for 13 years. Dance is like therapy to me, I get to express myself, especially with styles like contemporary and hip hop,” - Sam Johnson, 10

Sam Johnson

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • January 16, 2023

“My friends and family have been really helpful and motivating for me. I have a partner who is really helpful in getting me to do my homework. They believe that I can do the work even when I feel like I can’t. They’ve helped me push through the struggles of life and get things done. My sister also makes me laugh a lot. We have a really good relationship. No matter what mood I’m in, she can make me laugh.” - Rainier Neuwirth-Deutsch, 12

Rainier Neuwirth-Deustch

Emily Early, Editor-in-Chief • January 13, 2023

“[I am most proud of] having the courage to go to another country and stay here for a year without my family. Christmas was hard because I missed my family and they were doing all of this family stuff that we used to do together, and I was not there. We called almost every day that weekend. They had put a picture of me at the end of the table so I was ‘there’ for Christmas. It was really cute. My mom was an exchange student and she told me all her experiences and how fun it was. That’s why I decided to [study abroad].” - Johanne Mortensen, 11

Johanne Mortensen

Emily Early, Editor-in-Chief • January 11, 2023

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