Senior Profile: Carisa Hochkeppel
Can you share some details on your plans for after graduation? What are you most looking forward to with these plans?
After High School, I am doing something that is not always looked up upon. I am taking a gap year! This gap year is super important to me because it’s going to allow me to take a break from school both mentally and physically. Which I personally really need. I get good grades in school but it takes a huge toll on me and I realized that if I throw myself into college now I don’t think I would make it though any better than I did High School. I can finally relax without the worry of going to school the following fall. I can take time to myself to figure out who I truly am and what I am truly passionate about. I can earn some money for myself and just have fun.
Do you have any memorable moments from your time at South High?
Yes. Memorable moments that I have at South High is transitioning from the old school, to online school because of COVID, to hybrid school at the old school, to the new school with masks, to the new school for a regular year. Another memorable moment is all the pep rally and speakers that we have had at South. They all have been so fun and interesting. Finally, some other memorable moments is being the lead in my junior year play, winning my first trial my junior year for mock trial, and making it to first base and then all around to home base during one of my senior softball games.
Is there anything specific about the old South building that you will remember?
A specific thing about the old South High that I will remember is the fact that we had office cubicle walls between our classrooms. We could hear every teacher and every student that was around us. There were no doors to our classrooms, except for a select few.
What is something that you have learned or experienced at South High that you will take with you after graduation?
I have learned working and studying habits through my AP Classes and Early College Classes that I will take with me after Graduation. I have also learned the importance of being involved. Being involved allows me meet new people and immerse myself in new environments.
Do you have any advice you would share with rising seniors or with underclassmen?
My advice is to work as hard as you can to get through each year. The second you find yourself falling behind or struggling, do not be afraid to talk to your teachers. They are there to help you. They are human too and will be understanding.