Rankin620web

Maria
Banuelas
LOPEZ
PELAHATCHIE HIGH
Describe your senior year in three words.
My senior year was full of adventures, new beginnings, and
new friendships that made me happier and confident as a
person. It taught me to be more open and confident to speak
up. It’s something I’ll look back at and truly miss because
I enjoyed it so much.
If you could create one mandatory course for future seniors,
what would it be?
I would create is a course where students could learn more
about scholarships, how to apply for college, and FAFSA.
It would prepare them to begin the next chapter of their lives
as some students, like me, are first-generation high school
graduates. It would help seniors in creating resumes, be
informed, have time to apply for scholarships, and learn more
on how to prepare for college and what to expect from it.
“I will always remember…”
I will always remember the bond I had in JROTC with cadets,
friends, and our instructors. It was a class I shared with my two
brothers and we felt like we were a part of a team and family.
I gained a lot of confidence and motivation.
If you could change one school rule, what would it be?
Having assigned cafeteria tables during lunch. I think students
should have the opportunity to interact with other students
and their friends during lunch and to sit anywhere they want.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Possibly still being a part of the National Guard and being
graduated from college. I would like to have my dream truck
and possibly a house.
Who was your favorite teacher throughout all of the high
school and why?
I had three teachers that stood out to me. Mrs. Kelsey Nobles
and Mrs. Heather Greene were my teachers during my
sophomore year that would always check up on me and
encouraged me to follow my dreams. My English teacher,
Mrs. Laura Grice, taught me all four years of high school and
took extra time to tutor me and keep me motivated through
English class, which was my hardest subject.
What has been the highlight of your senior year?
Being JROTC Color Guard commander. I had the chance to
command color guard, participate in a drill competition and
gain the battalion’s golden star back during my senior year.
Another senior highlight would be being the first in my family
to graduate high school and attend college.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can
get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and
keep moving forward,” by Rocky Balboa. This quote has given
me motivation when struggling to give up, to push myself to
limits I thought I never could in order to achieve my goals in
life.
If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?
I would have taken dual credit classes sooner. It would have
allowed me to achieve my dreams quicker.
What advice would you give incoming freshmen?
Take risks, make new friends, and make the best memories.
Don’t let others get to you. Focus on yourself, the moment,
and your dreams. It’s not about drama and giving up. It’s is
about taking chances—and taking advantage of the time and
making the very best of it.
What are your plans after graduation?
To join the National Guard then attend Mississippi State
University. I will most likely be majoring in business possibly
accounting or international business. I hope to be a part of the
ROTC program while attending MSU.
Hometown RANKIN • 79