Accomplishments are records: proof of what one is capable and what one has overcome. Our ability to persevere can speak volumes and is the only way one can obtain these achievements in life. Achievements shouldn’t be judged and based upon what others have done; they should only judged on significance by the person themselves. No matter how big or small, an accomplishment is something to be proud of.

Hard work has never intimidated Raven Swanson (’16), a track and cross country runner. One of Swanson’s proudest achievements this year took place during this past cross country season. Being a senior, every race she ran was one step closer to her last high school race–yet Swanson made this year memorable by, “mostly having fun with the other girls.” Not only did she have fun, but she trained a lot in order accomplish and achieve a great season for herself. Last year, Swanson did not run track. Instead, she trained alone during the winter and spring for the 2015 cross country season.

“I had Murray writing me running plans to help me improve,” said Swanson. She said that the race that she saw as her biggest accomplishment was the WESCO/Cascade Conference XC Championships as she “…always run fastest in my last race.”

Another avenue that students are achieving is the work force. Holding a job during high school can become difficult in combination with school work and extracurriculars, but the benefits are too good for many to pass up.

This past July, Alysia Pashby (’17) got a job working in a vet clinic, which is one step closer to accomplishing her dream job of becoming a veterinarian. Pashby elaborated on how her job is “really beneficial” in preparing her for her future. Pashby explained that she wants to become a veterinarian because, “I really like animals and science. And it has a lot of science involved.”

We are all capable of doing great things. Our lives are filled with many small accomplishments and a few major accomplishments–all of which bring us pride and help to shape who we are.