Impressive…Most Impressive (An Interview with the Salutatorian)
Chris "Look a Distraction" Snider
March 24, 2010
Filed under Student Life
While nearly everyone was expecting Jessica Kaczmarek to be this year’s valedictorian, there was some serious competition for the salutatorian spot. This year, that honor was earned by Rebecca Phifer. It was a really close race, but Rebecca earned a 5.195 GPA, which was just above some of the other contenders’ GPAs.
TYJ: How did you feel about being named this year’s salutatorian?
Rebecca: Honestly, it wasn’t a big deal for me and I really didn’t care all that much about it. I don’t need someone to tell me “Congratulations, you have a high GPA and are therefore worth something,” just to make me feel accomplished or to make me feel good about myself. Really, the best part about it is the parking space. (Note the sarcasm.)
TYJ: How did you earn such a high GPA?
Rebecca: Well, it was a lot of hard work; I didn’t really have much of a life at the beginning of high school. After that though, I relaxed and found outlets to keep me from going insane. I also had support from my friends, family, and teachers. And there are the all-nighters, lots of all-nighters. Basically, I was a workaholic for a while so that I could take a break for the rest of high school, and I happened to do really well through it all.
TYJ: Is there any person or group of people you would like to thank for helping you earn this recognition?
Rebecca: I don’t want to sound too much like Jessica, but I would have to say essentially the same people. My teachers have always helped me, and my friends and family have always supported me when I needed it. In all honesty, Jessica already said all that I would have liked to say.
TYJ: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to also do really well in school?
Rebecca is essentially giving the same advice that Polonius gave to Laertes in The Tragedy of Hamlet: "To thine own self be true."
Rebecca: First, I want to say that “doing well in school” does not necessarily mean making good grades and receiving awards. Yes, those are important, but I would say that the experiences and the growth that you gain from high school are just as important as the grades you receive. To earn good grades, that’s simple: study and don’t be a bum. Otherwise, I say that you should get out of your comfort zone and try new things; get involved with something you wouldn’t have initially tried before. Make good friends and stay true to yourself. My best advice would be: strive to become who you want to be, not what others want you to be.
TYJ: Finally, which college do you plan to attend and what majors are you considering?
Rebecca: I’m definitely going to Clemson University for college. As for my major, it’s a surprise, even for me because I’m currently undecided.
