What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

In my freshman year at Prairie, I discovered my interest in poetry recitation through my English teacher’s encouragement. It surprisingly led me to represent Prairie and the state of Wisconsin at the national Poetry Out Loud in Washington, DC. I also discovered that time management is the key to balancing a challenging academic workload and extracurricular activities. Lastly, self-advocacy is critical to making sure that I am able to seek help when I need it in order to understand my class materials.

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

There are three things that I’ve learned about collaborating with others:

1. Communicate the goal and expectations of the project or task at hand.
2. Follow through regarding project completion. This was a hard lesson learned. On one project, a group member said that they would submit our final project, but it didn’t happen and I didn’t know about it until the grade came out as incomplete. So, I learned to make sure that the project is submitted on time when collaborating with others.
3. Effective collaboration will always produce an exceptional project, compared to an individual contributor.

What is your favorite class and why?

My favorite class is English because I like to analyze and dig into the deeper meaning of what the author is trying to represent. I like finding the different symbols and discovering the hidden layers of each paragraph.

What has Prairie taught you about leadership? 

Prairie taught me to take initiative and action. When you see a gap or something that needs to be done, don’t be afraid to step up and lead. Prairie is really good at supporting us when we have ideas to improve our school experience. Prairie also taught me that we will be held accountable for our actions and that good leaders listen to the individuals they support and represent.

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy swimming, creative arts, and experiencing new things with my family and friends.

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

While at Prairie, I learned that asking for help is not a bad thing, as many teachers encourage us to see them with any questions we might have. This has helped me a lot because it saves a lot of time and confusion on many assignments.

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

Usually, I prefer to work by myself in class, but working in groups with other people has made me realize that a group effort not only depends on your teammates, but you as well. You have to be willing to be flexible and have a good attitude in order for a team to work together.

What is your favorite class and why? 

My favorite class at the moment is biology, because we do a lot of hands-on activities, which I’ve found have really helped me understand the material. I also appreciate that Mrs. Schaefer’s notes are thorough and cover exactly what we need to know for quizzes and tests.

What has Prairie taught you about leadership? 

Being in student government and Leadership Society has given me a lot of time to talk with my grade, and I learned that getting other people’s perspective is always vital when you make decisions, because you always want to achieve a result that not only satisfies you, but your peers as well. 

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I like drawing (which is supported by Prairie’s amazing art program!), playing volleyball, and baking.

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

Before Prairie, I hadn’t really found my sense of self, but it didn’t take long for me to find my friend group and develop as a person because of the Prairie community!

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

Prairie taught me that not everyone works the same way you might, so the best way to work as a team is to compromise and work to aid everyone’s strengths.

What is your favorite class and why? 

My favorite class at the moment is any class that is math-related because I like knowing whether the answer is correct or not. In other classes, answers can be read or thought out differently, allowing for many correct interpretations, but in math classes, the process is streamlined. I find it easier to solve and figure out problems when the answer is somewhere there to find, and everyone has to find the same one.

What has Prairie taught you about leadership? 

Prairie taught me that there are many ways to be a leader. Someone’s leadership style may be completely different than your own but it works just as effectively.

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time? 

 In my free-time, I like to hangout and chat with friends, play or listen to music, or just relax!

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

I found a love for the performing arts, but singing in specific. I always saw myself as strictly an athlete and I never thought the arts and athletics could mesh, but Prairie helped me discover a side that I never knew was there. I felt comfortable being in an uncomfortable position because Prairie has a culture and environment that encourages people to take risks and get outside of their comfort zone while still staying safe. 

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

It’s taught me to appreciate and value all of the opinions and ideas that others have. At its core, Prairie aims to develop and produce students that can change the world and I believe that starts with collaboration. Whether it be group projects, buddy activities, or anything in between, Prairie pushes their students to seek and value different opinions and perspectives.

What is your favorite class and why? 

My favorite class is Choir, which ties into what I’ve discovered about myself during my time at TPS. Prior to this year, I had never taken choir and from day one I was hooked. Everyone in that class genuinely enjoys it and wants to be there and I believe that starts with the teacher. Mr. Paulsen does a fantastic job and truly values and showcases all of the different students in the class. He works very hard to create a positive, collaborative, and safe environment for all of his students.

What has Prairie taught you about leadership? 

Prairie has taught me that leadership can be found in many forms and that its primary purpose is to serve others. Growing up, I viewed leadership as a chore rather than an opportunity. I thought that leaders meant that you were CEO of a company, captain of a sports team, pretty much whenever you were in a position of “control” –– I could not have been more wrong.

Prairie has taught me that anyone can become a leader and that the will to lead comes from within. It also taught me that leaders aren’t “in charge” of others but that their primary goal was to serve others. The biggest thing they’ve taught me is that when it comes to leadership, you give more than you take and that goals are more efficiently completed when the people you are leading have what they need and feel comfortable sharing new ideas.

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I enjoy playing sports (basketball, soccer, tennis, and golf), reading, and spending time with my family 

What is something you’ve discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

When I enrolled at Prairie my sophomore year, I was pleased by the diversity in ethnicity, personality, and spirit. As a new student I observed how wonderful it is to be in an environment where differences are encouraged, which helps people offer new ideas about various topics because of their different backgrounds and preferences. Being a Prairie student has shown me how much I appreciate being in a diverse learning space where cultural differences and new ideas are welcomed.

What is something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others?

As a student at Prairie, I have learned to collaborate with others by reaching out to people by saying a simple “hey!” in the hallways, and showing kindness to people at all times. I try my best to have a positive spirit which reinforces trust with my peers, and helps us communicate effectively throughout our time together. These aspects are essential to helping people feel comfortable in the Prairie community and allows me to feel a closer connection to my peers.

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

I put my mind to something and ask questions along the way from my peers and teachers I can achieve anything. This has in turn inspired me to try new things without fear of failure.

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

Prairie has taught me that there is room for everyone to succeed and that happens when we all help each other in achieving our own goals. I have been lucky to have great teachers and peers whose insights have helped me accentuate my strengths – and it would not have been possible without great collaboration.

What is your favorite class and why? 

English is my favorite class — not only do we have a great teacher in Ms. Tate, but she assigns great projects which are not only fun to do but also challenging so that our minds are invigorated.

What has Prairie taught you about leadership? 

The biggest thing I have learned about leadership at Prairie is the importance of self-awareness. It has taught me to not only know my limitations, but to also know my strengths, and how to communicate with others in large or small groups. I continue to develop my leadership skills and Prairie has allowed me ample opportunities to practice and polish these skills.

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time?

Reading is a passion of mine. I also enjoy art – and although I am not the best, I am getting pretty good at it. Finally, I must confess that I enjoy doing nothing (relaxing and watching TV) during my free time as well.

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

Something new I have learned about myself since being a student at prairie is that I really benefit from asking questions. I used to think that reaching out and asking questions showed that I didn’t understand the material in class, but especially after 9th grade, I learned that getting the help you need is the mature, and adult thing to do. It shows the effort you put into learning and comprehending class. 

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

Prairie has taught me that when working with others it is important to take a step back and think about the personalities you are collaborating with. Previously it was my instinct to always take charge, even when I may not have been the most qualified, or knowledgeable on the material. But after doing many group projects, I’ve learned that I am a strong leader in the discussion aspect, but in other areas, it is important that I let others lead, for a greater outcome.  

What is your favorite class and why? 

My favorite class that I’m currently enrolled in is honors chem, I love learning about the breakdown of matter and conducting experiments. It is also a great challenge for me. 

What has Prairie taught you about leadership? 

Prairie has taught me to be a leader in many aspects, including being a good role model. Throughout middle school, I was often reminded that we are looked up to by younger students and that it is very important that I lead by example. I remember looking at people my age and wanting to be just like them, which makes me realize that my image is very important to younger students. 

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I love to play sports, watch Gossip Girl, and go on walks in my free time!

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

Something new I discovered about myself by becoming a prairie student is my athleticism. Before I came to Prairie I didn’t play sports at all, but once I came to Prairie I started enjoying sports more. They helped me discover something that is now a huge part of my life.

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

Everyone at Prairie is so helpful, teachers and students. Prairie has taught me to be open-minded and respect other people’s ideas.

What is your favorite class and why?

My favorite class is probably math. I’ve always found math interesting and fun. The math teachers at Prairie have played such a huge factor in my success with math.

What has Prairie taught you about leadership?

Prairie taught me to use my voice and to express any ideas or concerns I have. They create a healthy and welcoming environment that allows you to open up and be yourself.

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time?

I like watching Netflix, playing basketball/working out, and I like to read.

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

I have discovered that I am a woman of many interests. Before coming to Prairie, I thought that I would only like to do specific things in life, but Prairie has given me the resources and opportunities to try new and exciting things such as being in a play while simultaneously competing in the science olympiad, which I never thought I would do.

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

Prairie has taught me that it is to not only your own benefit, but to the benefit of the final product to make sure that everyone’s voices and opinions are heard. Prairie has taught me that listening is just as important as speaking when it comes to working with others.

What is your favorite class and why? 

My favorite class is French. I have always loved to learn the language, ever since I was little, and I have been extremely lucky to have had so many different wonderful teachers throughout my time here. Each one has had something different to offer, whether it be grammatical skills, or the insight on cultural aspects of France and its language.

What has Prairie taught you about leadership? 

Prairie has taught me that there are many ways to be a leader, but being an insightful leader is one of the most important qualities in leadership. When working with others who look to you as a leader, making sure that everyone is included, and understands what is going on, especially in a project setting is important. It is the job of a good leader to not only contribute, but to help others who need it. Prairie has also taught me that leadership goes beyond the classroom. One can be a leader when helping in your community such as through volunteer work, or organizing an event that benefits the people in your community. Even representing your school at an event such as the Concord d’Oral, or in a sports competition is a leadership role.

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I love to bake, be in musicals and theater performances, and play tennis in my free time.

What’s something new you have discovered about yourself by being a student at Prairie?

Within the past 5 years of going to Prairie, I have discovered that I can truly accomplish anything I set my mind to and work hard at. It’s really hard not to have self-doubt during some things, but being at Prairie has really shown me that if I really enforce self-discipline and work hard at the things that are important to me, the outcome will be very successful.

What’s something Prairie has taught you about collaborating with others? 

Prairie has taught me how to really dive into a conversation with someone and really understand and listen to their opinions. Not only has Prairie taught me how to hold a conversation with others, but it has also taught me how to ask deep meaningful questions to really get to know the people around me.

What is your favorite class and why? 

My favorite class would have to be AP World History because of the many new challenges it presents me each day. It’s very draining at times but getting to know more about the world we live in and all the benefits this class will give me gives me an incentive to keep working hard and trying my best.

What has Prairie taught you about leadership? 

Prairie has given me so many opportunities to grow within my leadership skills. From being in the Leadership Society to a representative for my class freshman year as well as being a part of the Xfinity group, I have grown and learned so much. Prairie has taught me and continues to teach me how to work collaboratively with my peers and teachers. As it has also taught me how to use my voice in effective ways that can get more people involved

What are three things you enjoy doing in your free time? 

In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, hanging out with my close family and friends, and binging a good Netflix series