Out of the graduating class of 2024, Senior Rachel Huffman has strived to do her best at leading and achieving greatness at Athens Drive Magnet High School. Not only has she accomplished a lot in the classroom but outside of the classroom as well.
Huffman has been recognized by numerous clubs, sports, and organizations, including NHS, the Health Science Academy Science, and Women’s Lacrosse. Out of all of these involvements, she is most proud of completing her internship at a dental office for the Health Science Academy where she established her love for the medical field.
“Health science has changed my life for the better. I enjoy taking care of people and I hope to accomplish this through being a nurse,” said Huffman.
Outside of school, Huffman loves to travel, go to the beach, hang out with friends, and shop at her favorite stores: Edikted, Aerie, White Fox, Pacsun, or Target. Huffman also enjoys going on Sheetz runs with her friends.
“I get a Dr. Pepper, Cheerwine, or an Alani… Hot Cheetos and twin snakes,” said Huffman.
Huffman describes her high school experience as adventurous, she’s gone through a lot and has learned a lot throughout her 4 years at Athens. Huffman believes that this is generally what high school is all about. Your high school years are transitioning from being a child to becoming an adult while discovering your passions and dislikes.
“I found out about my calling through the Health Science Academy and that has led me to getting into ECU for nursing,” said Huffman.
Huffman recalls her favorite memory at Athens as the time when the power went out so she and her friends played spike ball and left to hang out; representing that even through hard times, Huffman always knew how to turn it into fun.
School, extracurriculars, and sports do not stop this student from making hard-earned money. Huffman has a job that she enjoys and finds pleasure working with her friends as well. She is going to miss fun memories. Craft Public House has been a place where core memories have been made with friends as well.
“I have worked at a Craft Public House as a host for almost a year. I’m going to miss it while I’m at ECU,” said Huffman.
Huffman enjoys taking Health science classes the most and enjoys them, especially with her favorite teacher, Kirsten Worrel. She has had a great time with her the past four years and hopes to keep that connection well into the future.
“Her Biggest impact is her genuine compassion and natural desire to want to help people. She has experienced various health related issues between her and her family and I think that has given her a genuine interest in wanting to make a difference in the field.” Said Worrel.
“My favorite teacher is Ms. Worrel. She connects very well with her students and does the best that she can to make sure we succeed, she’s very supportive,”said Huffman.
Huffman has learned that living for others has not always helped her succeed. At one point, she experienced a loss of focus on what she needed to prioritize within school; she suppressed her true authentic self when living for others. She thanks herself for protecting her peace throughout these years at Athens Drive.
“Freshmen shouldn’t care what people think; don’t live for other people, live for yourself,” said Huffman.
