Every year, the Athens Oracle features certain seniors to celebrate their hard work and excellence during their time at Athens Drive. One such senior chosen this year is named Lena Oakley.
“[She is] Quiet but very strong and determined,” Olivia Leonardo, her English 1 teacher, said.
Lena Oakley avoids procrastination and ensures that she completes all her work, which she considers her key to success. Core values like these are important in success, and helpful ideas that lead to a beneficial work environment can boost morale for the future.
“I personally am not much of a procrastinator,” Oakley said. “I like to get my work done as soon as I get it, that way I can have free time later.”
Oakley firmly believes that it is necessary to be quick in completing all of your work, and one of her main pieces of advice is to get it done. The power of completing your work quickly and efficiently can mean the difference between passing and failing.
“I would just say to get the work done,” Oakley said in response to being asked what would help future students.
She also advised that it is important to come to class on time. Coming to class regularly can help boost your favor with the teacher, keep you from taking teacher-made exams, and help you to make sure that you don’t miss anything that the teacher tells you.
“Don’t be late; it’s not going to help you,” Oakley said.
Oakley doesn’t underestimate the value of education and its importance for success, and recommends that people try their best to have good attendance and consistent effort.
“Try to come to class, try to come to school. It’s not going to help you if you miss a bunch of days,” said Oakley.
However, Oakley understands that not every day is a day that people can come to school. There will always be times when you might get sick or be out of town, but when that happens, it’s important to prepare in advance to lighten the load and stress that will be there when you get back.
“Make sure to check in on Canvas…always tell your teacher beforehand, ask, hey, what am I going to miss, so that you are prepared,” said Oakley.
Highlighting the importance of planning and demonstrating smart anticipation is important to her. The actions you take to prepare yourself and others help in the long run to alleviate stress and allow yourself some breathing room when you come back to school.
When asked what her biggest challenge was, Oakley said, “I would say it would be missing school days and catching up on work, because I can’t control every day that I am here. Life still happens, family makes plans.”
Oakley has shown incredible perseverance throughout her high school career, and despite the challenges she has faced, she has continued to grow into the amazing person she is today. The Athens Oracle wishes her and the rest of this year’s graduating class the absolute best in their future endeavors.
“She has worked so incredibly hard, both inside and outside of school, to be successful,” Leonardo said.
