Staff Writer
Our intrepid explorer, Brandon Schroeder, stands at the precipice of a new adventure, with the upcoming graduation as the map to uncharted collegiate territories beyond the familiar high school landscape of R.J. Reynolds High School. Like Indiana Jones before a hidden temple, Schroeder reflects on the pivotal discoveries of his high school expedition.
“Playing for sports teams, just helps a lot with building close friendships with people,” Schroeder said.
These connections extended beyond the playing field, enriching his overall high school experience. However, the academic trials weren’t always smooth, and Schroeder candidly acknowledges moments of falling behind.
“I feel like there’s just some times where I’ve made decisions to just kind of like not do like work or something and just kind of fall behind,” Schroeder said.
These experiences underscored the importance of proactive engagement and effective time management. A particularly profound discovery during his high school years was the transient nature of opportunities.
“I think you just don’t take anything for granted, and I’ve kind of learned that from like different things,” Schroeder said.”I dislocated my knee and ended up in my cast, and then I realized that I’m not playing again the rest of the season… so just enjoying the moments that you have when you have them because you never know, like when they’re going to get taken away from you.”
This experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for the present. Schroeder carries a philosophy of embracing life as he prepares for his collegiate expedition. Looking ahead, the prospect of building new relationships fills him with anticipation.
“I think I’m just ready to enjoy college,” Schroeder said. “Just going and meeting new people, making new connections, and getting to enjoy the people that you meet in your life.”
Yet, the transition to college brings a sense of increased independence. One that Schroeder seems hesitantly optimistic to explore.
“I feel like everybody gets this, but you’re just on your own,” Schroeder said. “Even though I’ve been building this independence from [my parents] during high school, now you actually have to test it out, and make choices for yourself.”
Regarding his future path, Schroeder’s interests lie in the realm of business, particularly within the sports industry.
“I do want to start a business or be a part of a bigger business that revolves around sports and things like that,” Schroeder said.
He indicated a desire to merge his passion with his professional aspirations. Reflecting on his time at RJR, Schroeder offers a modest perspective on his lasting impact.
“It’s not really that I want to leave a legacy behind, necessarily,” Schroeder said. “I think the biggest thing is I hope people can take away from experiences I’ve had in high school and just apply them to themselves. I think that’s what I want, my legacy is just overcoming obstacles and keeping going even when they want to get stuff.”
And so, our young adventurer prepares to embark on his college experience, not with ancient artifacts, but with the invaluable lessons learned during his high school expedition. The collegiate landscape awaits, its challenges and opportunities yet to be fully revealed, but Brandon Schroeder, armed with experience and a resilient spirit, is ready for the journey ahead.