While many students discover their passion in their later years, sophomore Rebecca Maddox found her love for writing back in elementary school. One year, an incredible opportunity arose to submit her work to a national level. 

“In sixth grade, I had this one teacher, Mrs. [Holly] Hanson, who really fostered my love for writing,” Rebecca said. “She signed me up for the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), so I ended up writing [something], admittedly, really bad, but at the time, I thought that this was my moment.” 

Since then, Rebecca’s writing has substantially improved through practice and experience, and she largely credits Hanson for her current enthusiasm.

Now, Rebecca can apply those skills to her two favorite classes: Honors English 10 and AP United States History. From the teachings of antebellum reforms to classic literature, Rebecca can’t help but immerse herself in nearly every project thrown her way. The unique and collaborative aspects of the two classes create a captivating experience. 

While many of her peers may procrastinate to finish assignments, Rebecca’s passion for learning prevents her from holding back, always seeming to jump right into a vast well of knowledge to complete essays, homework, and other tasks. 

“I finished my essay for The Scarlet Letter a little bit ahead of schedule,” Rebecca said. “I’m proud of it. I used to be really into writing, and I sort of took a break from it. It was nice to get all my thoughts on paper because I have a lot of thoughts.”

Through eloquent vocabulary and thematic storytelling, utilizing the power of words is a skill that Rebecca is determined to master. Especially with writing, she is provided with an outlet to properly discuss her point of view. Rebecca said that one of her favorite narration styles is to communicate abstract ideas through simple words that can get the message across to a large audience. 

One day, Rebecca hopes to publish a book of her own that is much more advanced than her beginnings in elementary school.

“In fourth grade, I got really into writing,” Rebecca said, “especially creative writing and lots of fiction. I was like, ‘I’m gonna be an author when I grow up,’ and I was pretty good at it too for my age. Now, I look back, and I don’t like what I wrote, but I still really enjoyed the process of writing. I just don’t usually make as much time for it anymore, but I have some good story ideas.”

Inspired by her dad reading Harry Potter to her as a child and the literary works of J.D. Salinger, the book that Rebecca writes in the future is sure to include a culmination of knowledge that she’s picked up from these storytelling role models. 

No matter where reading and writing take her, the skills they provide are an undeniable benefit. The passion has turned Rebecca into “a huge nerd” who often confuses her friends with her constant desire for education. 

In addition, the writings of the past have enhanced her love for history, illustrating a more diverse and complex understanding. 

“[Reading] leads me down some Wikipedia rabbit holes late at night,” Rebecca said, “but it also gives me a better understanding of where the world is today. I feel like it’s still developing, but it’s helping me understand certain things that are in place now. From the past, it gives me a more nuanced appreciation of American culture and the world as a whole.”

Wanting to continue with this academic ardor, Rebecca plans on one day becoming a professor herself. It’s clear that the texts of the past will guide her as she shares the gift of knowledge. Just as Hanson once inspired her, Rebecca hopes to bequeath her skills to a future generation of students. 

“As much as I love English, I feel like I can make a really big impact if I studied history and found a way to share that,” Rebecca said. “Overall, I really like learning, and that’s why I want to be a professor; I want to be in the academic life and constantly learn for the rest of my life.”