Let’s give a warm “Spotlight on Seniors” welcome to Isabel Pieper – Pewaukee High School
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
It’s just me, my dad and my sister. My mom passed away in October. My sister is currently attending UW-Madison and is currently in her junior year studying Spanish so most of the time it’s just me and my dad at home during the school year. We all love goofing around and are ultimately all pretty close. Love them a ton.
What are your interests and hobbies?
Running is something I quite enjoy doing. Over the past couple of years I have grown to love it . I also love to travel- to see new places and experience different things. If shopping counts as a hobby, I definitely love to do that a little too much. Finally I do like to bake, always love a great dessert/snack .
Tell us about one of your favorite classes in school.
I love the art classes held at PHS. They allow a nice creative and relaxed environment and all the art teachers are nice. I always look forward to them and have been blessed to take many of the courses offered throughout my high school experience.
What’s your least favorite?
If anything I would have to say that my least favorite class would be any of the science classes but this is because I just found subjects like biology and physics challenging for me.
Do you have a favorite memory from the school year?
I have always loved football games. No matter if it’s sunny, cold or raining outside I always have quite a fun time with my friends in the stands. After the games you can either catch us at Denny’s or Culver’s for some late night custard. I have always loved sports events and besides football games heading up to both girls and boys basketball games with my friends were super fun.
What’s something you worked hard on this past year, a moment or an achievement you’re particularly proud of?
Over the past year/school semester my group has worked hard on our Capstone project for the insight course Serving Others. Our project was to raise money for my mom’s scholarship fund through Guatemala Service Projects which supports students education in Guatemala through a bake sale. This bake sale took place at the Waukesha County Track Invitational held at Pewaukee High School. This project took lots of dedication and planning but I am super proud with the outcome of this event and all the hard work my group put in.
What has surprised you most about school this past year?
Something that surprised me was how fast this school year has flown by. At the beginning of the year I remember people telling me to really enjoy my senior year because it goes by fast. I didn’t really believe that however it is absolutely true! It feels like I just started this current year but now I only have a few weeks left.
What are you looking forward to in the upcoming year?
College is really something that I am looking forward to. Going to the University of Kentucky I am excited for a change of scenery and getting just to experience college life and explore a different state.
What are some of your goals (academic, sports, personal)?
I don’t have any goals in particular that I can think of for myself. I am more of a go with the flow type of person. I do maybe have mini benchmarks that I set for myself throughout the year just to push me. I think finding out who I am and expanding my interests is a goal that I have for the future as I reach another big benchmark in my life.
What is something you are good at and/or enjoy doing?
Something I have always been good at is art. It’s a talent that I have always had. I find it to be very fun and it’s relaxing although I can be a bit messy at times. Overall it’s something that I like to do once in a while and you can find me passing the time by working on a new piece for a few hours.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hmmm, in 5 years I’ll be 23 and in 10 years I will be 28 years old. After college I hope to move by the water. I was thinking North Carolina or maybe Florida, but hey, if I end up living by a lake in Wisconsin that’s totally cool, too. I hope to have a family by then and a DOG. As a career hopefully still an exercise physiologist but being a Zumba instructor could be fun too. Who knows though, I have to see where life takes me first.
Explain a time you wanted to give up but didn’t?
I think the most recent is keeping up the momentum during the last couple weeks of school. There are times I don’t have the time to keep up with my assignments but making sure that I end the school year strong and to keep pushing through is all the momentum I need.
What are your favorite memories?
My favorite memories all involve my friends and family. So far something that I have grown to love would be the summer and late night drives for ice cream or food. We go out and play some music and just talk with each other. Very simple but these are moments that brought smiles and much laughter.
Is there someone special who you admire?
I would say my mom. She has always been my favorite person and someone very special in my life. She always knew what to say or how to handle a situation. In general she had such a free spirit that pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me laugh super hard. Besides that you could always have a serious conversation with her and she wouldn’t judge you, just gave you her words of wisdom. All the time I put myself in her shoes and wonder what she would do in a certain situation.
Do you have plans for the future?
Just living my best life would be the only plan that I got. I will go to college, embrace the experience and enjoy one moment at a time. I want to study Kinesiology in hope of becoming an Exercise Physiologist. From there though I have no clue, which is ok for now.
If you could do anything, what would it be?
If I could do anything without worrying about reality and money I would travel the world. Meet new people, learn new languages, try different foods and just explore what’s out there. Soak in every moment and just observe and watch different realities and lives.
What do you love about Lake Country area?
Summer is always the best time. Hanging out on the beach is always super fun whether it is boating, swimming or just hanging out with friends, I LOVE IT! I love ending a long day with a nice mint chocolate ice cream cone by the beach. There is always so much to do.
Tell us one piece of wisdom you’ve learned so far.
The biggest piece of wisdom I could give you is, take it easy. This world is fast paced and there will always be something going on around you. Do not push yourself too much. It’s ok to take it easy and to go at your own pace. Take your time to learn about yourself and for self growth. Don’t let what’s going on around you affect that.
Do you have an unwritten rule at your school that everyone follows?
Don’t be afraid to ask your classmates for help in a class if you need it. There are some people that I didn’t speak to outside of classes but no matter what if they needed help or if I needed help in a class we would help each other out. Also ask questions because if you’re confused about something I can tell you that your peers are probably confused, too. Don’t feel like your questions are stupid or unnecessary.
What is one thing that would make your school better?
PHS is a great school. It is very nice and has such a welcoming environment. The staff is overall super nice and willing to help you in classes. I have also met my closest friends here at this school. I think though if I had to choose something I would say that participation, whether school pep weeks or grade activities, more participation and encouragement would make these school experiences more fun.
What advice would you give to an incoming student?
I know that the schools stress this a lot but trust me, staying on top of your work will help a lot. Know your work style and use that to find ways to stay productive and to get that work done. Falling behind is the worst because your school work will keep building up. This might mean that you might not be able to attend every outing or event after school but trust me, this will be super beneficial in the long run.
