Catch Them While You Can

“There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs,” said famous motivational speaker Zig Ziglar.

South seniors with an eye toward college are acutely aware of this fact. They must climb through the application process consisting of essays, recommendation letters, and scholarships to set the stage for success.

     However, the ritual differs for students depending on their college and career interests. Look no further than the diverse interests and passions of three particularly excelling South seniors. 

     Tristan Bramlett, senior, has long possessed a desire to attend college north of the border. For him, the decision is a fairly simple one. As a dual citizen, Bramlett is able to receive a residential rate at Canadian universities, allowing him to pay a far lower tuition for a tremendous college education. 

     McGill University and the University of Toronto appeal to him and his intended major.  He emphasized economics and finance as the two overarching areas of study that that he enjoys. 

     “I was thinking about minoring in statistics as well, but we’ll see,” said Bramlett. 

     He pointed to his AP Macroeconomics class, taught by Alicia Walker, as a source of influence on his decision to pursue economics. 

     “I would recommend it for people who are just interested in the way the economy works,” said Bramlett.

     Further, he currently attends a daily internship with a financial advisor through the Northland Caps program.  

     “Being a financial advisor is something that’s kind of been on my radar as a possible career, and I’ve been given a great opportunity through Northland Caps,” said Bramlett.

     He is outward in his excitement for the transition to college life. 

     Mincing no words, Bramlett said, “Simply put, I’m kind of sick of Missouri. I really do like Parkville and Kansas City, but I’m ready for a change, and I’m ready to move out.” 

     Bramlett is looking forward to meeting new people next year.  

     Raj Thaker, senior, is also ready to develop new relationships at college.

     With a high GPA, ACT score, and a lot of school involvement, Thaker has sharpened his resume substantially. He is applying to a host of elite Ivy League schools along the East Coast, as well as closer schools including Washington University, the University of Missouri and the University of Kansas.  

     “I’m really interested in math and science, specifically physics and calculus, and how to apply them in the real world,” he said. 

     He isn’t set on a specific career field, but the prospect of being an engineer who designs equipment for the military is alluring.

     Acting proactively, Thaker has already completed his Common Application and KU application. He intends to apply for Asian-based scholarships to help pay for tuition.

     Though he is taking on a heavy work-load, Thaker is choosing not to stress about it.  He is simply “excited” to see where he can get in.  

     He offered a lot of advice to future applicants. Most importantly, he emphasized joining a select few clubs and becoming dedicated to them.

     Thaker is a solid voice to listen to on this subject since he has proven academic, extracurricular, and athletic prowess over the last four years at South.

     Another unique college applicant is Sydney Boutz, senior. A military career has always been her calling.

     “Growing up, my Dad used to talk about his time in the Navy,” she said. “He always talked about how he loved the structure. I also greatly admire my country and want to be a part of serving it.”

     She is currently filling out the “insanely rigorous” Naval and Military Academy applications. Among the requirements are essays, surveys, fitness tests, and recommendation letters.

     “I have spent hours and hours just putting in applications through the academies. And then I have to apply to our Congressman to get a nomination to go to the academies,” said Boutz.  

     In spite of the overwhelming application, Boutz understands the necessity for these qualifications. She emphasized the value of education and the benefits of being a military officer.

     Boutz is excited for college life and the “independence” it provides. This independence allows her to further her education in the field of nuclear engineering with the end goal of working on submarines in the Navy.

     Bramlett, Boutz, and Thaker are juggling difficult classes while completing essential college preparation work. Despite the challenging climb up the stairs, all three students realize it will help determine their life success.