Highland

Name: Jacob Roling

Parents: Doug Roling and Erika Roling

GPA: 4.0

Class Rank: 1

Co-curricular activities: Track and field, president of National Honor Society, restaurant host. Cross-country, too.

Future plans and goals: Attend University of Iowa and major in genetics and biotechnology. I plan on going to medical school afterward to pursue a career in general surgery.

How will your high school experiences help you in coming years?

High school has taught me the value of friends, social networking and putting in maximum effort in my work. Many of my high school experiences have aided me in learning more about myself and others. My personality as a caring and studious person has been shaped by all of my experiences leading up to now.

Fondest memory of high school?

Cross-country has characterized most of my fondest high school memories. I made some real close friends that I’ve shared fun experiences with, both in and outside of practice. My favorite times after practice were when we went and got ice cream.

Which teachers have had the biggest impact on your education and why?

My composition teacher had the biggest impact on me because she showed me how to write more eloquently and put my thoughts to words. Through her assignments I have found myself better analyzing situations in contexts outside of just writing. What I learned in composition has been helpful to me in every class that followed.

Who is your role model and how did they influence you?

My role model is my dad because he has always displayed what it is to be a kind, respectful and hardworking person. I admire how he has always been present when I need him, despite him being busy. My dad has influenced me to be a level-headed, aware and loving hardworker.

What is special about your high school?

My high school is special because of its size and involvement. Being so small, Highland fosters togetherness, community and involvement. Most of the students her know all of their classmates by name, and they know a bit about those same peers, too. Living in the country has brought many like-minded people together here.

If you could go back to when you were a freshman, what advice would you give yourself?

My advice to freshman me would be that I will likely triumph in every difficulty I come to face. I would also reassure freshman me that high school is just the beginning of what is to come, so don’t let it stress you out too much. Even if you don’t feel confident just pretend to be, because it really is the same thing.