Meena Deesawasmongkol

Parents: Vanna Phosy.

Co-curricular activities: I am so glad our school has various activities that allow for students to be a part of everything. I have been involved in band, colorguard, choir, show choir, cheer, and dance team. All of the activities I have participated in have been enjoyable.

Community activities: I have volunteered to help raise money that funds the high school’s National Honors Society. I have also been involved in helping middle school cheerleading tryouts!

Future plans and goals: I plan on attending the University of Iowa where I will major in Biology and I am hoping to reach dental school and to study to become a dentist.

How will your high school experiences help you in the coming years?: There have been so many wonderful opportunities that I have endured during high school. I am lucky to have grown over the years, but this is because of the great community our school and town has. High school has taught me about leadership and kindness, and I will carry that on even when I leave high school.

Fondest memory of high school: There are definitely many great memories that have been made along the years, but I think the most memorable is when we won “Grand Champs” in show choir at Pella my freshman year. It was so exciting seeing everyone’s face when we knew that we had won it. I was alongside many of my friends and it felt very rewarding.

Which teachers have had the biggest impact on you and why?: There are many teachers that will push you to be your best. The teachers at the high school are determined to guide you whether that be in education or your personal life. Over the years, a few teachers who have made a real impact on my life are Mrs. Kohorst, Mrs. Anderson, and Mr/Mrs. D. All of them are dedicated to teaching and it has caused them to help me in different aspects. They have guided me through high school and their guidance has been a gift.

Who is your role model and how did they influence you?: My role model is my Mom. She is the most hardworking and determined person I know. She makes me want to be the best I can. She is compassionate towards everyone. She will do basically anything for anyone without even asking for anything in return. She has taught me so many real world things that have shaped me into the person I am today. I hope that in the future, I am able to show her how much I appreciate all she has done for me.

What is special about your high school?: Mount Pleasant High School has many qualities that make it a special place. The high school is diverse when it comes to activities and people. It is a welcoming place to be and that is what makes it different from others. There are many programs/activities to be involved in whether that be anywhere from music to sports to cooking. Our school has a place for everyone to find something that they enjoy, because of this everyone is able to be kind to one another.

If you go back to when you were a freshman, what advice would you give yourself?: Advice I would give to myself is do what you want to do. There are so many times in life that I was discouraged to do something because I was scared of the opinion of others. As I have gotten older, I have come to the realization that if you do what makes you happy, you will be happy, and what others say will not matter. Also, find people who will support you. It does not matter the quantity of friends you have but the quality. The people who are beside you should push you to be your best and not make you scared to do what you want. Life will feel so much easier when you are able to feel like yourself.