Patric Wallis is starting his junior year strong by venturing into time-consuming classes and taking on more responsibilities, while also creating memorable experiences.

Patric cherishes the time he spends with his friends and the new friendships high school has opened up for him.

“I’ve met really funny people who get my mindset and I relate to [them] in cool ways,” said Patric.

From a young age, Patric’s mother raised him to be emotionally aware, and this has continued to be a core value for him in the present day. This has helped him in many aspects of his life: friendships, personal growth, and self-awareness.

Work ethic is a key focus for Patric this year. “It’s important to be honest to yourself and aware of your flaws,” said Patric.

By noticing these flaws, and exerting greater effort towards improving tasks and responsibilities, he hopes will lead him to accomplished outcomes.

While structure is something very important to Patric, when out with friends, he tends to loosen up.

“I find myself more often than not going with the flow and just being like, ‘Screw it, like we’re gonna do whatever,’” said Patric.

These moments of impulse have led to many fun and special experiences in his life—memories he will keep with him even after leaving high school.

Self-growth has been a theme for Patric throughout high school. This year, he has specifically been focused on expanding his mindset and leaving room for more opportunities and natural progression.

“I’m learning it’s okay to not have restrictions, but using stuff as guidelines and not to hold you back, just to help guide you through life,” said Patric.

Some advice that Patric has is to “do stuff that could bring you happiness, and if things don’t work out, then they don’t work out.”

As a close friend of Patric, I wish him well as he continues to move and grow throughout his remaining time in high school.