All over the nation, teachers have dusted off their shelves, professors have perfected their syllabi, and students have stocked up on supplies to prepare for the back-to-school madness. Once the chores are out of the way, the dorm decorations are packed up, and the summer days dwindle down in anticipation of the coming year, there’s nothing left to do but imagine where the year will lead.
But what if you take control of the upcoming school year instead of letting it take you somewhere?
This was the mindset of Konner Sauve last August as he prepared for his senior year at East Valley High School in Yakima, Washington. While on the Oregonian highway for a road trip to the coast, he reflected on how to make the most of his last year in public school.
Photo by Nikki Cox
“My mind was focused on the idea of high school and how being a senior hadn’t set in yet, so I decided to reflect on my past experiences through the past three years of high school,” Sauve said in an e-mail interview. “I started thinking about my friends and their lives and how everyone goes through challenges and rough spots, and sometimes the ones in high school can shape our future and who we become.”
The inspiration of friends and family clicked while he was scrolling through the social media site Instagram. Sauve decided to make an anonymous account called thebenevolentone3. With one picture of a classmate per post and compliments and encouragements in each caption, every single member of his high school was honored over the course of the year—a total of 658 posts. During his valedictorian speech at graduation, Sauve revealed he was the user behind the account.
Since June, his story has garnered international attention from widely known media organizations, including the Today show, US Weekly, The Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, and The View, among others. The original account has 13.8k followers.
The high school-to-college window of time is one that many find to be the most memorable. There are things to do and participate in that will likely be remembered beyond your teenage years and into your adult life. You’ll be confronted with risks and opportunities that might change the course of your life, decisions that can impact and influence the lives of a multitude of others whether you know it or not.
“I think there was a big shift in positivity when we were seniors,” said Jessie Santillan, a sophomore with a year of experience at Syracuse University under his belt. “I don’t know if that was because it was us helping the younger kids get involved, or helping spread positive influence through social media.”
Photo by Libby Kamrowski
Santillan had a history of class leadership in student government that included being the associate student body president his senior year at Timberline High School. “I use a lot of role models in my life,” he said. “I think it’s a really good thing for someone to lead with their heart and show everyone in humanity respect. Because at the end of the day, we’re all human and we all want the same thing.” Santillan believes that genuineness and patience are important traits when leading by example.
Sauve, who will be attending Gonzaga University in the fall, says believing in one’s self is the only necessary aspect in making an impact in others’ lives.
“When you take the time to support, believe, encourage, and simply care about those around you, it helps you realize your own self worth and motivate you to keep people going toward their own goals and ambitions, which in turn helps you go after your own.”
When it comes to legacy-leaving and preparing for the future, shooting for the moon doesn’t require an extravagant plan to reach millions. Start a greener initiative on campus. Fundraise for a class donation to the school. Be a source of unity, a solution rather than part of a problem.
“It’s really hard to say where change comes from. But honestly it can come from one person just making a change in their life, in their niche,” said Santillan. “But it’s hard to credit that type of change. Big change usually comes from an accumulation of people.”
After a summer of relaxation, there’s no better time to hit the open road. You might encounter some road work or take a couple detours, but with the purpose of destination and goals, the potential for success this year is limitless. It’ll require stepping out of the good old comfort zone, but it’s a small price to pay for inspiring a community.
So instead of worrying over a class schedule, or a roommate situation, or how the food in the dining hall will be, take control of more than just your own life. Make a plan for the legacy that you want your class to leave, and go beyond yourself. The time is right to plan for a positive impact in your school’s community. Whether you’re a sophomore in high school or a senior in college, in a bustling metropolis or the Middle-of-Nowhere, Wyoming, this new year is a new chance.
