Age: 17
School: Columbus East High School
Who are your parents/guardians, grandparents and siblings?
Parents: Holly and Rusty Branaman; grandparents: Glenn and Barbara Hughes, Richard and Virginia Branaman; siblings: Teagin and Jax Branaman
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Which elementary and middle school did you attend?
Rockcreek Elementary School, Northside Middle School
What’s your favorite class or part of the school day and why?
My favorite part of the school day is traveling to Columbus North High School to attend my Nursing II class. I am extremely interested in going into the nursing field and my teacher, Mrs. Westerfeld makes class exciting. I learn a lot and will eventually get to explore different areas at my job site at the hospital.
In which extracurricular activities do you participate?
I am currently the vice president of Key Club at East. This is a service-based club that allows me to volunteer and make a difference throughout my community. I am also a C4 student ambassador for nursing and am able to give tours to younger students to introduce them to C4 classes and am able to represent nursing for Columbus East. I am also an officer for Best Buddies at East. I am also very involved with my church youth leadership group and am able to volunteer and help with activities at my church.
When you’re not in school, what’s your favorite place to be and why?
My favorite place to be when I’m not in school is either at work or hanging out with my family. I work in food services at the hospital where I have been able to learn more about people skills and develop many new relationships. I also love hanging out with my family because I am very family-oriented and think spending time with family is important.
What has been your greatest high school memory so far and why?
My greatest high school memory was receiving my CNA certification. This is my greatest memory because I worked so hard throughout the year and volunteered at Four Seasons to receive around 80 credit hours. This required lots of studying and practice and to see all my hard work pay off meant a lot.
What are you looking forward to after graduation?
I am looking forward to pursuing a degree in nursing at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville and hopefully working with the elderly population as a geriatric nurse. Through my volunteering at Four Seasons, I grew a new appreciation for the elderly population and a passion for caring for them.
Who in your life has inspired you or whom do you look up to and why?
My mom has inspired me the most throughout my life. She has raised to be the person I am today and has taught me all my morals and values. She is one of the most hardworking people I have ever met and has an amazing heart. If I am able to be half as good a mom has her when I am older, I will be overachieving.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned during, or from, high school?
The most important thing I have learned is that everything is going through their own battle and you can never dismiss someone else’s problems. You never know what someone else is going through and you should try to empathize with everyone. You should always have a positive outlook on life and be grateful for all the blessings you’ve been given.
Draw a picture, write a poem or create something that represents you. It can be anything you choose.
