Quick Facts
Home: Indianapolis (suburbs), Indiana (by way of several other places) Favorite Movies: 13 Going on 30, Elizabethtown, In Good Company Favorite Singers/Bands: John Mayer, Anna Nalick, The Fray Favorite TV Show: "Gilmore Girls" Favorite Food: Mashed Potatoes and Mac & Cheese Favorite Subject: English Intended Major: Journalism

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
-- John Lennon

June 1, 2007. The date is currently lingering above my head, reminding me of just how fast high school has flown past me. On that day approximately nine months away, I will be throwing on a cap and gown and getting the one little piece of paper that is the result of thirteen years of homework, tests, mega-stress, and a few science fair freak-outs: my high school diploma. But, before I can graduate and leave high school forever, I still have my senior year ahead of me—the same year I will be sharing with all of you here on Eye on Apply.

My name is Sarah, and I currently attend a large public high school in a suburb located north of Indianapolis. I'm a native Hoosier and spent the first ten years of my life in Anderson, IN, before my parents and I embarked on our great southern adventure. I've lived in Gulfport and Gauthier, MS, and I lived in Luling, LA for six years. I began my high school career and college search in Luling, a small town located about twenty-five minutes from New Orleans, and had just started out my junior year when Hurricane Katrina hit. My family—and the town—were extremely lucky. Our home and my parents' business did not sustain any damage, but the state of New Orleans and the fact that we had dodged way too many bullets during our time in the South led us to move back to Indiana.

Starting out at a new school my junior year was definitely an adjustment, especially since it is approximately twice the size of my old school. However, I really enjoy it. I've managed to settle in with some extracurricular activities, and I am the opinion editor of the student-run newspaper. I am also a member of National Honor Society. As for my class load this year, I'm currently taking 2 AP classes (Lit./Comp. and 2D Art), newspaper, economics, government, accounting, and Spanish III-just enough to keep me busy but not exactly overwhelmed.

Outside of school I do homework, homework, and yes, more homework. Beside that exciting list of activities, I like writing, reading books and magazines, and definitely watching Gilmore Girls (sadly, I'm slightly obsessed with the show).

Aside from causing a big adjustment school-wise, Hurricane Katrina threw me for a loop when it came to my college search. If you had asked me two years ago where I was going to go to school I could have answered it in two seconds: the University of Mississippi, affectionately called Ole Miss. However, moving put me in a situation where there was a whole new set of options and possibilities. Indiana is home to a plethora of great schools, as are Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and other nearby states.

I have already applied to Ole Miss and Indiana University in Bloomington, two schools that are definitely in the top spots for where I will most likely end up. However, I haven't decided where else I will apply, or if I will apply anywhere else. Schools that are in the running for an application include the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou), DePauw, Butler, Ball State, University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and Ohio University.

Right now I'm not too overwhelmed by the whole application process, but if I decide to apply to several more schools it most likely will become a little bit crazy. I do have a few applications to work on for honors programs, but they can wait a little bit. Right now I'm just taking in the whole experience of being a senior. It all seems so surreal—especially the fact that I will be in college next year. I'm looking forward to a little bit more academic freedom and finally getting to study something that I'm actually interested in (magazine journalism is my planned major). I'm not, however, looking forward to being out of the comfort of my own home and having to deal with community bathrooms. They rather suck.

Sarah E.