Senior Slater Karlee Flyte finds new interests as her high school career comes quickly to an end. After graduation, she plans to attend University of Valley Forge to study youth ministry.

This year, Flyte decided to take part in journalism. As a reporter, she wrote articles and helped design the newspaper. She originally didn’t plan on taking the course but she stayed in thinking it would be something different.

“I was placed in the class, originally not knowing I’d stick with it, but then ended up really enjoying it as a whole,” Flyte said.

Journalism ended up helping Flyte with her other courses. As a writer, the course helped her write papers, along with using better vocabulary and syntax.

Amongst the course, Flyte found that she enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends the most. Now that she’s graduating, Flyte will miss everyone that she has gotten closer and built stronger relationships with.

“Getting to design the newspaper on InDesign with Gabby was definitely a highlight. It was my first time ever meeting her and we became really close, whether that was through prom crises or secretive texts. There was never a dull moment,” Flyte said.

As Flyte begins to focus more on her future as a youth minister, she realizes the people who have helped her get this far, such as her own youth leader who influenced her with her choice of interest. Flyte looks up to Dr. Martinez the most because she has helped her through high school since the beginning.

“Dr. Martinez taught me how to work hard towards my goals and then I can achieve anything. She’s been one of my biggest supporters since freshman year and I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today without her,” Flyte said.

In order to pursue this career, Flyte needs to be accepting, loving, and patient. She practices those skills with her own youth group at her local church.

“While working with many different types of kids, I need to be ready for any situation God may throw at me while ministering to them,” Flyte said.

With all she does, Flyte considers herself to be a leader. She enjoys helping people and teaching them new things. As a result, she hopes to eventually become a youth pastor and possibly help out with troubled teens. Flyte’s overall main goal is to be a mentor to teens.

“I plan on working on myself first. Really knowing myself now and who I want to be as well as preparing myself for how I want to be a leader and a mentor,” Flyte said.

Throughout high school, Flyte has learned about time management skills, having more self-confidence, and being prepared for situations that she may not expect. These skills can impact her future as she continues to improve them at her ideal school – Valley Forge.

“As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew Valley Forge was the right school for me. It’s a small campus which makes it feel like home away from home. Everybody knows each other and are so friendly. I truly couldn’t see myself at any other school but Valley Forge,” Flyte said.

As she continues to prepare for her future, Flyte should expect to reach her goals of being the best she can be and becoming successful with her career.