Funny and reliable senior Jenna Freeman is on track to attend Kutztown University and will continue exploring her interests in natural science. Freeman left her mark in the community through involvement in the Slater music programs and track and field.

What are your favorite classes? 

Some of my favorite classes are ceramics, band and scientific research. All of these classes hold a special place in my heart because they are hands on, and I get to work directly with what I want to accomplish. Ceramics I only got to the first part of, but band has been under my belt since fourth grade. While band does give me some moments of wanting to be anywhere else, it is worth the struggles because the result is always worth it. Scientific research is a fave simply because it opens up opportunities and has given me useful life skills.

What do you hope to study? 

My plan after high school is to attend college and pursue a career in STEM. I currently am on track to attend Kutztown. I am still unsure about my exact major, but plan for it to be somewhere in natural science. The same previous statement can go for my career plan as well. I just have too many career choices that appeal to me but want to keep it in the natural science category.

Describe your ideal life 10 years from now.

Ten years from now is a long time, I literally can’t even think of what I’ll be doing tomorrow. I would want to see myself somewhere secure and healthy. Whether that is in a steady job, with a family, with friends, I just want to be in a spot where I can figure out my next move and be secure.

What is your best high school memory?

I don’t have a favorite high school memory. I’m too indecisive to have a favorite, or maybe I didn’t live my high school years right. But I would say just hanging out with my friends late at night. Whether that late night event was coming home from a football game at 11pm or dancing in the street during a sleepover at 3 a.m. I just love nightlife and that feeling of rebellion you get when outside at some late time.

Which band could play the soundtrack to your high school career?

The Vistas. The Vistas are my all-time favorite band, their style of music scratches that itch in my brain that I normally can’t reach. Their music is about self-growth and relationships which have ended. The greatest thing about their music however is that it’s upbeat and calming at the same time, almost a sign that even if times are tough, you will be okay. I needed that through my high school years, especially with Covid-19 and friendships/relationships that ended with months of tears left to cry. I think I have at least one of their songs on all my “feel good” or “crying in the club” type playlists.

If there were a movie made about your high school days, what would be the title and which actor would play your part?

If there was a movie about my high school days, I would want it to be titled something simple yet meaningful. I believe that something small can have a meaning as deep as the ocean. I honestly don’t keep up with actors and what happens in the film world. I would rather get someone who has never been seen in mainstream films because I think it would add to the authenticity of what role I played in high school since I certainly am not in the limelight.

Which event/events will you miss the most?

I will miss marching band competitions the most because I got to mingle with my friends and accomplish something together. Marching band was something I had been a part of since eighth grade when I decided to become a color guard assistant, so for the past five years my life has been marching band centered. I really enjoyed the community and family that was created within the band. Hopefully I can be a part of a similar family in college.

Who is your biggest mentor?

I can’t list a singular mentor. I think a lot of the staff at Bangor have helped me immensely whether it was with studies or personal problems. Every teacher I have had in class has taught me some valuable life lesson, some offered more than one. The same goes for staff members too.

What is your favorite quote to live by?

“There’s always sunshine after every storm.”

Having gone through tough situations and truths through high school has not made it easy to be optimistic. With Covid, my anxiety increased drastically. I still suffer from it and find myself doubting if hard situations will ever end or pass. Constantly worrying about my future is a huge struggle I face. I have breakdowns over what I’m going to do for the rest of my life and if I actually am prepared to continue my schooling. Even on my bad days, I always try to remember that things will get better, maybe not now or next week, but eventually, and they do. I also want to mention that when that storm does pass, you learn to love the sunshine again, the flowers, and the bees. When you’ve been lacking happiness, the return of love and being able to go a day anxiety and tear-free is a day full of gratefulness.

Who will you remember most in Bangor?

I think I’ll remember my friend, Chloe the most. Not that I won’t see her after high school, she’s my ride or die, till death do us part. I met her way back when I first moved to this area and school, so she helped me adapt and served as my first friend.

What activities have you done throughout your high school career? Which of these activities is your favorite?

I have participated in track & field, marching band, concert band, and was a member of GSA. My favorite would have to be marching band. I was a member of the front ensemble and cymbal line and served as the section leader for the front ensemble my senior and junior year. Marching band mattered to me because it was the only true “team” I was a part of. I felt as if I belonged and had people I could rely on. It had that family vibe that really sold it for me.