By: Ryan Glatzel/Senior Editor
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” –Eckhart Tolle
Senior Holly Geyer’s Blue Ridge high school career is soon coming to an end, but she’s already focusing on her future. She plans to attend Ithaca College, majoring in an accelerated 6-year doctorate of physical therapy program, while also minoring in neuroscience. She has also been accepted into Ithaca’s Leadership Scholar Program.
During her time at Blue Ridge, Geyer has participated in an abundance of extra-circulars. She has been an active member of NHS (10th-12th; treasurer in her senior year), student council (9th, 11th, 12th; class secretary), SADD (10th-12th), science club (11th-12th), cross-country (7th-12th; team captain in her senior year), track and field (7th-12th; team captain in her senior year), ski club (6th-12th), Claverack Electric Cooperative Youth Tour (11th), prom committee (12th), ASL 1 & 2 (12th; through the Scranton School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing), Band (5th-12th; Section Leader & Region Band qualifier), Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble (10th-11th), Sky Lake Camp and Retreat Center (9th-11th; volunteer special needs assistant and kitchen assistant).
After being involved in so much during her high school years, Geyer plans on participating in a multitude of activities in college as well. She plans on continuing to run and compete in long-distance, whether on a varsity college team or through a club.
“Running has been a big part of my life and has taught me dedication and patience.”
Geyer also plans to continue being part of a band. “Whether a concert band or brass group, I would love to continue playing trumpet and improving my musical abilities because I believe music is an important skill to have.”
She also states that along with these two major activities, she hopes to join other clubs, but is unsure of which ones. “I have an interest in clubs that support social and environmental activism, and clubs for mental health awareness.”
Geyer also hopes to study abroad at some point in college.
Even though Geyer’s dream is to renovate a van or bus and travel the country while working at miscellaneous jobs along the way, she has decided on another path. Geyer plans to become a physical therapist, possibly specializing in neurology.
When asked why she chose this path, Geyer states, “It has always been my biggest career aspiration to help people. As a physical therapist, I will have the ability to help people in many ways, such as teaching someone how to walk again, which can become an incredibly impactful part of their life. I also have a newfound passion for sciences such as biology, which makes the path to becoming a Physical Therapist even more exciting.”
Geyer says the last four years have gone by quickly.
“I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life, while also enjoying my last marking period at Blue Ridge. Through high school, I have put everything into my success, not only academically or athletically, but also finding and staying true to myself. Due to this, I have no regrets about the time spent. I feel prepared, excited, and ready for the change ahead of me. I can’t wait to meet new people, find unexpected hobbies, and learn about subjects that I find interest in.”
As Geyer reflects upon her last four years of high school, she hopes to leave the underclassmen with some advice. “Don’t think too much. I know that sometimes we can become caught up in stressing about tests, auditions, future plans, or situations that we didn’t like the outcome of, and it can affect other aspects of our lives. Instead of dwelling on these stressors and becoming distracted in your daily activities because of them, try to remain present. Let things go until it is time for you to handle it.”
