Senior Erin Boorsma thinks that it’s a genuine human trait to want to make a difference. Her peers must agree because they nominated her as the 2024 Impact Student. An Impact Student has made a significant difference in their school and community through their actions, contributions, and leadership.
“We want to have a purpose, we need to have a purpose to feel sound on this earth,” she said. Boorsma envisions that people are the reason she stays impactful and plans to prioritize it for her future. Boorsma’s involvement spans all interests. It includes swim, basketball, track, National Honor Society, Student Council, Link Crew, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Wall of Inspiration committee and inductee and chorale.
She is motivated by people. Boorsma works in customer service and is inspired by the amount of small things that people do and are show gratitude for.
“People have done so much in 100 years to take a step back and see how each person has their own way of contributing to society,” Boorsma said. “We underestimate the people around us. A lot of us are like ‘I need to recharge my social battery by being alone,’ but we’re very social. But when I’m around people now I feel better.”
Someone that gives Boorsma purpose is her mom and teachers.
“When I want to give up, my mom is the one there to hold me and say ‘you’re you’ and ‘you’ve got this’,” she said. “Besides her, my teachers, the passion they have for their jobs.”
Boorsma says that teachers are often a great way to balance the stress of extracurricular activities.
“You gotta know your own limits and if you are doing everything, understand that it’s on you,” she said. “But to some degree teachers are willing to help.” Next fall, Boorsma is attending college for a science degree and is interested in studying psychology.
“The way that I see it most, in my mind, the impact being had is with people, everyday around people and sharing joy and cheerfulness… those small things change things,” she said.