Quiet Inspirations

The following article was written by CHS Journalism Student Rachel Gilmore.

Seventy feet down in the cool waters of the Pacific ocean, off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, Katie Left explores the lushes deep blue. Snapping photos with her waterproof camera, Katie, her mother, and her brother watch as sea turtles swim by. Katie notices beautifully colored fish and various coral. Her heart begins to pound as she gets very close to some of the wildlife. While treading water and taking a closer look at the turtles, three Tiger Sharks appear out of nowhere. Everyone freezes. They know that Tiger Sharks are a greater threat than your average shark. Feasting on whatever they can get their teeth on, they are known as the wastebasket of the sea.

At 14 feet long one can imagine their intimidating presences. The instructor of the expedition indicates to the Left family to remain still until the sharks pass. Katie begins to panic a bit. Not weighing that much and wearing a heavy wet suit and other equipment makes it hard for Katie to float and requires her to continuously tread water while the others remain still. She is nervous; she doesn’t want to attract the sharks’ interests. The instructor and the Lefts carefully swim toward safety not chancing a superfluous meeting with these killers.

This is just one of the many stories that senior Katie Left of Charlevoix High School has up her sleeve. For being only sixteen, Left has experienced and traveled to more places than most people have or will in a lifetime. Katie has vacationed to various locations such as: Greece, The UK, Cyprus, Egypt, Holland, Malta, Honduras, Cayman Islands, Kauai, Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, & Spain being her latest trip. She is definitely no newbie to the travel experience.

Katie said that all of her trips are priceless and irreplaceable that no two are alike. She also shared a humorous story.

“Every time I have ever traveled, [the airport] lose[s] my luggage. No matter how many people I go with, mine is always missing. I keep thinking it is a bad sign, but nothing horrible has happened thus far, so I keep on trekking along.”

With her treks reaching all parts of the world Katie hopes to be able to continue in her traveling and specifically visit Australia and South America.

“I really want to go and spend a summer [there]... I have been immersed into many different cultures, but those places are so distinct - there is nothing else that could come close and I really want to discover them,” Katie said.

Despite the fact that Katie’s travels include anywhere from bungee jumping to glacier trekking her diversity is also displayed in her academics and hobby interests as well. As a very academic and concientious student Katie exceeds in all areas of her life.

At school Katie is a very conscientious and hard working student. She will not tolerate anything lower than an A- and does her very best to excel in all areas of her life. Her adventurous attitude to explore new things and be immersed in culture seems to be contradictory to her quiet nature and sweet character. Her classmates know Katie to be someone who usually will assist in any way she can and figure out answers to problems presented.

“Katie helps anyone who needs it with their homework,” senior Julia Holdsworth said. “She’s very reliable for our whole class and is someone a lot of people can look up to for that reason.”

Katie not only excels academically, but her love of gymnastics has been evident through her whole life. Starting at a very early age Katie was a dedicated gymnast. Her recent injuries prevented her from participating in this sport anymore, which was is a sad blow.

“I admire her positive attitude through her injury and resulting inability to participate in gymnastics. Katie is one of the most courteous and one of the best quiet leaders I know,” mathematics and Physics teacher Mr. Scott Veurink said.

Katie’s ambitious nature is an inspiration to all who she comes in contact with. Her love for life, people, and genuine interest in assisting where she can is a model for her peers and friends.

“She always did her work in class which inspired me to be more dedicated in my homework and work ethic,” fellow classmate junior Bailey Chamberlin said.

Looing ahead into her future, Katie plans to attend the University College in Cork Ireland.

“I want to study there mainly because of heritage reason, but also for the sake of an adventure,” Left said.