Jaylene Carey:
GPA: 8.4
When did you find out you are your class salutatorian? How did you react?
Going into high school I wasn’t aiming for a top rank, I just wanted to do dual enrollment and take the classes I loved like AP Calculus and AP Chemistry. I found out I was second in sophomore year but figured I would drop a few places in the next two years. Fast forward to senior rank freeze and I was confirmed the Salutatorian of Strawberry Crest High School. I was so thankful, and I saw it as a reward for my hard work and the weeks I chose to push my limits while others did not.
What is something you wish you knew about high school before entering as a freshman?
As a freshman and honestly up until this year, I took everything to heart. I was very sensitive, and I really cared about others’ perception of me even when I said I didn’t. I wish I was told how much of an emotional burden it would be to care so much, and I learned the hard way especially my freshman year. Also know that it’s very good to lose because losing is the single most important catalyst to success!
What is your favorite high school memory?
I think my favorite memory in high school was beating my math teacher in monopoly two years in a row. Every year my amazing AP Calculus teacher Mr. Flaws played monopoly after the exam and challenged anyone to beat him. In his 13 years of teaching, he had never been beaten and I – being the competitive person I am – said game on! I beat him in Calculus 1 last year and again in Calc 2 this year! It may be silly, but I really valued his class and will never forget the fun we had!
What is the most important lesson you learned from a teacher or another student while in high school?
My agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, Mrs. Mayo, always told me everything happens for a reason. I took so many losses this year and I struggled to keep faith in myself. Mayo encouraged me to look to God and told me he has a plan for me. Everything happens for a reason and thanks to Mayo I will never forget that!
What extracurricular activities did you participate in? What was your fav and why?
I did so many extracurriculars and I can’t pick a favorite. I was a 4-year high school swimmer, a 7-year FFA member and 5-year FFA Officer. I am in National Technical Honor Society, National Honor Society Executive Board, Thespian Honor Society, Tri-Music Honor Society, Fellowship of Christain Athletes, Prestige Show Choir Officer, and more. My favorites were the swim team, FFA, and my 3 years in choir.
What are your plans after high school and your career goals?
I am attending the University of Florida beginning in Fall of 2025 to obtain my Bachelor’s in Plant Science with a minor in Mathematics and Molecular and Cellular Biology. Ultimately, I hope to obtain my Doctorate in MedicalBbotany or Plant Science to research how plants on the molecular level can kill cancer mutations. I also plan to get involved on campus by joining the club swim team, chamber choir, environmental science club, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, and more.s to help them improve teir Self-discipline is the key. Change your mindset, work even harder in times where you feel like doing nothing at all. I also downloaded an app called motivation to help me push through difficult times and inspire me to work hard no matter how I feel. If you can’t keep yourself accountable for getting things done, have others help you like family or friends. You won’t succeed in life unless you can be self-disciplined so start your own training now so when you graduate you are ready. Do everything you can in high school, be diverse, be different, fight for what you love, and never give up. Everything happens for a reason!