Not too many high school graduates have their futures plotted out as well as Zoey Rinehart, a May graduate of Humboldt High School.
Much of Zoeys high school career has been with a focus to pursue biological systems engineering at Kansas State University.
Ive been planning out my life for a long time, said the farm girl, who slowly weaned herself from sports to devote more time to academics and 4-H as well as become more involved in school and community activities. As shes done for the past two summers, Zoey works as an intern at Allen Countys Extension Service.
Zoey realized being a year-round athlete involved in volleyball, basketball and softball, consumed a lot of time so much that she had little time to pursue other interests.
Her approach to her studies also diverges from students so driven.
I was OK with As and Bs. I didnt want the stress of having to concentrate on just making As, she said. I had one C, in Spanish, but even that was OK.
Zoey realizes that if she continues her track, she will be above average. Thats what I want to be, above average.
Zoey accumulated better than 30 college hours through Allen Community College, and will transfer 18 to K-State. All are transferable, and I may add some of the others, depending on what minor I decide on.
ZOEY singled out Humboldt High teachers who she credits for influencing her academic journey.
Mr. (Mike) Myers teaching methods are the reason Ive come to love math, a component of engineering. Geometry, specifically, made mathematics come to life.
Biology also was a favorite. I really like learning about organisms, she said and credited teacher Terri Shaughnessy for her enthusiasm for the subject.
Being able to effectively communicate led Zoey to enroll in composition and journalism classes under Grace Brazil and Kim Isbell, respectively.
When Zoey compares her first compositions to those at senior years end, shes pleased with how much her writing has improved.
Life on the farm also has had a distinct role in shaping Zoeys plans.
Farm machinery holds a special intrigue for Zoey, who recalled recently watching a baler snatch up windrowed grass and compact it into bales.
