Senior Feature: Amy Uscinski

Amy Uscinski has been with JRHS for all 4 years of high school. She was very instrumental in bringing a new and excited club offering to JRHS that was a big hit--Ballroom Dancing. Amy also proved to be a great leader in the Marketing and Videography Class and helped with some major video projects for our Annual Year End Campaign and Mission Celebration Night of Giving events.

One class at JRHS that helped form her into who she is today is the College Prep Humanities Class. Amy adds, “One class at JRHS that has helped to form me into who I am today would be the College Prep Humanities class. I have taken this class for both my junior and senior years of high school. My favorite book from this class is The Divine Comedy. This book was a challenging read, but I enjoyed working through it. Along with reading many great classics, I have formed many friendships within this class. We do a lot of group work, and when in a new group I can make new friends as well as strengthen the friendships I already have. I have learned the art of critical thinking in this class, which has helped to shape and sharpen my worldview. Also, Mr. Philbrick has challenged me to improve my writing skills, which has made me into the writer that I am today.”

“The Covid-19 Remote Learning had a significant impact on my life at Jesse. I never realized how important mental health was until this experience. I missed my friends so much everyday! I am so glad that we all have the technology to communicate instantly. Although I am angry, frustrated, and upset, I have been able to call and video chat with my friends even more! All of my classmates are going off to college except for myself, and this has really prepared me for communication with them when we are all separated by great distances. I love all of my classmates, and I want to just thank Gideon, Ben, and Andrew for always being there for me, and being the best support system I could ask for,” shared Amy.

Mr. Hannan, JRHS Bible Teacher, has left a lasting impression on Amy. She said, “He has always been around to listen to me and hear out what I have to say. Whenever I would have a problem with school or life, I would always feel comfortable reaching out to him for godly advice. Through this time of COVID, he has helped me and encouraged me to do my best. Mr. Hannan has never hesitated to help me and has been able to point me in the right direction. He has also encouraged me in my decisions to not go to college, which I admire because other teachers have made me feel guilty.”

In regards to her future plans, Amy is confident she’s on the right path to be the woman God has called her to be, and has peace about her decisions. She does not believe college is the right place for her after high school and adds, “but that does not mean that my learning will stop.” Amy plans to continue her employment with Whole Foods Market and work her way up within the company. She’s been with Whole Foods Market for two and a half years already! She said , “This job has taught me so much and I would even say that it has helped me with school. I have learned time management, people skills, and hard work. As for the next five years, I will continue to work and save money. I would like to travel as much as possible- see the world! This year has been really hard because many trips that I had planned have been canceled, but I plan to hop on a plane as soon as I can.” Her ultimate goal is to marry and be the wife and mother she knows God has chosen her to be in the future.

The scripture that has been a source of comfort and encouragement for Amy is Esther 4:14 which says, “Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created”. Amy shared that this year has definitely been a time for growth within herself. She began her Senior year with a few goals that she shared with close friends, who continued to encourage her and give advice. This verse also has encouraged her to stop outside of my comfort zone and has been a great comfort in this time of growth for her.

Amy’s advice to the underclassmen is to speak up for themselves, and don’t feel pressured to do something you don’t believe God is leading you to do. She knows it’s hard to go against culture, but looking back she believes finding her voice has made her stronger. Amy adds, “God has a different plan for everyone and people need to do what they are called by God to do, not what society tells them.”