By Noemi Martinez, Staff Writer
Kathryn Burke, a remarkable junior, treasurer of the film crew, and member of Key Club and Poly Spotlight, has accomplished many feats in her three years of high school. In an interview with Spotlight during the first week back from summer break, she shared her insights and experiences as a notable member of the student body and a consistent observer of the ever-changing student body, and offered her peers a glimpse into previously unheard opinions.
Burke was asked to reflect on how she has changed since her freshman year. She remarked on her improved sense of time management, reduced anxiety, and learned skill of “making better connections with her teachers.”
When asked what she wished her peers knew about her, she opened up by expressing that she wished they knew success simply does not come naturally. She emphasized how “it takes a lot of time, a lot of effort, and studying” to be successful academically and weave intelligence throughout all areas of her school performance. Despite this, she wished her peers would know “that it’s okay to come to [her] for help,” and the openness she has with helping her peers has been gratefully reciprocated in her times of need. In conversation, she expressed a sense of pride in the people around her and their ability to facilitate deep, healthy connections with one another.
Expanding upon her admiration for life at Poly, Burke was asked about an important aspect of Poly’s values: Has Poly Pride truly been embedded in all of her experiences? Her answer was proud and hopeful. She believes that students have cultivated a space that makes it clear “that everyone has their own story . . . and everyone loves being a bear”, and remarked that Riverside Poly has created “a very welcoming community full of love.” With her experience in many clubs and specialized areas of interest on Poly’s campus, such as the Poly Broadcast, Kathryn has grown to love and appreciate the flourishing student body.
A high-performing student, Kathryn has cultivated an element of confidence in her position as a Poly student. After being prompted to explore which experiences helped improve her abilities and self-perception, she pointed to her academic progress. She began her freshman year with typical base-level classes, and only began to advance when she entered her sophomore year. Initially feeling like she was “one of those kids who was too smart for regular class and too dumb for higher class,” her confidence and self-understanding began to improve when she realized that she is “not too dumb . . . [she] just needs to apply [herself] more”. Her perspective is inspiring and hopeful, and presents an idea that many incoming students can apply to their presence on campus and their academic classes; doubt only carries as much power as one allows it to in challenging spaces.
To expand upon her reflection, she was asked to offer a piece of advice to younger students with similar doubts. She reflected on her experience entering different clubs and areas that felt off-limits, and debating her value and ability to contribute to these competitive spaces. Her most impactful piece of advice was to “make sure that you’re staying true to you and not what they want to hear” when approaching school opportunities. Kathryn emphasized the importance of prioritizing individual thought and making sure motivations are in line with personal goals and desires, rather than cultivating an image that seemingly reflects the so-called ‘right path’. For an impactful ending statement, she leaves underclassmen with one final message: “Let’s say you want to help these people and you want to be in touch with your community . . . go for it.”