Grad stories: Pennfield class president went to school when she didn't have to just to hang out
Editors Note: The Battle Creek Enquirer is sharing the stories of area high school seniors to celebrate graduation season.
Andrea Bautista loves Pennfield Schools.
So it was a bittersweet goodbye for the 18-year-old who has attended the district since pre-kindergarten when she graduated with the Class of 2022 on May 22.
"I'm an 'OG' original; I've gone to Pennfield my whole life," Bautista said. "It's the only school I've ever known."
Bautista said she loves Pennfield so much that she regularly hung out at high school, despite the fact she was dual-enrolled at Kellogg Community College and didn't have any classes or particular reason to be there. Bautista said she was there to "chill in the office" and be around students and staff.
Being personable comes naturally to her, and she viewed it as her duty to be a problem solver for her peers after being voted class president for all four years of high school.
"I'm not really shy," she said. "I just know who to talk to, if you ever need help. You also have to be respectful to earn respect."
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A second-generation Mexican American and the youngest of three, Bautista credited her parents for making education a priority. She is a National Honor Society member and is on the school's track and field team. She graduated with a cumulative 3.6 GPA and will continue her education at KCC, where she plans to study radiology, though she is open to exploring other career paths.
"I don't like to plan everything out," she said. "All the scholarships are like, 'Where do you see yourself in 20 years?' I don't know. Maybe I get my associate in radiology; or I could end up being a teacher. I just like to take my opportunities."
Bautista added that she made the most of her experience at Pennfield, and urged underclassmen to do the same.
"Just pick the moments you have and appreciate them," she said. "If you make it positive, you can make the most of the opportunities you are given."
Contact reporter Nick Buckley at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Pennfield class president feels bittersweet about graduation
