Episode 52: Kristina Samuel, August Schmidt, Andres Thrailkill, and Mia Jamison ’19

In her #SeniorChapelTalk, Kristina Samuel described a typical day as her 7-year-old self and her ability to see the beauty in everything. During adolescence, however, her competitive drive led to anxiety and doubt. But, a summer experience as a volunteer at Camp CAMP reshaped her view. It’s a place where anything is doable and dreamable. “I now find myself more often being inspired, not threatened, by others’ intelligence and passions…Success is having enough confidence, courage, and willpower to go after your passions without being tempted to measure yourself with things that don’t align with this.” Sometimes, life is about realizing who you were from the very beginning.

In her #SeniorChapelTalk, August Schmidt shared the recipe for Pad Thai–explaining how the ingredients, which seem so different, create something amazing when combined. It’s also how she views her life; appreciating the fact that every moment, good or bad, is part of what makes her who she is. There will always be ups and downs in life, she said, but it’s the balance between the good, bad, and mundane that keeps life interesting. Live your life to the fullest, “there is so much joy and light in the world to be found.”

In his #SeniorChapelTalk, Andres Thrailkill told the story of how a close friend encouraged him to join the cross country team and gave him both support and motivation when he was struggling early on. He grew to love the cross country team; it strengthened his leadership skills, gave him a chance to disconnect and de-stress, and was a community that supported one another. My friend didn’t know that he would show me something I loved, but spent the time and effort anyway,” he said. “I challenge everyone to try and be the friend who cares deeply enough that you push someone to strive for greatness.”

In her #SeniorChapelTalk, Mia Jamison spoke about her future self–that she is terrified of her. She shared her struggles in making decisions, always worried that the wrong one will veer her off course. “We all have self doubt,” she said, but the truth is, most of our daily choices don’t affect us in the long run. Have faith in yourself, she told the community, and trust that your future self can handle the situation when it is time. For now, “trust yourself to perform well…trust yourself to make it through the next day, week, and month. Give yourself some credit, it might all work out in the end.”