Abigail Hedgepeth plans to exercise her options as she prepares for life after graduation

For sophomore Abigail Hedgepeth, a student at the School for Creative Studies, her path to success is paved with optimism and intentionality. She learned the benefit of optimism from her English teacher, who she said has been a motivating factor in her life as she navigates her way toward Meredith College. 

She also established a habit during the pandemic that she uses to manage her time to this day.

“I was able to balance school, work, and home life during COVID by setting a specific time that I would stop doing school work. So, after my final class I would do homework and finish class until 5:30. In fact I still do it to this day,” said Hedgepeth, who has narrowed her post-graduation choices to two.

She plans to earn her degree and teach, or earn the credentials needed to become a cosmetologist. 

“This year because I'm a sophomore I'm trying to ease myself into a teaching career so I'm looking for babysitting jobs. That way if I can take care of one, I can take care of 20. I also plan on visiting elementary schools to shadow a teacher. That way I can truly learn what happens in a day from a teacher's point of view.”

As she plans her future, few know that she struggles with anxiety, which can sometimes be paralyzing for her. But accepting guidance and learning how to settle herself makes it manageable.

“One thing that motivates me is my English teacher with her endless optimism, kind words, and constant encouragement. She motivates me to not only go outside of my comfort zone but to be a better person. She motivates me to bring optimism into strenuous situations,” said Hedgepeth.

She also does things that she enjoys. She manages the school’s music company called Independent Euphoria for the School for Creative Studies. She also serves as a student ambassador, who serves as a tour guide for  new students. She’s also filming a virtual tour.

She says her biggest accomplishment so far has been becoming president of her school’s music company.

Abby makes sure it runs like a well oiled machine, according to her principal Chaundra Clay.

“Abby is upbeat from morning to night even though she has days of not feeling 100 percent. There hasn’t been a day yet that I haven’t seen Abby smile. Abby also

always goes out of her way to make others smile and when they are not focused or not at their best, as needed, she gently nudges them with her joking manner. Abby encourages her classmates not just to work, but to enjoy their work and get the most out of it. Abby’s enthusiasm is contagious. I definitely feel Abby is an exemplary student who on a daily basis serves as a very positive role model for her peers, but also everyone else, including us adults who could learn a few things from her.

Affectionately called Abby, she is noted for her “utmost enthusiasm,” pleasant demeanor, and for going out of her way to help everyone from janitorial staff to administrators. 

“Abby is known as a Super Volunteer and before you can finish stating the problem, Abby is on it and works tirelessly to help find a stellar solution, all while not affecting her ability to do her own work and be on time. Abby doesn't do things for a reward; she genuinely enjoys helping and assisting!” said Principal Chaundra Clay.

Abby makes sure it runs like a well oiled machine, said Clay.

Abby is upbeat from morning to night even though she has days of not feeling one

hundred percent. There hasn’t been a day yet that I haven’t seen Abby smile. Abby also

always goes out of her way to make others smile and when they are not focused or not at their best, as needed, she gently nudges them with her joking manner. Abby encourages her classmates not just to work, but to enjoy their work and get the most out of it. Abby’s enthusiasm is contagious. I definitely feel Abby is an exemplary student who on a daily basis serves as a very positive role model for her peers, but also everyone else, including us adults who could learn a few things from her.