Brooke-Lynn Riser is a class of 2025 graduate. Graduation is a turning point, one full of emotions, memories, and the excitement of a new beginning. Adulthood brings challenges, especially when the simplicity of the past feels far away.Riser is prepared for a new beginning, filled with confidence and passion as she prepares to pursue a career in dentistry. Now, Riser recalls when her fascination with teeth began.

“My interest in dental school started back when I was in eighth grade. I was interested in teeth, I actually used to collect my baby teeth. I had a big obsession with collecting my baby teeth. It just became a fascination about teeth,” said Riser.

After graduating high school, connecting with those four years can be a challenge. But life after high school isn’t just about future plans, it’s about staying connected with the past. Brooke explains how she plans on connecting back with her high school years. 

“I’m connected with ROTC, when you graduate usually people will come back and help build it into an even better program,” said Riser.

Known for her warm smile and leadership in ROTC, Riser has made an impression that lasts beyond the classroom. But like many graduates, she’s balancing the excitement of the future with the bittersweet end of an era. Her relations reveal a deeper lesson she’s learned. 

“This year I just realized that I can’t please everyone, that’s what I struggle with being a people pleaser. One of the hardest things for me was realizing you can’t be everyone’s sunshine. If someones upset, someone doesn’t like you, the earth still spins, the grass is still green. You can’t be in everyone’s files, and that’s okay,” said Riser.

Despite the struggles Riser found comfort in the community around her. Community is a special place for everyone, finding your people and creating positive relationships makes a difference to your high school career, while also creating memories with the community you’ve discovered. Currently a school tradition is taking place, the game senior assassin is a game where students try to ‘eliminate’ each other using water guns. Riser summarizes her most memorable moment happening now.

“My most memorable experience is Senior Assassin, which is happening right now. This is one of the best times everybody has been so nice to each other, people are bonding and I like this experience,” said Riser.

With graduation approaching, she looks forward to the freedom and independence that comes with adulthood.

 “I’m excited to experience life alone, just get a taste of adulthood and not have boundaries from your parents being on you 24/7,”said Riser.

After years of memories, she also reflects on the advice she would give her younger self.

“I would have said don’t be scared to be yourself, you are definitely going to regret not being yourself, because you’re going to end up being around the wrong people and you won’t like it,” said Riser. 

With graduation around the corner, her final message is a simple but powerful reminder for those still navigating high school. 

“Don’t be scared to be yourself, show your true colors. That’s what I was doing,” said Riser.