“Embrace change, but never change who you are for anyone but yourself,” Bailey Elliott said.
Being your loudest, funniest self, can be the biggest struggle for almost every student.
Bigger than academics, the pressure to conform can surround students’ minds and lives.
Elliott urges people to not give in.
If one thing is taken away from Elliott’s eventful four years at high school, it would be to always stay your true self.
“No matter what people thought of me I always just kept on doing Bailey things. I was here for a good time, not a long time,” Elliott said.
While “Bailey things” weren’t loved by everyone, all that mattered was that she had a good time, and made the best of her four years.
All though, Bailey states that she can not take all the credit for her memories from high school.
Those who know Bailey, know Olivia Gibson.
The two friends were once an inseparable duo.
“Without her and all the shenanigans we’ve gotten into throughout the years I don’t know where I would be right now,” Elliott said.
One of these shenanigans that Bailey explained is Gibson’s favorite memory with Bailey.
“One time we picked up one of our buddy’s and sprayed him with a fire extinguisher but it all went back into the car so we had to run out,” Gibson said.
“She is her own person and not copy and pasted like most girls. She is extremely funny and has a unique sense of humor that people either hate or love,” Gibson said
Sometimes it can feel like the whole school is against you, but Bailey and Olivia are living proof that you simply need one person supporting you, to make great memories and make the most of your life.
A feature on Bailey Elliott would also be incomplete without a shoutout to her boy best friends.
“I would also like to thank my best guy friends Maverick and Landen for being the best gal pals,” Elliott said.
Bailey has done many extracurricular activities at Lakeland that took up lots of her time and focus at school.
For example she spent time on student council, and even took a trip during her sophomore year.
“I learned a lot during that trip and many of my best friendships started because of that trip,” Elliott said.
Currently, Bailey is a co-editor in chief for Lakelands journalism class.
There she lightens up the classroom, bringing a fun and supportive environment to all those that write for the Hawkeye.
As the world is calling Bailey, and she enters her last few months of high school, she leaves behind big shoes to fill as her positive energy and ability to make anyone feel comfortable goes onto bigger and better things.
The time in high school that you spend does not have to be restricted.
You do not have to care what others say about you, you do not have to look or talk or be like everyone else.
Many people can thank Bailey for showing them that their true self is their best self.
