I cannot express enough the number of times I have attempted to write something before deleting it all and starting over. Being tasked with writing my last editorial is an honor. I want to make sure I leave a lasting impact on TALON readers and show Amherst students that school is what you make of it.

I truly did not understand my place at Amherst High School until my senior year. I have struggled with self-confidence, anxiety, and trying to fit in over and over again. But my perspective has since changed. I came to the realization that I was never meant to fit in. My interests and experiences are there to make me stand out and offer a sense of diversity within the Tomorrow River School District.

When my peers think of my interests, they probably think of agriculture and emergency services. I take pride in that. Agriculture is the industry that raised me. It helped me understand time management, responsibility, and most importantly providing for a growing population. Emergency services helped me use the skills I’ve learned through agriculture and apply them to serving my community through firefighting and emergency medical services.

At the end of my junior year, I was constantly getting asked, “What are your plans after high school?” That’s an intimidating question for any high schooler. I eventually made the decision to attend UW-River Falls for agricultural education, although I knew that wasn’t going to be my whole story. I was a junior firefighter on the Amherst Fire Department for five years and knew the love for emergency services was still in my heart.

Piece of Advice #1: Take Advantage of the Programs Amherst High School Offers. 

Mrs. Swanson strongly encouraged me to enroll in the Start College Now program that Mid-State Technical College offers AHS students. Through this program I was able to enroll in the Fire Service Certification Program, which was paid for by the school district. It wasn’t easy… and I’m not done quite yet. But I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to take these classes and not have to constantly worry about educational costs.

Through this opportunity came struggles. During first semester of my senior year, I had a full day of classes at Amherst plus club obligations, then I added Mid-State classes on top of that. That first semester was full of early mornings and late nights, and my home was like a revolving door. I kept telling myself I just had to make it to January, when my schedule would become more manageable.

I promise, it wasn’t all bad; the highs were greater than the lows. I was tested to my limit in fire class, which showed me my true physical and emotional strength. I made connections with people with similar interests and made friendships I will cherish forever. I’ve proven my abilities to myself and exceeded my internal expectations.

Piece of Advice #2: Join FFA! 

All of the clubs offered by AHS can make a positive impact on your life, but I truly believe FFA goes the extra mile. I was a shy kid, but FFA helped me gain public speaking skills through competitions. I wasn’t sure of a career path to pursue after high school, but FFA provided information regarding career opportunities that lead me to agricultural education. But most importantly, FFA gave me a community where I fit in.

I was given the opportunity to travel to Minneapolis, Minn., for a conference, and even Washington, D.C. for another conference. During both of these trips, I was the only student from Amherst to attend. This forced me out of my comfort zone, and I met other FFA members from all across the nation.

FFA has made such an incredible impact on my life. That impact was so large that I decided to apply for a State Officer Position on the Wisconsin Association of FFA team. If elected, this will give me further opportunities to give back to the organization that shaped me, and I hope to help inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Piece of Advice #3: Do What You Need To Do! 

I kept this broad because it varies for each individual student. For myself, one of the most valuable things I did that really contributed to my success was talking to my teachers. There are so many incredible educators at Amherst High School that have helped me by offering a listening ear while I made some hard decisions. They have gone above and beyond by not just teaching me a curriculum during required classroom hours.

To anyone who’s doing their best to fit in or maybe struggling with anxiety or self-confidence — here is your reminder that you do have a place. Put yourself out there and try new things, because you can do hard things. Join a bunch of clubs, try a new sport, take a class just to see what it’s about.

You might even find yourself as the Yearbook Editor and TALON Editor, like me!

To my fellow 2026 seniors, this is just the beginning. There are so many positive experiences out there that your brain can’t even comprehend yet.

You don’t need to fit in to reach your full potential.

With love,

Faith Sopa
2026 Amherst TALON Editor in Chief