High school goes by fast. In reflecting on the past four years, Jaden Crutchfield (17’) concurs with the previously mentioned statement. From switching high schools to finding jobs, there is no doubt that Crutchfield experienced a great deal of change over what feels like a blink of an eye in retrospect. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Crutchfield had to acclimate to the culture of what is known as the D.M.V. (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia), which the student claims is night and day from his original home. “The types of people in and around this area are very different from those up north, in my opinion. In ninth grade, I was in Buffalo, and the people there were a lot friendlier and genuine. I do miss my old friends a lot,” Crutchfield shared. That being said, the student adjusted to living in Maryland a long time ago and has since found things to do within the community. “I work almost every day of the week at Chipotle, and let me tell you, it is always super packed there. It definitely keeps me on my toes and the pay is very good. The only thing is that it can be hard work to keep up with school sometimes, but I’m managing,” the senior shared.

As high school is officially dying down for all seniors, Crutchfield has already made plans as to what he wants to do in his future. In the short-term, the Buffalo native plans to return to New York to visit his family and friends. Over the summer, Crutchfield said that he will partake in some of his favorite leisurely activities, such as playing video games, watching manga, and working out. As far as his long-term plans are concerned, Crutchfield will be attending the North Carolina State University at Raleigh. “I’m still not sure on what I want to do, but I do have many interests. As of now, I’d like to major in mechanical engineering, drawing and design, architecture, or language,” Crutchfield confessed. “Within the next five years, I also want to travel every continent. I have been trying to teach myself a variety of different languages, including Spanish, Japanese, Russian, German, and Cantonese. One day I hope to master all of them,” he added.

The year has ultimately gone by in a flash, but Crutchfield and most of his entire graduating class are ready to move on to the next chapter in life. For the soon to be college student, he is going in with open arms to embrace that institution, and one day the different countries within each continent. “I hope to learn and experience a lot from travelling one day, and I invite you to do the same,” Crutchfield insisted.