While most freshmen are trying to figure out where their classes are, junior Macey Heimburger was counting her courses to see if she could graduate early. Is it possible to graduate as a junior, Heimburger wondered.
Starting as early as middle school to start maintaining credits, she took summer school classes to make sure she could graduate after her junior year. Graduating early would give her the opportunity to find her passion and excel in things that interest her, not just the required courses in high school.
“Sitting in some classes I just had no motivation,” Heimburger said. “I still do my best to get good grades but it’s just not as enjoyable. In college I get to choose things that I am actually interested in.”
She will be attending University of Cincinnati to study music performance, with an end goal of going to graduate school to become a conductor. The university is highly selective for their music program, but orchestra has been something Heimburger has dedicated her time to.
“I am genuinely passionate about music and it is something that I have consistently excelled at my whole life,” Heimburger said.
At first, Heimburger didn’t think it was possible to be at the level she is today, but thanks to her mentors she has been successful in achieving a higher standard.
“My private teacher for music kept pushing me to work harder and push me out of my comfort zone,” Heimburger said. “My sister is also a performance major so I had her influence which made me feel more comfortable.
Heimburger’s sisters, 20 and 22, both attended college for music which is something they bonded over. The age difference is challenging, but now that Heimburger is taking this next step in her life, she is able to have a closer connection to her sisters.
“I will have a better relationship with my sisters because it won’t seem as big of an age gap now that I will be in college,” Heimburger said.
Since freshmen year even Heimburger’s parents knew that this was the right path for her.
“Even though I like the people in my classes, my parents could tell I was tired of high school.”
In high school, it can be hard to branch out and be independent. For this next step in her life Heimburger will be able to be self-reliant and prepare for her future.
“College will force me to talk to people and get comfortable taking care of myself,” Heimburger said.
Despite being excited for this next chapter in her life, Heimburger will miss her peers that she has been with throughout high school and middle school.
“I am really sad that I won’t be able to graduate with my friends,” Heimburger said. “But I am still close with them and will continue to stay connected with them.”
