The experience of life itself is different for each person. This can be in small ways, like if one likes chocolate more than vanilla while someone else likes vanilla more than chocolate, or in major ways, such as one person living in Cuba and another living in Russia. These differences define someone as a person; they form who they are. For senior Lincoln Kolhagen, these differences express who he is as a person.
One major component of a change in his life, that occurred 12 years in, was the addition of a little sister to his family. This change gives him the experience of the life of an only child for a significant period, while also gaining knowledge on what it is like to have a sibling.
“Being an only child was a more peaceful time,” Kolhagen said. “I never had to worry about being pestered by a sibling. I remember enjoying how I rarely had responsibilities to take care of. Granted, I was younger then, so I didn’t have as many responsibilities to begin with. Still, not having a sibling deducted from those potential responsibilities. However, I will say that I do appreciate having a sibling now, especially since it’s such a different experience from being an only child.”
This difference for Kolhagen now adds more responsibility to his life, continuing a developing theme. It gives him a chance to learn and change as a person while having another human being to talk to and share moments with, one who is family.
“I do appreciate having the additional responsibility of having to take care of my sister,” Kolhagen said. “I would say that having a younger sibling has made me more selfless and responsible. Although I do appreciate having the right to be lazy, I understand that having more responsibilities is something that will be ultimately beneficial to me.”
Switching focus, Kolhagen, with the experience he has gathered, excels in academics. He is, as of the end of the 2024-2025 school year, ranked second place out of 422 students.
“I have always dedicated myself to doing as well as I can academically,” Kolhagen said. “Even though it has caused me some worry, I am overall happy with this choice as it will most likely prepare me for the future.”
Kolhagen also has a multitude of awards with three of his awards being the Patrick Henry Medal from the Military Order of the World Wars Youth Leadership Conference, Counselor’s Choice Award from the Military Order of the World Wars Youth Leadership Conference, and 6th place for Computer Science UIL written at regional-level competition. These achievements may prove to be very beneficial for his future, especially college as they will allow him to prove his abilities. On the topic of college, Kolhagen has something in mind.
“I plan to attend college to become an anesthesiologist,” Kolhagen said. “Although this path is not certain for me, I plan to do that due to my interest in medicine and also somewhat at the suggestion of my parents, who have told me of the potential benefits such a career can provide.”
These academic and family experiences give Kolhagen the knowledge of life and allow him to provide one with advice that could potentially help them succeed.
“The best piece of advice I could give to someone struggling academically is to ask for help if needed,” Kolhagen said. “I would not be able to achieve at the level I do if I did not ask my friends, teachers, or even parents for help when I needed it.”
