Moving schools is incredibly challenging no matter what grade you are in. For Haylie Anderson, moving from Sturgis Brown High in South Dakota to Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) in Colorado during her senior year was a huge step. However, she found herself welcomed by the people and community of Nederland and said that the community at large made it easier for her to adjust.

Anderson found ways to keep herself busy and engaged during her time at NMSHS. She took art and photography classes, continuing her love of both activities. She loves capturing a single instant in time through photography, and she finds art is a great coping mechanism. She hadn’t tried sports during her time in high school, so she decided to join the school’s soccer team. Her aunt and uncle own The Millsite Inn in Ward, so she has been able to work there on the weekends.

Anderson has found ways to keep herself engaged, and she has found new friends that have welcomed her warmly into her new environment. In particular, she cites best friends Jade Patterson- Blake and Mary Jarril for sticking by her side and showing her the true meaning of friendship. She also cites Nederland security guard Mike Devine for being an incredible role model to not just her, but to many other students at the school.

Anderson is planning to attend the University of Northern Colorado in the fall to pursue a major in business management. She initially wanted to attend CU Boulder but found that once she visited Greeley, it reminded her of home. She has received a $6,000 Bear scholarship from the school for her academic achievements, and she is excited to be able to pursue a degree that will hopefully allow her to establish something of her own one day.

Anderson will miss seeing everyone at the high school and making more memories with her friends, but she is thrilled that she has been able to establish herself in this small community and connect with new people. To new students of the school, she recommends not losing focus on the things you want to do, the goals you want to achieve, and the dreams you want to make come true.

Congratulations to Haylie for starting this new chapter of her life!