Amelia Earhart once said, “Preparation, I have often said, is two-thirds of any venture.”
One Junior whose preparation, dedication, and determination has earned her remarkable success in the field of flight.
Soaring above all, Junior Sarah Mansfield is one of the most ambitious students at school.
When looking toward her future, Mansfield is gearing up for a career in aviation.
Mansfield was recently selected as an alternate for the Air Force Flight Academy Scholarship after intensive preparation to even be considered.
This inconceivable achievement is one that creates a reputation of excellence- not only for Mansfield but the school as a whole.
Technical knowledge as well as physical ability was assessed in order to be selected, having needed to score above a 75% on the pretest to be eligible to apply.
Mansfield immersed herself into her studies, assisted by her mentors, namely Major David Malinowski and Senior Chadrick Hayden.
Being selected is a gravity-defying achievement; to have been able to prove one’s involvement in ROTC and aviation as much as she has.
Her scholastic commitments make it apparent that she has set a clear course for her future.
Sarah has been a part of JROTC since freshman year, an intensive class that prepares and educates young students on service opportunities for our country.
With strict drills, dresscode, and an expansive curriculum, this class necessitates a drive to prioritize it.
Mansfield said, “[it] takes a lot of focus to make sure that I have time to study and get my work done before hanging out with other people.”
Though we only met her two years ago, her fiery passion crash-landed into slope.
Mansfield said, “I had an idea of what I wanted to do before high school, and I knew that I was most likely going to get there through the benefits that the military provides.”
Furthermore, Mansfield consistently finds ways to balance her personal life and work, without having to always keep them separate.
“It’s way more fun to have a group to study and work with, even if we are working on different things; they are always so supportive and encouraging,” said Mansfield.
In fact, her friends are able to advocate for her hard work just as much as she.
Classmate Sophomore Madison Schneider happily expressed her admiration of Mansfield’s work ethic.
“I admire that she’s never given up. She’s always going to keep working toward her goal,” said Schneider.
Mansfield’s goals grow with her abilities.
Recently, Mansfield was promoted to corps commander, something she’d been working toward her entire high school career.
In order to prove herself worthy, she has focused on “trying to be a leader in any way that I could be. I really [thought] it [was] important to let people know that they are supported,” said Mansfield.
Her academic prowess isn’t where her strengths end.
Rather, her remarkable skills and abilities don’t begin to scratch the surface of what really makes this student truly special.
“She never fails to show kindness to others, and she’s always super optimistic about her future,” said Schneider.
Those around her feel the benefit of her company as well as the admiration for her tenacious approach to life.
While she’s made immense waves, or rather winds, at Sunnyslope, she’s not stopping there. Manfield’s views on the world are informed and nuanced, which makes her approach to the future all the more inspiring.
“I have considered that the possibility of world conflicts in the future is high, but I think that it honestly has motivated me more to be able to help [our country],” said Mansfield.
While the increasingly hostile political sphere creates feelings of uncertainty and resistance, Mansfield is set on not letting anything shake her.
The wind beneath her wings is her clear vision for her future, but also her tightly-held past.
“I used to watch planes fly past at night with my nana growing up, and I think that’s what initially sparked my interest,” said Mansfield.
Her ability to stay focused and driven is remarkable, but when considering her devotion to her younger self, and commitment to showing her heart the sights it’s been longing to see, it becomes apparent that Mansfield wants it more than anyone.
Lastly, Mansfield wouldn’t be the powerful, possessed, and driven young woman she is today without her support system.
She makes a conscious effort to recognize and appreciate the pillars in her life– her family, friends, and faith.
“They are so supportive and help me stay focused on my faith a lot. Since church is a huge part of my life, I am so grateful to have those people in my life.” said Mansfield.
Mansfield is a student here that continuously shows up for herself and others, enriching our community as a whole.
So, make sure to look skyward this summer. Mansfield will be up there, farther than the eye can see.