At first glance, Arabella might seem like just another student balancing school, orchestra, a part-time babysitting job, and her spot on the newspaper staff. She walks the same halls, carries the same backpack, and blends into the daily rhythm of high school life. To the casual observer, she might even seem “basic.” But spend five minutes in conversation with Arabella, and you quickly realize she is anything but basic.
Arabella describes herself in three words: forward, helpful, and analytical. They’re simple, maybe even understated, but as her story unfolds, those words prove to be pretty accurate.
She is forward in the best sense of the word. She’s the kind of person who will tell you the truth even if it isn’t what you want to hear. She is helpful, but not in a casual way trying to get it over with.
When Arabella offers help, it’s intentional, thoughtful, and often exactly what someone needed before they even realized it themselves.
And she is analytical, with a mind that notices details others overlook and a heart that responds to those details with care.
That unique blend of honesty, thoughtfulness, and insight has earned Arabella recognition.
In orchestra, her teacher honored her with the “Tell It Like It Is” award, a nod to her willingness to speak truth with clarity. But Arabella’s directness is never rude. In fact, her classmates describe her as “quietly bold,” someone who sets boundaries, calls things as they are, and still manages to extend kindness in every situation. She has a way of balancing honesty with compassion, and that makes her both respected and trusted.
Random Path Into Journalism
Arabella’s journey into journalism wasn’t something she planned.
In eighth grade, she first heard about the journalism program when a neighbor mentioned it. At the time, it seemed like a simple elective option, something different to try out. But when she joined journalism her freshman year, she discovered it wasn’t just an extra class, it was a place where she has felt at home (something we can give Mrs.Rauenbuehler credit for but this isn’t about her so let’s move on).
“I’ve never loved math or science classes,” she admitted. “But writing? English? Give it to me.”
The newspaper class became more than an elective; it became part of her routine, something she looked forward to.
“It doesn’t feel like an obligation,” Arabella says. “It feels like something I genuinely enjoy. It’s like I need a dose of it to get through the week.”
Over time, that passion grew into leadership. Arabella is now serving as Chief Editor, a role that brings both responsibility and recognition. She edits her peers’ work, helps manage the publication process, and ensures that every piece that goes out reflects the best of their collective effort.
Though she identifies as more of an introvert, Arabella feels comfortable leading in this environment.
“If it were a room full of strangers, I couldn’t do it,” she admits. “But here, I can step up.”
The smaller group gives her the confidence to use her voice and guide others, even when she might normally stay out of the spotlight.
The Heart That Helps
What truly sets Arabella apart isn’t just her leadership or her academic involvement, it’s her heart. Many people offer help, but Arabella’s help is different. When she sees someone struggling, she doesn’t just give a lame “let me know if you need anything.” Instead, she seems to know exactly what they need.
It’s almost like intuition, a quiet ability to read people and recognize what’s unspoken. Her classmates notice it. Whether it’s proofreading essays, brainstorming story ideas, or encouraging someone through a difficult assignment, Arabella’s support feels intentional and personal. She has a way of offering solutions that are actually helpful, not just polite gestures.
“She’s the kind of person who just knows,” one peer explained. “It’s like she can read your mind. She’ll give you the idea or the encouragement you didn’t even know you needed.”
This gift for helping extends beyond the classroom. Arabella babysits, and her natural care for children shines through. Her friend Yarely even calls her a “superhero for kids,” picturing her as the type who would instinctively run into the street to save a child from danger. That protective, nurturing quality reflects a bigger part of Arabella’s personality because she doesn’t just care in words, she cares in action.
Defining Herself
When asked what sets her apart from the crowd, Arabella hesitated.
“I’m just me,” she said.
It’s a humble answer, but her friends disagree with her simplicity. To them, Arabella is unique. She isn’t someone who can be easily compared to anyone else. She’s thoughtful without being overbearing, bold without being bogus, and kind without being naïve.
Arabella herself admits she’s been working on branching out socially, challenging herself to talk to new people and build connections outside of her comfort zone. She sees this as preparation for college, where building relationships will be essential.
“I’m trying to ease myself into it now,” she said.
Arabella has a unique way of describing herself: she compares her personality to a Sour Patch Kid.
“Some people think I’m mean at first,” she said with a laugh. “But then they realize I’m really not. I’m sweet once you get to know me.”
It’s a metaphor that fits. Like the candy, Arabella can come across with a certain toughness at first glance, straightforward, direct, maybe even intimidating to some. But underneath, she’s full of warmth, humor, and sweetness. Once people take the chance to get to know her, they usually discover she’s someone they want to keep around.
More Than Involvement
Arabella’s list of activities may not be endless, but the depth of her involvement speaks volumes. She plays cello in the orchestra, volunteers through Key Club, babysits regularly, and, of course, dedicates herself to the newspaper. It’s not about being in everything; it’s about being present and intentional in the places that matter most to her.
Her future is still progressing. Arabella isn’t completely sure what career path she’ll take, though speech pathology, a field that combines her love of communication and children, has caught her attention. She’s also considered continuing journalism in some form, maybe as a class or extracurricular in college, even if she doesn’t pursue it professionally.
The Real Arabella
At the end of the day, Arabella is not someone who can be reduced to a label. She isn’t “basic.” She isn’t easily defined. She is a young woman who balances bold honesty with quiet kindness, who helps in ways that matter, and who leads not by shouting the loudest but by setting the clearest example.
Between orchestra rehearsals, volunteer hours, babysitting jobs, and late nights editing articles, Arabella might not always be seen in the spotlight. But that doesn’t matter to her. She doesn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. Instead, she’s shaping her world one conversation, one edit, and one act of kindness at a time.
Arabella is bold. She is thoughtful. She is helpful in ways that truly change people’s days. She is, without a doubt, unmistakably herself.
