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Finding Her Path
If Rachel Lesser’s high school career is proof of anything, it is that once she sets her mind on a goal, she can overcome any obstacle in her way.
Lesser was always a good student, but she had to take some time off of school her sophomore year to deal with personal issues. Still, it was important to Rachel that she graduate on time with the rest of her Page High class.
Once she was able to come back to school, Rachel’s focus was on catching up on her academics.
“She really impressed me, because of her determination to get back to her normal life and now she’s highly successful,” said Page High counselor Anthony Freeman.
“After taking the year off, I realized I needed to work on myself first and put school second,” explained Lesser. “That helped me get in the swing of things, find what I’m passionate about and I was able to focus.”
Lesser took online courses during the school year and over the summer to make up for the year she was out. Those classes included advanced placement courses, and dual enrollment at GTCC. Now, she will graduate as one of Page High School’s top 25 students in June. Focusing on her academics, and what she really enjoyed also helped point her down a new path for her future.
“Six months ago, I was set on going into medicine, because that’s what everyone told me I should do,” she said. “Then, I decided math and science aren’t really my thing. I’m taking AP Lit this year, and it exposed me to literature I wouldn’t have read otherwise, and I really love it.”
Lesser said she loved all the books she read in the class, but the one that really sticks out was “Invisible Man,” which inspired her to hopefully write a book of her own. “I was mesmerized by it from the first page. I was amazed by how meaningful every single word was, and it made me realize how beautiful writing is.”
Lesser will major in English at UNC-Asheville in the fall, but other than that, she says she will keep her future options open. In addition to writing her own book, she is considering teaching high school English.
“Teachers have played a really instrumental role in my life, so it would be a good way to give back,” she said. “I’d also like to help students who are a little different, or outsiders. I kind of fell into that category and I know how hard it can be.”
“She is a determined young lady,” said Freeman. “She advocates for herself really well. I’m proud of her.”