Jefferson looks forward to studying psychology and theatre arts at High Point
Abigail Jefferson is one of the seniors who has lost her spring trimester. This fall-- if the coronavirus permits-- she will attend High Point University to study Psychology and Theater Arts.
“I have always been interested in theater, and recently picked up an interest in psychology,” Jefferson said. “I always advocate for following your passions, so that is what I plan to do in college. I have gotten two separate scholarships from the school which will aid me in paying for tuition and room and board.”
Amid all of this chaos, Jefferson has found time to pursue some of her passions that a lot of people do not know about.
“Something that some people may not know about me is that I have recently started a small freelance business for bookbinding,” Jefferson said. “For an art project I bound a large novel in leather, and I discovered that I had a passion for the art. Ever since then I have been working on various books and trying to improve my skills with what I have on hand. I repurposed a large leather jacket that I found at the Goodwill, and have made multiple books with it.”
While Jefferson really enjoys the craft, she is also profiting from it.
“I am even currently working on a paid commission from a lady down in Georgia who needs a reservation book for her restaurant,” Jefferson said. “Learning about book binding and how it is done currently and how it was done in the past has weirdly affected how I look at books. Now that I know what goes into a book I am able to identify various methods for hand-bound and mass bound books.”
While at North Cross, Jefferson was a huge part of the theatre program. She participated in every production she could, and most recently, she was Mrs. White in Clue! On Stage.
“Some of my favorite High School memories come from theater,” Jefferson said. “I always look forward to going to IHOP after shows and hanging out with some of my closest friends all night.”
As per tradition, the cast goes to IHOP after the opening night of any show. While the shows are a lot of fun, hard work is required as well.
“Our show weekends are an absolute blur, and are always filled with intense work, dedication, and a lot of fun.” Jefferson said. “I am glad I'm the type of person who genuinely enjoys working with theater, because I honestly don't think I could put that many hours into anything else.”
When Jefferson first arrived at North Cross, she played on the tennis team.
“Other good memories I have come from being on the tennis team. Traveling around on the buses was always a good time, and it was interesting to get to know my teammates,” Jefferson said. “It was especially helpful, since I was a new student to the school when I joined the tennis team, so it served as a great introduction.”
In light of reminiscing, Jefferson brought up what it feels like now, to be a senior without a definite graduation and without a spring.
“Covid 19 has had quite the effect on everyone's school year, especially the seniors,” Jefferson said. “There is a chance that we will not have a prom, and our graduation will look differently from everyone else's. Learning online has definitely been tough, as I personally find it difficult to focus and take everything as seriously as I need to.”
Isolation does not just make school difficult, but it also takes a toll on mental health.
“Staying isolated for months on end takes a big toll on mental health, and overall it can prove difficult to stay positive throughout the whole endeavor,” Jefferson said. “I am glad I'm still able to see my friends over video call, inside or outside of class, but it definitely feels like there is something missing.”
In the end, this is a difficult time, but Jefferson has a simple message that is relevant to all of us.
“What is important, however, is to stay positive.”
“I have always been interested in theater, and recently picked up an interest in psychology,” Jefferson said. “I always advocate for following your passions, so that is what I plan to do in college. I have gotten two separate scholarships from the school which will aid me in paying for tuition and room and board.”
Amid all of this chaos, Jefferson has found time to pursue some of her passions that a lot of people do not know about.
“Something that some people may not know about me is that I have recently started a small freelance business for bookbinding,” Jefferson said. “For an art project I bound a large novel in leather, and I discovered that I had a passion for the art. Ever since then I have been working on various books and trying to improve my skills with what I have on hand. I repurposed a large leather jacket that I found at the Goodwill, and have made multiple books with it.”
While Jefferson really enjoys the craft, she is also profiting from it.
“I am even currently working on a paid commission from a lady down in Georgia who needs a reservation book for her restaurant,” Jefferson said. “Learning about book binding and how it is done currently and how it was done in the past has weirdly affected how I look at books. Now that I know what goes into a book I am able to identify various methods for hand-bound and mass bound books.”
While at North Cross, Jefferson was a huge part of the theatre program. She participated in every production she could, and most recently, she was Mrs. White in Clue! On Stage.
“Some of my favorite High School memories come from theater,” Jefferson said. “I always look forward to going to IHOP after shows and hanging out with some of my closest friends all night.”
As per tradition, the cast goes to IHOP after the opening night of any show. While the shows are a lot of fun, hard work is required as well.
“Our show weekends are an absolute blur, and are always filled with intense work, dedication, and a lot of fun.” Jefferson said. “I am glad I'm the type of person who genuinely enjoys working with theater, because I honestly don't think I could put that many hours into anything else.”
When Jefferson first arrived at North Cross, she played on the tennis team.
“Other good memories I have come from being on the tennis team. Traveling around on the buses was always a good time, and it was interesting to get to know my teammates,” Jefferson said. “It was especially helpful, since I was a new student to the school when I joined the tennis team, so it served as a great introduction.”
In light of reminiscing, Jefferson brought up what it feels like now, to be a senior without a definite graduation and without a spring.
“Covid 19 has had quite the effect on everyone's school year, especially the seniors,” Jefferson said. “There is a chance that we will not have a prom, and our graduation will look differently from everyone else's. Learning online has definitely been tough, as I personally find it difficult to focus and take everything as seriously as I need to.”
Isolation does not just make school difficult, but it also takes a toll on mental health.
“Staying isolated for months on end takes a big toll on mental health, and overall it can prove difficult to stay positive throughout the whole endeavor,” Jefferson said. “I am glad I'm still able to see my friends over video call, inside or outside of class, but it definitely feels like there is something missing.”
In the end, this is a difficult time, but Jefferson has a simple message that is relevant to all of us.
“What is important, however, is to stay positive.”