Monique Webster, a senior at Blaine high School, is excited for what the future holds for her. The four years that this senior has spent at BHS has consisted of hard work, loss, and most of all, triumph.

Webster has made her presence known in BHS; she has been involved in activities ranging from The Dance Team to Link Crew. Webster was also had her art featured in the annual senior Art Show.

“I think I’ll miss dance team the most about high school. Nothing is better than dancing with my sisters. All four years I’ve been involved in dance team, both winter and fall. I love to dance. I love competing I love everything about it” Says Webster.

Webster’s time at BHS has consisted of its highs and lows. After the loss of her grandmother, who had also been her best friend, Webster had found it hard to cope. “I’d have to say a mixture between my junior and senior year were the hardest years of my high school career. Last year I lost my abuelita (grandmother). My abuelita was my best friend. That really affected me. I went through a lot last year/ this year to the point where I wanted to just give up” says Webster.

After the passing of her grandmother, Webster saw hard times. But slowly as time passed, things slowly got better; only for them to crumble again. The class of 2013 was faced with grief as they lost one of their own. “Alec Zaver was a good friend of mine and many. He committed suicide earlier this year. That took a huge toll on our class. When Zaver died, I checked out for awhile, I wanted to be done with school right then” says Webster.

Webster had found the strength to pull through. She focused on the future and realized she wanted to take advantage of the fresh start and unlimited potential. “I am extremely excited about what the future holds for me. I think what I’m looking forward to most is the fact that I’m starting a whole new chapter in my life, and I’m growing up. Which is sort of scary right? Even though it’s going to be scary I’m excited too” says Webster.

Webster will be attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth next year, she plans to minor in Spanish, and earn a psychology degree in the school of education and counseling. “I feel the need to help people. And when I say that I don’t mean like handing food on the streets necessarily. I want to help teenagers who are troubled. I want to be the person they can talk to about anything. When they feel like they have no where else to go, that’s where I come in” says Webster.

When asked what advice she wanted to give to underclassmen, Webster says “I would want to tell the underclassmen to not try so hard to grow up. Get good grades; get involved in a lot of activities. But don’t overwhelm yourself, make time for fun. Remember you’re paving the path for your futures today, make good choices. Live it up.”

Webster realizes that without the people in her life to help her pull through tough times, she would not be who she is today. “I kept going. I’m so happy I did. With the help of my parents and some staff I made it.”

With graduation only a couple days away, Webster says “I know my abuelita is going to be looking down at me on graduation.”

Webster has faced many challenges, but she focused on the positives. Webster has been a leader, involved in many activities, and true inspiration to her underclassmen. Webster says “I wish I would have had more confidence in myself, I could have achieved so much more if only I believed I could.” Humble, even at the end of her high school career. Monique Webster has achieved and over come many challenges, all while gracefully making her self a senior worth looking up to.

Good luck on your future Monique Webster. It looks Bright.