For many, the onset of a global pandemic was a period of stagnation. For Roslyn Wells, a senior at Burke High School, it was the unexpected catalyst for a personal transformation that started in the eighth grade. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Roslyn found that the isolation of 2020 provided a unique space to discover who she really was.

“Covid was going on, and I got to discover new things,” Wells said. “I had a different style back then more like a tomboy.”

While her style evolved, her appreciation for the past remained rooted in something tangible. In an era of digital fleetingness, Roslyn finds her grounding in the physical world, specifically through printed photographs that serve as anchors for her favorite memories.

“Printed pictures and photos hold meaningful memories,” Wells said.

This appreciation for history and storytelling extends into her hobbies. Whether she’s listening to John Legend or diving into different movies, Roslyn is captivated by the way stories are told. However, her greatest inspiration isn’t found on a screen or a stage; it’s found at home. She credits her mother as a primary influence, describing her as a “dependable person” who has navigated the complexities of life alongside her.

With that guidance, Roslyn has turned her focus toward her own future. She has already achieved a major milestone by applying and receiving a career scholarship, a feat that has paved a clear path toward her dream of working in elementary education. Her summer plans are already packed with tennis coaching and an internship to prepare for the road ahead.

“The end goal is what keeps me focused” Wells said.

As she prepares to walk across the stage and leave high school behind, Roslyn carries with her a sense of emotional maturity. If she could go back to that eighth-grade version of herself, the one navigating a changing world and a changing identity, her message would be one of simple, powerful validation.

“Working hard will pay off for the time you put into something.” Wells said.