A Step Above
2018
Sarah James
The Meadows School senior Sarah James has a dream to mold young minds as a teacher and inspire
others through the written word; a dream that’s quickly becoming reality. She’s already been a co-
teacher and penned a book, after all, and appears to be continuing along this fast-track with a powerful
blend of positivity and enthusiasm. In her own words, “While it’s easy to be pessimistic, nothing will
change if you don’t hope for it and actively pursue it.” Her hope is for a happy future, peace, safety and
a good life, and as a determined young woman of action, she’s taking it one exciting chapter at a time,
making Sarah James– A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.62
Theatre/Clubs/Activities:
• Macbeth–Wyrd Sister, 2016
• Seussical the Musical–Ensemble Member, 2016-2017
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat–Wife/Ensemble, 2017
• Romeo and Juliet–Gregory, 2018
• National Honor Society, 2016-2018; Secretary
• National French Honor Society, 2014-2017
• French Club, 2014-2018
• Women’s Empowerment Club, 2014-2018
• Literary Podcast Club, 2016-2018; President
• Theatre Club, 2014-2018
• Honor Code Committee Member, 2016-2018
• Mustang Writing Center Tutor, 2016-2017; Head Tutor, 2017-2018
• Swing Dance Club, 2017-2018
Scholarships/Awards/Community Service:
• University of Portland President’s Scholarship
• Excellence in Intro to Literature and Composition Award, 2014-2015
• Excellence in Yearbook Award, 2016-2017
• Excellence in French Film and Culture Award, 2016-2017
• National French Contest Silver Medal, 2014-2016
• Gypsy Robe Ensemble Award–Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2017
• Three Square Food Bank, 2016-2018
• Safe Nest, 2015-2016
• Miracle League, 2016-2018
• Clean the World, 2015-2017
• Grace in the Desert Nursery Volunteer, 2014-2016
• Dawson College Bound Summer Volunteer, 2014-2016
What did you learn about yourself while co-teaching at middle school? “Knowing that I am capable
of being a teacher is the most fulfilling feeling there is, and when my students told me how much they
enjoyed the class, I became confident that teaching is something I could do. A good teacher can change
a child’s life forever, and if I can be that teacher for just one student, then I will be fulfilled.”
Your future as a teacher looks bright, but how does writing fit into your master plan? “Being a
writer is a dream of mine, and although it may not become my profession, if writing remains a constant
in my life, I will be happy.”
You attribute your success to strong relationships. Can you elaborate? “Being successful isn’t about
doing everything yourself. It is about utilizing your resources to the best of your abilities, admitting
when you need help, and helping others. None of these things would be possible without those around
me who I know will be there for me because I have been there for them.”
Tell us about the book you authored. “I wrote a children’s book about the history of women for The
Meadows Lower School. This was a project started by Women’s Empowerment Club, and I immedi-
ately wanted to participate. The book highlights milestones in women’s rights all around the world and
is meant to inspire young children to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.”
May/June 2018 41