One of the hardest things to master as a student is the ability to look forward – to see beyond the day to day busyness of assignments, classes, sports and friends – and see the bigger picture.
Tiana Huff, however, has no such problem.
Huff, an eighth-grader at Bayside Middle School, is keenly aware she has a limited amount of time to make a big difference for herself, her teachers and her fellow students.
“My goal is to leave a legacy,” Huff said. “I want to be remembered at Bayside Middle School as a student who wanted to get involved. I want to be remembered as someone who worked her hardest.”
Her passion to leave an example behind her was not always so fervent. She describes herself as “not the best student” in elementary school, but in coming to middle school knew she had the opportunity to make change. She had the chance to breakaway and make a name for herself for all the right reasons.
“Everyone wants to be someone, but they don’t necessarily work to be noticed,” Huff said. “I figured if I’m doing my best, then maybe someone will do the same.”
In doing her best, Huff took advantage of every opportunity afforded her.
Drama.
Student Ambassadors.
Great Computer Challenge.
Morning Announcements.
SCA.
Huff is a part of them all, all while consistently staying on the honor roll. This year, Huff serves as president of the SCA, and says it is her obligation to represent all of fellow students in the organization’s decisions.
“People have things going on that we don’t know about,” Huff said. “I want to be friends with everyone. I want everyone to think I’m approachable.”
While some may seem that role as daunting, Huff sees it as building her capacity to take on more opportunities down the line.
“Responsibility is what you need if you’re going to have a future,” Huff said
Huff’s ability to handle her responsibilities has been noticed by her teachers, student advisors and administrators.
“Tiana has great rapport with her classmates; yet, she is responsible enough to focus the other students. She ensures the work is done,” said Dr. Paula Johnson, principal of Bayside Middle. “She has a presence and naturally takes over the room. She has great ideas and welcomes the ideas of others.”
For her part, Tiana hopes that legacy she is working on will inspire future Raiders for years to come. She will be the first to tell them that while the transition to middle school can be tough, making the choice to set yourself apart and stand for something is always worth it.
“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “Everyone has to start somewhere.”
The important part is to start, Huff will say, is to get involved, to try something out of your comfort zone. You may just end up making a huge difference.
“As long as you try, there is always a possibility.”
Tiana is such a great girl and an amazing worker!!!
Sooooooooooo proud of you Anna. Great job
Way to go Tiana! So exciting to see all that you are doing. Love the goals you are accomplishing. Very proud of you.