The Story of Alyson

This is Alyson. Born and raised in the Southwestern Nebraska town of Fairbury; population: a mere 4,262 residents. Her class, a mere sixty students. Employee of the local movie theater, older sister of 12 year old Joanna. This is Alyson, competitor in a scholarship pageant, winner of a medal in track, and participant in Sing Around Nebraska.

The first thing that strikes you about Alyson is her laid back appearance. Typical teenage girl; bleach blond hair, tank top and shorts. However, this assumption soon clears up and one recognizes her peppy optimism, coming into a writing class with open arms, despite her disinterest in writing. Such a trait is crucial in following such prestigious goals.

But this is not the story of Alyson, the happy, small town girl; it is the story of determination, of the willingness to pursue what one wants. In her eighth grade year, Alyson participated in track solely because she could. At the last meet, finally placed by herself. It was the 400, one lap around the track as fast as one can go, and she placed second. Although no longer participating, this displays her determinism to make a name for herself.

Who is Alyson? She is not only one among sixty students, but one that placed second in a track meet. Not only the employee of the movie theater, but one who works with her best friend Tiffanie and who sneakily swipes candy while the boss is away. Not only involved in Sing Around Nebraska, but one who made the tryouts in sixth grade. Not only a participant in a school sponsored pageant, but…

It is July 18th, 2010, award ceremonies of the Miss Jefferson County Pageant… and Alyson does not place. Disappoint is understandable, but that does not discourage her from trying again. “They said that I would be more likely to get the title when I’m a senior,” Alyson said, “so I’m going to try again next year.”

Of course, what makes Alyson interesting is her enduring hopefulness in the face of challenge. Her “I can conquer this because I can” attitude. What makes Alyson extraordinary is her unfaltering determinism that will play out in her everyday occurrences for the rest of her life.