As high school students we must consider our future in everything we do. Aiyah Messi, a junior at Paint Branch, sees the importance of this and has a plan for hers.

A three-year member of the PB indoor/outdoor track team, Aiyah sees track as a big part of her future. Beyond high school, she would like to continue running track as this is something she enjoys. If Aiyah does continue to do track she says, “I would be running at either Georgia State University or Kentucky.”Beyond athletics, it is important to consider other career paths or something else that you’re passionate about. So, in addition to track, Aiyah can see herself attending GSU to study psychology. Aiyah says she has always been interested in learning about the minds of others ever since she was a kid.

We all have public figures that we admire, especially if we play a sport or an instrument. We often look up to people who are skilled at the same things we do. Aiyah looks up to  Olympic athletes Masai Russell and Sydney McLaughlin. Of these athletes, she says, “I want to know how they got that far with the roadblocks and the mental challenges.” It is important that young people have these people that they can use as an example of what we can achieve and also for motivation. Young people can take away important skills and tactics they use to keep pushing during their careers all while making a name for themselves. 

In high school, it can be very hard to stay on task, but playing a sport can definitely be very motivating. Aiyah expresses that she is looking forward to this upcoming track season and especially her participation in meets where she will run hurdles. She has found something she is passionate about, and this has added to her high school experience. 

With her future plans for her track career and her life in general, it is safe to say that Aiyah will become very successful in the near future!

By: Serenity Pittman