"Learn to like learning," said 17-year-old Sara Holland, when asked what advice she would give to students in grades beneath her own. And the Poplar Bluff High School (PBHS) junior seems to be the embodiment of her advice, as she currently holds the No. 2 rank in the Class of 2019.
"Challenge yourself because people get bored in school and get bored in their classes. But if you actually pay attention in your classes, then you won't be bored," she continued.
Holland said a major force behind her academic success is the support of her parents, Dan and Gabriella Holland. However, she also attributed a large portion to her own natural desire to achieve.
"I really care about my grades and my parents really push me in that way," Holland said. "But even if they didn't push me, I'd still care. I don't want to have missing assignments and late work and bad grades because I like to challenge myself. I really strive to do my best in all my classes."
Holland said she hopes to attend the University of Missouri -- Columbia, but that she isn't yet sure which career path she will pursue.
"I've been going back and forth between something in the medical field and law," she said. "My plans, hopefully, are to go to Mizzou, get my undergrad and transfer to (the University of California -- Los Angeles)."
Holland plays on the Lady Mules tennis team, is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, Politics Club, Young Democrats Club, Health Occupations Services of America, and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).
She said she plans to create a balanced schedule for her senior year, which will include a blend of college and Advanced Placement courses with contemporary issues and art. Holland said she plans to maintain a position in the "Top 5," but that she will also focus on embracing her last year at PBHS.
"I'm going to focus on enjoying my senior year," Holland said, "and having my last year with my classmates. Hopefully not having any drama. Still doing my best in all my classes, but just actually enjoying it. Not worrying and stressing out. Still doing good, but having fun and remembering it."