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Student Feature: Bella Wheeler ‘19

Friday Feature: Bella Wheeler ‘19
 
Bella Wheeler ‘19 has just begun her senior year here at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. Wheeler is in her fourth year at the school, having started in her freshman year. She is from the Cayman Islands and came to RGNS with the hope of furthering her education and becoming exposed to American society. She is a member of the Inclusion Initiative Club, Community Service Club, Strong Girls and the Dining Hall Committee. She has a part in the upcoming musical “Pirates of Penzance”, has been on the Athletic Support Team, and has participated in soccer, basketball and golf.  This year Bella was also chosen to be a prefect in George Dorm, a highly respected leadership role at Rabun Gap.

What makes Rabun Gap special to you?
The incredible diversity and friendly nature that both the students and faculty portray.

What are your plans after you graduate? What are your plans for college?
I plan to go to college in either Canada or England where I want to study forensic entomology.

What is your favorite memory from Rabun Gap?
The hiking trip my sophomore year will always be one of the most breathtaking, incredible, and revitalizing experiences I have ever had the chance to be a part of. I met my best friend on that trip, became close with people I would have never imagined, and pushed myself to limits I did not know I had.

What do you think you’ll miss the most about Rabun Gap when you graduate this year?
I will miss the people. The people are what make Rabun Gap so incredible. The teachers, the dorm parents, the kids, the students, the maintenance and housekeeping. Everyone does their part and that is how the school runs so smoothly. I will miss the friendly, giving, loving people that Rabun Gap consists of.

As a senior, what advice would you give a freshman just starting out in high school here at Rabun Gap?
I know it does not feel like it will go by fast but it does. Grasp onto to every experience and every moment. Live in the moment and appreciate what this school offers because you will be sad when it’s all gone.

Which Rabun Gap teachers and/or coaches have had the biggest impact on you during your time here?
Mrs. Jump has been there since day one and although we started out on a rough note, I do not think I would have survived the last three years without her and her family. Mr. Ozu also helped me when I was going through some challenges and he never lost his faith in me, which is something I will forever be grateful for.

Tell us something interesting about yourself that we don’t otherwise know.
I am actually a very sentimental person and whenever someone gives me a note, card, picture etc. I keep them in a special box for safe keeping.

If you could choose to live during any era of history, when would you pick?
I would want to live in the 60’s during the Counterculture Revolution. I feel as though it was a huge turning point in society and really impacted the rights and views we have today.

What’s your favorite quote?
"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference." -Eeyore

What interests do you pursue outside of the classroom?
I love to sail, dive, hike, watch movies, read and spend time with my siblings and parents.
 
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.