By Stacey A. Shannon—
Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction.
GASTON, IN—Wes-Del High School senior Jennah Love has a busy schedule filled with athletics, fine arts and church. She’s learned to balance it all while also remaining at the top of her class academically and taking care of her mental health.
“There’s so much going on all the time, and sometimes I do need to give myself a day to not do anything and just relax and get my mind back in check,” Love said.
A planner and multiple calendars help her organize her numerous activities. Throughout high school, she’s participated in volleyball, basketball, track and the Athletic Leadership Council. Fine arts have also been part of her high school career as she’s been in choir, drama club, Spanish club and band, being the drum major last year and this year.
That’s not all, though. Her other school-related activities include Future Business Leaders of America, Students Against Destructive Decisions, student council (including as president), STEM Leadership Team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She’s even a member of the East Central Indiana FCA Worship Band playing trombone.
“I’ve had to say no to some things,” Love said. “Like last year, I couldn’t do track season because I was in the musical…I couldn’t do both at once. I’ve had to learn to choose my priorities and what I want to do.”
For that very musical, Love starred as Wednesday Addams in the school’s production of The Addams Family.
School isn’t the only place Love stays busy. As a member of Hartford City Wesleyan Church, she serves in various capacities such as helping with children and leading worship.
“I’m really involved with church,” Love said. “I just love Jesus. I love serving and bringing people to worship and leading there.”
In fact, the highlight of the past year for Love was getting baptized with her younger brother at their family’s lake.
“My parents baptized me, and our pastor was there,” she said. “It was really special. It was just my public declaration of faith.”
For all the activities Love participates in, she said focusing on people and relationships is most important. Love’s aim is to be a friend to everyone, especially those who are disconnected.
“I love seeing people connect and just be friends,” she said.
Love’s passion for connecting with and helping others has influenced her future goals. She plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University to major in pre-med and minor in Spanish. Right now, she plans to become an orthopedic surgeon but remains open to God’s leading for the specific type of doctor she’ll become.
“When I’m older, I want to go to different countries and do medical ministry,” Love said.
Along with looking forward, Love is also looking behind her to the underclassmen at her school. She said she encourages them to not feel pressured to participate in things they don’t enjoy.
“Life is short,” she said. “You should do things you love.”
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