By Vy Nguyen
Whether you see her when she’s swimming laps, listening to alternative music or letting her imagination run wild in books, Reese Meister catches your eye right away, with her bright disposition and approachable, yet striking silhouette.
Rising to news editor after only one year in Baron Banner, Meister sits tall in the back of the room, taking the time to absorb all that is around her.
Meister first learned about Baron Banner from her older sister Cate, who has been a big inspiration for her and the person who encouraged her to join Baron Banner. Meister’s work ranges anywhere from news pieces to lifestyle and feature stories, with a special place in her heart for news.
“I really do enjoy writing news, especially local news right here in Fountain Valley. It’s the sort of stuff that you don’t see on TV or will find anywhere else, except for our Baron Banner website,” Meister said.
Meister is further passionate about writing stories that allow her to talk to others, as she loves to capture the experiences and perspectives of the student body on pen and paper.
When she’s not interviewing students around campus or writing her next piece for Baron Banner, Meister is dedicated to pursuing her interest in environmental science. With a zeal for the environment and sustainability, she enjoys every moment of her AP Environmental Science class, as she sits back in awe of the world around her. Outside of the walls of a classroom, Meister is currently exploring more about the environment at Westminster High School’s Giving Farm, where she is volunteering in her free time.
One stand-out moment that defines how Meister sees herself today is the day she stepped foot on the Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) campus as a freshman. Three years ago, when Meister made the shift from a middle school student to freshman at FVHS, it was a unique transition compared to many other students.
“I came from a pretty small middle school, and it wasn’t a feeder school. Coming here, it was hard to get to know everyone; but I think I’m glad now, and, to be honest, I actually enjoyed the [challenge]. I’m pretty introverted, and this was something that forced me to get out of my shell,” Meister said.
Meister continues to push herself out of her comfort zone in school and outside of it. As a swimmer from the age of four, Meister has been on the FVHS swim team for three years, her entire high school career thus far. In addition, Meister is also on the school’s water polo team and a swim club outside of school.
“[Swim] has always been something that I do,” Meister said. “After school or just a long day, I go to swim practice and forget about all of my homework just for a minute.”
Though she loves swimming, Meister admits she actively works at balancing her schedule, making sure she carves out time for her beloved sport.
“With my schedule, I always have different things going on. For me, it’s always important that when I go home, I do my work and stay focused, so that I have time to relax,” she said. “In regards to Baron Banner as well, I like to stay organized, be efficient in class, and just work a little bit each day while staying on top of my interviews and articles.”
As the start of Meister’s junior year is beginning to unfold, she is hopeful for the possibilities of the new school year.
“There’s a lot going on and I’m kind of worried, but also really excited,” she said. “What I’m probably most worried about is trying to balance everything with sports; but, if I can get through that, I’m [otherwise] really enjoying all my classes right now and learning new things.”
The only change for Meister won’t also be her classes, but her advanced role in Baron Banner as well.
“In Baron Banner, I’m so excited to be an editor because that’s one aspect of this class that I haven’t really been able to experience before,” Meister said. “I’m also thinking about trying a little more photography, we’ll see how that goes!”
Like many upperclassmen, the promise of the future hangs in the air for Meister. Yet, she stays elated about keeping her options open.
“I want to find something that I’m passionate about, and for right now, I’m still exploring what that is.”