Elizabeth Gorman

I find many things in this world good and beautiful. In fact, it is rare for me to deny beauty in any given object or person. The more I seek out beauty in others, the more I am able to see beauty in myself. Even on my worst days, I can find beauty within this world by simply taking in nature and by witnessing strong relationships among people.

I am a Northern Michigan girl! Growing up in Traverse City, Northern Michigan, I have always been captivated by the beauty of nature - starry skies, bodies of water, colors of the season, relative quiet, activeness of the community. In my town, I have access to it all. I grow awestruck every clear night, I get addicted to the exhilaration of running, and I’m reminded every time I look out at Lake Michigan how incredibly blessed I am to witness such beauty everyday.

Surrounded by beauty, my mind has been free to learn, so learning became a passion so strong I now choose to pursue teaching as a career. Since my earliest years in the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, I was taught to pursue excellence. I discovered when I am attentive, do my homework, study for tests, and read avidly, I have the ability to succeed. I have become both competitive and willing to accept challenges. With a perfect academic record, I scheduled five AP classes for my senior year.

I am not one to leave big decisions to chance. That is why I am cadet teaching through Career-Tech Center both my junior and senior years. My classroom experiences have confirmed my choice to pursue teaching.

My major extracurricular in high school is running, both cross country and track. If becoming a professional runner is an option for me, I would strongly consider that as a career as well. Through running, I have learned the value of discipline, goal setting, healthy nutrition, and extra effort as well as the joy of team work. My dedication has paid dividends, and, as a senior captain, one of my responsibilities now is to support and motivate my teammates to reach their potential.

My classmates and teammates are among the most beautiful friends I have.
Throughout high school, I’ve found many aphorisms about myself and the world. “Beauty comes in the most unlikely forms” is a main one. Discovering beauty in rare places has become a game for me, and it helps me stay optimistic about whatever struggles come my way. When I’m in a bad mood, looking to the sky or taking a breathtaking run along the water enclosing Traverse City helps lift my spirit.

While I constantly look for the good in others, I am not so oblivious that I completely overlook any bad in their situations. I actually believe people are even more beautiful with their flaws and struggles because it shows who they truly are. Many people say “Don’t judge a book by its cover” when talking about the deceiving beauty of physical appearances. I would use this saying to express the importance of avoiding judgement based on how one sees a person and his/her actions.

It is so rare for me, like others, to fully see a person’s struggles and unconcealed self. Whether I have a positive or negative image of a person, I need to be aware that I don’t know everything about them. In my mind, they are beautiful because of that.