One last piece of advice to seniors

by Hope Kriegel & Alexa Wheaton

Part 4 of a series

We live, learn and grow as time passes without realizing what is happening. We sometimes forget to take the time to remember where we used to be compared to where we are now, the advice we received that helped us through and the many obstacles we faced over the years. 

Here is another look at the class of 2001 and where they have been since they graduated from Montezuma High School. 

Adam Criswell

Adam saw himself graduated from college as a police officer or in the business management field. He also thought he might be married with a child and working toward his master’s degree. 

Now that it has been 10 years Adam has been a police officer and defensive tactics instructor in Johnston, Iowa for five years. Adam is working to get his masters in management. 

Adam’s life has changed to working most of the time. Adam says his biggest change will be a year from now when he gets married. 

Adam’s advice to seniors is to enjoy the time you have in high school and college because you only get those days once.

Heather (Rempp) Ellis 

Heather said she knew she wanted to do something in communications/marketing in a business setting, but wasn’t sure what that meant. She was open to see where her education took her. 

Now, Heather is a Relationship Manager for Commerce Bank in Kansas City, Mo. She is also married with a daughter. She covers a wide territory in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma. 

Heather’s advice to the seniors is to make sure you further your education after high school. She says to have confidence in your own abilities and use them to your advantage as you go through life. 

Finally, Heather tells the class of 2011 to always be yourself, be honest and confident in who you are and this will allow you to go far. 

Jennifer (Linder) Bos

Jennifer couldn't remember where exactly she thought she would be in 10 years but guessed it was something along the lines of: go to college, get married and have kids. Today, she is married to her best friend with two healthy daughters and has a job she enjoys. Jenny is also on the United Way of Greater Grinnell’s board. 

She says her life changed by the things she didn’t expect, such as, the passing of her mother, raising her younger sister, taking care of her father and recently changing her career to an IT Auditor. 

Jennifer tells the seniors to get a college education. Figure out who you are and what you are passionate about. She says, “The sooner you realize that life isn’t fair or easy, the sooner you can overcome the challenges. Through the good and bad, try to learn something from each experience.”

Thank you to the class of 2001 for sharing your stories and advice with us.