Being named Hahnville High School (HHS) valedictorian for the class of 2015 came as a surprise to Jessica Becnel, but she realized it’s an honor that affirmed years of hard work.
“I was happy I got it, but I wasn’t gung ho about it,” said Becnel, daughter of Pierre and Cathy Becnel of Luling. “I’m honored and, looking back now, I’m proud of myself.”
With a 4.0 GPA and long list of achievements, she earned it.
“I’m someone who tries her hardest even if it’s stressful,” Becnel said. “But getting all ‘As’ doesn’t mean you’re a successful student. It’s about trying and doing to the best of your ability.”
Becnel’s achievements reflect dedication to work that dates back to first grade.
Her recognitions include being in the Talented Art Program in grades 1 – 12, Gifted Program in English and math, summa cum laude in grades 9 – 12, first place in State Young Authors in fiction and receiving the AP Scholar Award.In addition to loving art, band, traveling and friends, she is hard working, positive and strives to keep others’ interests above her own.
Along the way in high school, Becnel said there were important things she came to understand that put her on an even stronger path in life.
“At one point, I thought I had to be perfect at everything … look perfect … act perfect … get perfect grades and be the perfect person,” she said. “The day I realized everyone makes mistakes sometimes and, I may not always be the best at everything, I took the perfectionist pressure off myself and was actually able to enjoy my accomplishments and experiences.”
Coming out of her shell is another one of the biggest steps ahead she made in high school.
“I may not be the most outgoing person now, but I have truly found my personality in high school and become more open to opening up to others and having confidence in myself and what I’m capable of,” Becnel said. “The increase in confidence could not have been accomplished without the support of my family and friends.”
This is why she also thanked them for the honor of being named valedictorian.
“I think it is important to say that I have been blessed by amazing teachers, friends and family,” she said. “Without them, I would not have made it through the awkward middle school years or the grueling high school years. Now, I am excited to take what I have learned here from those who have guided me and become my own person in college and in my future career.”
The change is clearly important in her outlook: “I can’t wait to see what is in store for me.”
It also may be why, as she anticipated addressing her classmates at graduation, that she considered it important to focus on making the most from these life lessons.
“We just need to take what we’ve learned and bring it out to the world,” Becnel said. “Don’t forget where you came from. You’re going off and doing new things. Remember what you’ve learned here and bring that into your life.”
Which she intends to do in college, too.
Nicknamed “mom” by her friends, she plans on going to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) to pursue a degree in nursing with a minor in psychology.
“I have always been the responsible, level-headed one in my group of friends, always making sure everyone was okay and happy,” Becnel said. “I think this responsibility I feel I have when it comes to caring for others contributed to me wanting to take care of people for my career.”
The direction is a good fit, considering its her passion and joy.
“Whether it be just babysitting or nursing my loved ones back to health, I feel it is a pleasure to take care of someone else,” Becnel said. “I see nursing, although difficult at times, is one of the most rewarding professions. Nurses have one-on-one time with patients, learn their struggles and share in their joys, and overall guide them through what may be the toughest times of their loves. I just want to be a positive impact on peoples’ lives.”
When she finishes college, she intends to go to graduate school to be a pediatric nurse practitioner.
“I’m excited and ready to see what’s in store for me,” Becnel said. “I’m ready to move on and learn a lot more about what I want to do – nursing – and start my career.”Becnel said ever since she was little she’s wanted to be a nurse.
“I feel like I need to help people,” she said. “I want to make a difference and help children.”
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