Axe Reporter
Defined by his compassion and drive to make others feel included and important, Lucas Harshbarger is a soon-to-be high school graduate from South Eugene high school and friend to many at South. He is an entirely positive presence on the Newspaper scene and outside of it as well. In the beginning of his high school career, Harshbarger was met with a series of challenges surrounding his mental health, “I struggled a lot, especially mentally. I’ve improved now but I think my first few years here were definitely very hard for me.” said Harshbarger.
Despite his negative experiences with his mental health throughout high school, Harshbarger says that his friends have contributed heavily to the lower level of mental health turbulance than was present earlier in his time at south. Whether it was through cutting off some friends, or making new ones, Harshbarger was able to further develop his sense of boundaries as well as his ability to establish them where he’s needed to, “I learned a lot of lessons last year. Especially with friends. I think a lot of where my learning to set boundaries from was last year with my friends.”
Next year, Harshbarger will be attending Lane Community college. His interests in majors have varied drastically throughout his high school experience, ranging anywhere from a chemistry major to cinema studies. As it stands his path is more on the ambiguous side, but he is optimistic that some clarity will be gained after he’s gotten some time to explore in college, “I don’t know what I want to major in so I’m staying here, saving money for my parents.” Harshbarger says.
Some parting wisdom Harshbarger offers is on the importance of self advocacy. During a time period where his mental health was at a low point, Harshbarger said it was hard for him to do day to day things like turning in assignments on time or general socialization. “Communicate with your teachers.I think that’s the biggest thing. If you need help, ask for it. Don’t just assume things,” Harshbarger said,“If you struggle with a deadline just tell your teacher about it. They’re mostly just gonna help you out with it. Just always communicate when you need help.” Today, Harshbarger says he still struggles sometimes, but he has made a lot of progress in these past four years. That hard work is what defines Harshbarger as a student who will not only succeed in college but make all the more friends along the way.
Article by Penny Deitz