SCHOOL: Terra Ceia Christian School
NAME: Thaddeus Van Essendelft
AGE: 18
PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR: Dordt College
FAVORITE SCHOOL SUBJECT: Science
FAVORITE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY: Playing soccer and basketball
FAVORITE BOOK: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
FAVORITE SONG: Kids by MGMT
FAVORITE BAND: Anberlin
FAVORITE TV SHOW: ESPN,College basketball
FAVORITE MOVIE: Elf
FAVORITE ACTOR/ACTRESS: Will Ferrell
FAVORITE FOOD: Apple pie!
FAVORITE THING TO DO ON WEEKENDS: Go to the beach
FAVORITE SEASON: Summer
FUN FACT: I can juggle and stand on my head, but not at the same time
IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERTED ISLAND AND COULD ONLY TAKE ONE ITEM WITH YOU, WHAT WOULD IT BE?: I'm not saying I consider this an "item", but I would definitely take one of my friends!
I also have other goals for my life. I wish to keep the positive attributes of a child as I continue to develop into the role of an adult. That is, I wish to keep my enthusiasm, curiosity, and desire to learn as I continue to grow in responsibility, maturity, and judgment. I believe that to be an effective leader, both aspects must be present. Another goal of mine is to take a sense of humility with me into the world. I want to approach all people, regardless of how intelligent they are, with the notion that something can be learned from them. If I have a humble eagerness to learn something from everyone, learning opportunities will be limitless.
In light of this learning, I have learned perhaps the most from my parents. They have taught me invaluable lessons that one cannot find in any textbook. About a year ago, my mother passed away from cancer. Though it may seem strange, I consider myself blessed because I have seen the purposes of such an event. Her death has developed my character and changed me for the better. Her testimony is a witness to all, and I continue to learn from her daily.
