If you are looking for Makenzie Bird, a senior here at CHS, you might find the search to be an arduous one. Between being Class President, Academic Bowl participant, AP student, writer for the Warrior Word, and intern at Enjoy Cherokee magazine, among other activities, she is on the go! Even so, she has been described as an amazing friend with just a sweet soul. Let’s learn a little bit more about Makenzie and her journey…
What do you think is your greatest achievement in life so far?
Last year I read Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, which changed my life. It’s 800 pages long and took me a few weeks to get through, but it was worth every minute and every word.
What is your favorite memory from high school?
My junior year I parked in Yellow Lot, which is significantly worse than all of the other parking lots. However, some people that grew to be my closest friends parked near me, and we always stayed after school and hung out while we waited for the Boling traffic to die down. I can’t pinpoint a specific instance that was my favorite, but hanging out with them was always the highlight of my day as a junior.
Do you have any hobbies or favorite things to do?
If anything, I have too many hobbies. I love to write, everything from novels, short stories, poems, and essays. I’ve also played the piano for ten years now, and I had a brief ukulele phase over quarantine. I also enjoy art, Pilates, and watching sitcoms, and, of course, listening to music. I have an embarrassingly high number of minutes on Spotify.
What do you want to do when you graduate college?
When I graduate college, I have several goals ahead of me. Career-wise, I’m considering either journalism (specifically, working for a magazine) or advertising. Life-wise, I would love to spend my twenties traveling. I’ve always wanted to go to Taiwan, where my family is from. I went when I was younger, but I don’t remember any of my trip, which I think is a perfect excuse to go again.
What is some advice you’d give to underclassmen and upcoming freshmen?
Get involved! This school has so many great clubs and sports that are more than just fillers for your college application. Get involved and find your people. They’ll make high school more bearable.
How do you feel about graduating?
I truly cannot wait. Part of me is bittersweet and nostalgic because it’s happening so soon. The other part of me is filled with senioritis and ready for it to be over already.
What college did you pick and why?
I will be attending Brigham Young University in the fall. I chose this college for several reasons. First of all, because this college aligns with my religious beliefs and moral values. Second of all, because my parents attended this college. While BYU does not have legacy scholarships, I love the idea of going to a college and walking the same grounds my parents walked a generation ago. Third, BYU is located in beautiful Provo, Utah, and I want to live outside of Georgia. Also, I love hiking, and Utah has no shortage of mountains.
What are you most excited about for college?
In college, I am most excited to be on my own! I may regret saying this later when I have to pay my own bills, but I am excited to see if I can manage all on my own in a state very far away.
What is one final thing you’d like to say before you graduate?
Find what you love and don’t let any excuse stop you from pursuing it.
We also got some feedback on Makenzie from some of her teachers, who will give our readers a better perspective on Makenzie’s work ethic and overall personality:
Bird is a silent type- she doesn’t say a whole lot, but she has worked her tail off and it shows in the way she has come to master our content. While I didn’t get to see her gift for the written word firsthand, I know she is going to continue to hone her craft going forward. Bird has a great sense of humor even though she keeps her cards close to the vest. I expect huge things from her…
Joe Maselli, Econ teacher
Makenzie is so funny! She has a quick and quirky wit that makes it a joy even to read her essays. Her voice is so precise and playful that I can pick her writing out of a crowd of papers—and not just because of her terrible handwriting. She’s also terribly creative. If she sticks to it, she will definitely be a published writer…I adore Makenzie. She’s left her mark on me. I don’t think I’ll ever teach another soul quite like her. She’s so playful and yet so unassuming. I will miss her dearly.
Justin Jones, AP English teacher
The extraordinarily talented often have extraordinarily-sized egos that diminish their credibility in my estimation, but Makenzie is all humility and kindness, two qualities for which I am so proud…more proud than if she wrote a thousand more excellent articles. Makenzie is truly the all-in-one package, and her dedication to this journalism team and leadership inspired me…she has laid a solid foundation for those to follow in her footprints. Makenzie, I miss you already!
Christy Birdwell, Newspaper Sponsor
Makenzie’s friends also have nothing but great stuff to say about her ability to balance her schedule and always give her very best. Megan McBride shares, “I have so many fond memories with Makenzie, but my favorite is when she invited me over to her house to study and drink tea. The simplicity of the memory and the peace I felt in the moment is something I hold dear to my heart. It made me realize I had found a friend who I could navigate all aspects of life with, no matter how small.”
What do you admire most about Makenzie?
Megan: I have always admired how gracefully Makenzie handles everything! Whether she’s excelling at something or struggling, she maintains a positive attitude and puts forth her best effort. Her work ethic is unmatched, and I have never met someone with so much dedication. She truly inspires me to put my best foot forward every day.
Taylor Haymore: Kenzie is always so focused on her future while still balancing every detail in her busy life. She has always been so centered on what she wanted and where she wanted to go. I love Kenzie’s determinations and drive to reach her goals and especially her commitment to being kind to everyone in the process!
What’s your favorite memory with Kenzie?
Taylor Haymore: Growing up alongside Makenzie has brought many sweet memories as we have watched and helped each other grow. One of my favorites, however, is when we went to the beach together (it’s our beach!!) and had it all to ourselves. As we picnicked we discussed anything and everything about life. Kenzie’s kind and patient heart has helped me get to know myself and recognize where I need to be. So grateful for every memory I’ve experienced with Makenzie!
How would you describe Makenzie to someone who has never met her?
Megan McBride: How could you not know Makenzie Bird?? Kidding! I would tell that person that she is the perfect person to go to for anything. She’s funny and witty, and always making everyone around her laugh. She’s intelligent and clever and always ready to help with anything. She’s great at giving advice and will be there for you whenever you need it. Makenzie is the personification of comfort and peace.
Taylor Haymore: Makenzie has such a sweet soul. She is an amazing friend to have by your side in times of confusion. She allows you to feel comfortable and at peace when you’re with her no matter what is going on in the outside world. Kenzie is one of the most generous and emotionally intelligent people I know. She has such strong morals it’s hard to not aspire to be like her! She never fails to make me laugh! Makenzie Bird is undeniably kind and supportive in every way!
Lastly, we got some input and information about Makenzie from her parents! Here are some questions we asked them, as well as their responses:
What is the biggest accomplishment you have seen Makenzie complete?
Mom: Dreaming up the goal of a Cherokee High School magazine and accomplishing that goal her senior year.
Dad : Getting to go to Governors Honors last summer and being away from home for four weeks.
What is one word or phrase to describe Makenzie?
Mom: Well-rounded. A girl of many talents, skills, abilities, and gifts.
Dad: Punny. She makes terrible puns all the time.
What will you miss the most about her when she leaves for college?
Mom: Our conversations when she comes home from school. She is a fun person to talk to.
Dad: I will miss her coming home from work or school and yelling, “¡Hola!”.
Watching her grow up, what is one of your favorite memories together?
Mom: Our travels around the United States and to other countries. She loves to explore the world around her.
Dad: Reading and discussing the Harry Potter book series.
Based on what you’ve observed, what has been Makenzie’s biggest goal in life?
Mom: Get into Brigham Young University for college and write a book.
Dad: She has always wanted to be an author and write books – poetry and novels.
Describe Makenzie’s formative years. (What was Makenzie like as she was growing up?)
Mom: Makenzie is a learner. Always reading, learning, and observing everything around her.
Dad: Makenzie was a careful child. She was very watchful and deliberate in what she did and said.
I am most proud of Makenzie for …
Mom: I am most proud of Makenzie for the person she is. She is kind to those around her. She stands up for what she believes is true. She is a loyal friend. She has a hilarious sense of humor. She is determined to do good in this world.
Dad: I am proud of Makenzie because she has learned to stand up for herself, her beliefs, and values.
How do you feel about her leaving?
Mom: It will be sad to not see her every day, but I am excited to watch her continue to grow and blossom.
Dad: I am excited for this next phase of her life. She has so much potential and many opportunities awaiting her.
I would encourage my past self to trust that everything will turn out alright. And to check your blind spot before merging lanes.
Makenzie Bird
Well-said, Makenzie. To finish off, on behalf of the Warrior Word, we want to say that you are so appreciated and loved, and we are all so thankful for the amount of work you have put into each and every project for the newspaper and magazine the past 4 years. Your tremendous investment will not be in vain! We will miss you more than you know, and we wish you the very best in college!
