A smile stretching across her face, high-fiving and fist-bumping her countless friends, Lindsay Collen, senior, is often seen during passing periods. For her, there are no strangers at KHS. Her outgoing and genuinely kind personality is made notable due to her multiple health conditions.

Collen has cerebral palsy and a cochlear implant, a device which allows the severely hearing-impaired to listen to the world around them. Despite her setbacks, Collen has found her passion in teaching. She plans to go to Meramec Community College and study to become a teacher’s aide, getting a head start with her fifth hour child development class.This course allows her to go to Keysor Elementary School and help teach fourth and fifth grade students, primarily about math.

“I have the best attitude when I go over there and I love math,” Collen said.“It’s one of my favorite classes.” Kelly Eschenroeder, Collen’s friend and senior secretary, believes Collen’s love for children could turn into a future career for her.
“She loves little kids. She’s realized that she likes being around them,” Eschenroeder said. “She looks after [some] in her neighborhood. Being a teacher’s aide would be a good choice for her.”

Another long-term decision for Collen is her desire to move back to her home state of Arizona after college.

“I wish I could have all my friends from here move with me to Arizona so I can see them forever,” Collen said.