Interview with Trevor Stahly, senior at Bluffton High School.
How old are you?
I’m 19.
What is the funniest thing that happened to you recently?
Last year during track season we had an invite at Oak Hill. I’m a high jumper. I was going up and I tripped. Instead of going over the bar I hit the mat. There was at least over 10 teams and everybody watched me do it. It was so humiliating.
So you were running up to make the jump and you tripped and just flew onto the mat? [Laughing]
Yes. It was so embarrassing.
Glad it is something you can laugh about now.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose to go?
Definitely overseas. I don’t have a specific place; just to see what it’s like and see new things.
OK awesome!
You have found a suitcase containing $1 million. The authorities say it’s yours to keep. What do you do with it?
I would probably start my own business and invest some of it.
Great idea! What kind of business would you start?
Something around sports. I’m a big fan of sports. I love sports. I love watching sports.
Very cool!
Tell me something about a parent or relative that you find awesome and you hope to accomplish someday?
Definitely my dad. My dad is like my hero. He’s someone I have always wanted to be like and I’ve always looked up to. I’ve always wanted to try to follow in his steps and try to do what he does. He’s really hard working and all around just a really good guy.
Good! I like it.
What are you proudest of?
Some of the accomplishments I’ve made through school and sports. Probably sports more because I’m more of a sports person, but I’ve done some things in school too. I’ve been getting better grades in school. Starting my freshman year I was a little slacker, but leading up to my senior year I’ve definitely improved a lot. In sports I have gotten better with track in like times and jumping.
Those are definitely things to be proud of.
What do you wish that you knew how to do that you can’t right now?
I’m going straight to work out of high school. I wish I would have a better understanding of real life and work and bills and stuff.
I’m in a welding class right now. I think me welding will help me a lot and help me get a good grasp of things after high school.
That’s great. Welding is a great thing to go in to.
Do you own a pet?
I do not own a pet.
OK. Do you wish you owned a pet?
Yes. I’ve owned some dogs, but at the moment I don’t.
What’s your favorite kind of dog?
Probably a Black Lab.
I have a Black Lab. Great dogs!
Can you tell me a joke?
I don’t really know a lot of jokes to be honest with you. Umm.. Why didn’t the skeleton cross the street?
I have no idea.
Because he didn’t have the guts.
[Laughing] Great joke! I love it.
It was one when I was little that I used to say.
What’s your favorite class in school and why?
Welding because it’s more the hands-on thing. Less bookwork. You go out in the shop and do it yourself. You learn it from doing it.
Nice! So when you graduate will the classes make you fully certified?
We are practicing right now for our certification test coming up in May. If I pass the test I will be certified.
Good for you!
Are you involved in school sports, music or other activities?
Just sports. I’ve done track from freshman to senior year. I’ve done football from freshman to junior year and then I’ve done like basketball, football and track throughout middle school.
Alright, good!
What about outside of school activities?
I’ve done Campus Life a few times.
OK, great!
Do you think it’s important to speak and understand other languages?
I think for people that are going to travel for a job or career it is. If you like just want to learn it to learn it I think that’s also good.
Good answer.
What is your favorite game to play and why?
Madden. I love Madden. It’s fun. I have friends that I play with. We all get together in like a party and just talk and have fun.
Cool.
Who is one of your friends that makes you laugh all the time?
Cameron. He’s someone I’ve known since like sixth grade. We kind of have always been close so like we just talk, have fun and laugh. It’s just the way he acts. He’s like one of those people that’s really hard to take serious. He can be serious when he wants to be serious. It’s just funny to be around him.
Awesome.
Who is your most academically inclined friend?
Probably Jakobie. I have two classes with him. Weights class and English. We work out together in weights class.
So he gets really good grades and studies a lot?
Yes.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years and how will you get there?
I see myself working of course. Maybe with a family, at least getting started. The way I see myself getting there is just to work. Just working and trying to stay focused.
It sounds like you have great plans for your future. You already know that you will likely have a job right after you graduate. That’s a lot to be proud of.
Teen Talk is a service supported by Southern Wells Schools, Northern Wells Schools, and Bluffton Harrison Schools to promote dialogue and community among area high school students.
Interviewer: Amy Serafini News-Banner, Bluffton, Ind.
