Hagan reminisces on time in High school
Senior Stephan Hagen is getting ready to enter the next stage of his life, which is unknown for Hagen at the moment. As he gets ready to leave for college, he reflects on his growth and favorite memories so far.
“My favorite place I've ever visited was Green Bay, Wisconsin," Hagen said. “It’s where the Packers play, and I got to see most of my extended family for my family reunion.”
During Hagen’s time in high school, he has become more honest about who he is and what he wants from the people around him. Hagen wants honesty and genuineness, not just from himself but from the people around him as well.
“One word to describe myself would have to be genuine,” Hagen said. “I really want to help people and make my intentions known pretty quickly.”
Although Hagen is not fond of comparisons, he feels he relates to mediocre athletes that people would need “ball knowledge” to know of. For instance, Hagen can be compared to players like Kirk Cousins and Khris Middleton, who have been pretty average throughout their careers but have had their moments to shine, similar to Hagen.
graphic by William nuckolls
Even though Hagen was a ferocious football player, playing the center position for varsity's second string, Hagen would have still liked a little more physical favor.
“I would definitely add a couple inches to my height,” Hagen said. “I think it would be funny to look down at everyone else.”
Hagen has strived to be competitive for a while, especially in football. His competitiveness comes from a traumatic memory that most people would let break them.
“My competitiveness when I play football comes from trying to make my parents proud,” Hagen said. “I lost my mom when I was around nine to ten years old, and I really try [to] use her as my main motivation.”
Applying that competitiveness to football worked out when, on senior night, he was finally able to be appreciated for his efforts on the field.
“My favorite memory from football was walking out as captain on senior night and hearing the crowd yelling for me,” Hagen said.
Reflecting on his time spent with high school friends and his peers in journalism, playing cards in refresh and painting his senior brick were his favorite moments.
After reflecting on his years at Rose, Hagen’s learned how not everyone's opinion is worse than his, and how he should have a more open-mind when moving on to college.
“[I would] listen and talk to everyone around me,” Hagen said. “Everyone in the class has something important to say.”
If Hagen could go back and change one thing, it would not be to take easier classes, or redo a big test that he failed, but instead Hagen would have liked to start off taking more rigorous classes.
“I would have loved to change my freshman year schedule,” Hagen said. “I think [I was] doubted.”
After many hard classes and work put in during his four years, Hagen is finally receiving the news he’s been waiting for from universities.
“So much hard work and time was put into school,” Hagen said. “It all eventually worked out when I received my acceptance letters from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University.”
Now, Hagen is going off to college after years of growth, learning not only how to be a better student and a better player, but also a better person.