Rock Falls High School September Student of the Month: Madison Arickx

Madison Arickx, 17, of Rock Falls is Rock Falls High School's September Student of the Month. She is the daughter of Dan and Dawn Arickx, and she has two sisters, Makenna and Sydney.

Favorite class: Psychology, because I love learning why people behave and think the way they do, and Mark Truesdell always connected the lessons to real life.

Least-favorite class: Chemistry. Science in general is just not my thing, but I still enjoyed the class because Tiffany Purdy is hilarious.

Favorite teacher: Andrew Nelson is my favorite teacher because even though he makes fun of me almost every day, my friends and I could be ourselves in his class, and he let us have fun while still learning. Whenever we're stressed about school or anything, he always listens to us and calms us down.

If you could create a new high school class, what would it be? I would create a women’s studies class, because I am passionate about learning how social norms have impacted women in society and how women are changing those stereotypes.

School activities in which you participate: Cross country, track and field, Junior Optimist, Student Council, class officers, National Honor Society, and Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die. BLIND is one of my favorite parts of high school. It has allowed me to make friends from other schools who I would have never met before, and I have learned so much from both the freshman and summer retreats. Being a BLIND leader is one of my most important roles at the high school, and I encourage underclassmen to give it a try.

Any volunteer activities in which you participate? I have volunteered to help the children’s reading programs at the Rock Falls Public Library each summer for the past 4 years.

Do you have a job? I work at Deer Valley Banquets, and the best part is hearing the speeches at weddings. I also work for the Rock Falls Elementary District over the summer to update, clean and prepare all of the technology for the upcoming school year.

How would you describe your group of friends? Each of my closest friends has a very different personality, but they are all kind, quirky, hilarious, and easy to talk to. We never stop laughing when we are together, and I could not imagine high school without them.

Do you have any college plans? I will attend college after high school to earn a degree in secondary education, possibly as an English major. I’ve narrowed my choice down to a few schools, but I’m still undecided.

What is something you learned in high school that you think you’ll never use? Analyzing a Renaissance painting, since it does not relate at all to my plans after high school.

If you could change anything about your school, what would it be? I wish more students would participate in activities like rowdying or dress up days, because they make high school more memorable and fun.

What does it take to be a successful high school student? Put in extra work besides the bare minimum and never be afraid to struggle in a class, because that challenging class will teach you more than anything about how to work hard and become a better student.

What do you do in your free time? I spend time with my friends, usually at Culver’s. We can go anywhere and still have a good time. I’m also a major book nerd, and I love to write.

What is something that you cannot life without? Quizlet. I use it for almost every class, and it makes studying so much easier with my busy schedule.

What music are you listening to? I listen to a lot of country and pop music, but my favorite songs change basically every day.

What scares you? I'm still terrified of airplanes, even though I had to ride on six planes over the summer, but spiders are scarier than planes.

If you could try any job for the day, what would it be? President of the United States, just to see what it’s like and to travel around the country.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? New York City. After going with a group of classmates over the summer, I already want to go back. Times Square is like a different world that took my breath away, and I would love to bike through Central Park. The city is beautiful, and there is an endless amount left to see.

What are your best childhood memories? Summer family vacations on a lake are my favorite childhood memories because I get to catch up with extended family who I have not seen in at least a year. No matter where we go, we always have a great time.

What is your life’s philosophy? Always do what you love, even if it’s not easy. Find what makes you happy, work hard at it, and the rest will fall into place.