When asked what they admired most about her, senior Bitsy Cole’s friends gave some version of the same answer.

“She always brings positive energy,” said senior Riley DeBose.

It’s fitting that when asked for advice at the end of her senior year, Cole turned to a Maya Angelou quote without hesitation.

“‘People won’t remember what you said,’” said Cole. “‘But they’ll remember how you made them feel.’ That’s just a really good thing to carry through high school and the rest of your life.”

Cole spent two years in Broadcast Journalism, teaching herself Adobe Premiere Pro. This year she switched to the paper and found that she liked writing.

“It was almost easier than video,” she laughed.

Outside of class, Cole rows, runs, fly fishes and doesn’t have much patience for sitting still. Her post-graduation plans match that energy, as she is setting off on a year of work and travel, starting in France at a winery. Beyond that, she’s keeping things open, potentially heading to a farm in California or Australia or working as an EMT.

Whatever comes next, she’s focused on the approach rather than the plan.

“Just try to bring positive energy and make everyone feel welcome,” said Cole. “I think that’s the best thing you can do as a person.”