Senior savors life experiences

As a young girl, Elizabeth Stewart dreamed of the day she would set off for college, a big sprawling university where she would make her mark.

Today, the 17-year-old is much closer to that dream, having recently applied for early admission to the University of Georgia. Though she has yet to decide on a major, she is entertaining both medicine and journalism.

"I've always liked science," said the daughter of John Stewart, of Evans. "And I joined The Augusta Chronicle Teen Board because I like to write, but I'm not sure if I'm good at it. So, I figured that the Teen Board would open a new door for me and I could see if I liked it."

Opening new doors is one of Elizabeth's mantras. She views every new opportunity as a chance to discover more about herself and the world around her. The Greenbrier High School senior says she tries to keep busy to stay well-rounded and keep herself on her toes.

"The more you experience, the better rounded you are," said the honor student, who also has an interest in politics, adding, "it's always good to know what's going on in the world around you."

Knowing what's going on is of utmost importance to Elizabeth, who places herself in situations where she is bound to learn.

"I try to put myself in as many difficult positions and obstacles as possible to better prepare me for the future," she said.

Elizabeth juggles a part-time job at the Ruby Tuesday's at Mullins Crossing, hours of homework, writing for The Augusta Chronicle's Xtreme Teen Board and taking advanced-placement classes.

"I'm focusing on what I need to do to get in college," Elizabeth said. "All of the women on my mother's side have not gone to college, so that has inspired me. I'm just filled with ambition and motivated to do these things."