Olivia Strom, also known as Liv, is a stand-up student here at Oliver Ames and somehow balanced life, sports, jobs, and clubs, through her high school career.
Mrs. Sankaran, the advisor for OA’s Leo club, has nothing but good things to say about Liv.
“Olivia is an extremely polite, caring, and passionate student who values giving back to the community. Olivia is creative, organized, and accomplishes tasks punctually,” Mrs. Sankaran said.
Being a natural people person, Liv always wanted to be involved with student life in high school. As a self-motivated student, getting involved with clubs wasn’t difficult for her, and her unbounding selflessness led her to join the Leo Club.
“Helping others is what makes me who I am, so this club is an outlet for me to express myself while simultaneously making an impact on those around me,” Liv said.
Although getting involved is the surface level actions of being in clubs, for Liv it was about the connections with people that she made along the way.
“I have built relationships centered on passion and compassion that I have no doubt will survive beyond the walls of OA, and for that, I am very grateful,” said Liv.
Furthermore, she has even built relationships outside of the OA community.
“Her commitment to service, whether it be making sandwiches for the homeless shelters or washing eyeglasses for the Lions, is notable,” said Mrs. Sankaran. “Even though the club has been active for the majority of the year, with several services, she always felt that there was so much more that we could do.”
With putting herself out there so frequently, it came with some challenges. Being that Liv is a relationship-oriented person, her community is a big part in balancing her life.
“I rely on the people around me,” Liv said. “I make sure to take time to care for myself, and the best way I can do that is by spending time with the people I love and who support me through it all.”
With the support of all of her clubs and community, Liv was encouraged to grow and change. High school is a time of transformation, and that was no different for Liv.
“The biggest aspect of myself that’s changed is my relationship with time and my trust in the process. I’m not as eager to fit in now as I was as a freshman, which has helped me approach life with more patience and gratitude,” Liv said.
As a final reflection on high school, Liv is extremely thankful for the growth and support she was allowed to experience here at OA, further using her gratitude as motivation.
“I see my responsibilities as a privilege rather than a burden because I am lucky to be in the position I am in as a student,” said Liv.
Despite all of the challenges, Liv wouldn’t be who she is today without the first leap she took to join her school community.
“I would say to just do it,” Liv said. “I understand it can be scary to join a new club where you don’t know the people or the dynamic, but you will never find good things if you’re too scared to try. Thank you, OA and Leo club, for being such a great experience for me.”
