Q&A with Ronni Wells: Author, Student, NSHSS Member
Ronni Wells, a student at Mundy's Mill High School in Jonesboro, GA and a NSHSS Member, is the Co-Founder of the 10-A-Day Speaks Gavel Club, and author of two children’s books. Thanks to her academic success, Ronni qualified to begin college while still enrolled as a high school student. She will begin the fall 2015 semester as a full-time student at Clayton State University majoring in psychology, with a minor in journalism. Ronni is expected to graduate in 2018, with the possibility of receiving a 4-year Bachelor's degree at the same time as her high school diploma.
Q) What inspired you to become involved in fitness and correlate it with education? What do you most enjoy when visiting children? How does each visit inspire you to keep on the path that you are on?
A) When I was younger, especially, and even at this age, childhood obesity has always been a major issue worldwide, so I wanted to assist in the alleviation of this issue. As for the correlation with education, I felt and still feel that eating healthy and fitness goes hand in hand with education. This is because eating the right foods and staying in shape stimulates the brain cells, which ultimately improves your performance, especially in school.
Q) How does it feel to be accepted into college early? Is there anything that you are particularly looking forward to when you arrive?
A) It feels surreal because I never knew that one simple suggestion could get me to this point of where I am now, yet I can’t help but feel exhilarated and ecstatic over this amazing opportunity. In addition, I am deeply honored at the fact that I was chosen out of the thousands of candidates that applied.
Q) A lot of your interests are aimed at children. Your 10-A-Day Speaks Gavel Club teaches kids how to communicate and exhibit leadership skills among the public and one of your main initiatives is to reduce the prevalence of child obesity. How will your psychology degree help to further your interests?
A) I take great pleasure in reaching out to and communicating with those in my age range because who better to be the voice of youth than youth themselves. Because of this, with my psychology degree, I would like to continue those same interests and work with children and teens; especially since I feel as though I can easily relate and understand them better than a person of a different age.
Q) You have participated in public speaking events, written books, and been involved in music and arts. Additionally, you have received letters of commendations from the White House and the United States Secretary of Education. What is your favorite activity or experience? And why?
A) Honestly, I wouldn’t say I have a favorite experience, per se, but I see them all as important and influential stepping stones that have guided me and helped me grow to this point. Furthermore, they have ultimately set a path that has destined me for greatness.
Q) NSHSS offers many opportunities for its members from scholarships, leadership programs, study abroad opportunities, and internships. How do you think NSHSS will add to your current list of accomplishments?
A) I believe that membership with NSHSS, alone, is an astounding attainment, a window of opportunity, and is on a comparatively broader scale than some of my previous accomplishments. Therefore, by adding this program to my resume, it will ultimately increase the value of all of my achievements while helping me ascend to new heights in my life and going forward.
Q) What advice would you give to your fellow NSHSS members about participating in activities that promote their personal development? Also, what fitness advice would you share with your peers?
A) I would tell them to go for it. Experience all that they can. Life is too short to just sit around, and wait for things to the happen. In order to see the change, be the change. Everything is in your hands, so you have to be the one to take the initiative. You just have to say to yourself, “You know what? This is for MY betterment, so who’s more apt for the job than ME?”
As for fitness, I would say that all it takes is 10 minutes a day. It can be something simple like sit-ups, push-ups and jumping jacks, or you can mix-it up and do yoga, cardio or aerobics. You can even include some type of sport or outdoor activity. Remember, it only takes 10 minutes a day!