Central IL photographer

 

Meet the gorgeous Class of 2021 Senior, Willow Bowald from Metamora Township High School.   I can’t share enough positive things about the beautiful soul.. she is loving, silly, energetic, funny, super-sweet and I will miss our late night texts when I have a question for her.  Because I know that she happens to be a night owl too!

Willow would describe her personality as very shy when meeting new people, but “sometimes I might feel overwhelmed.  I do warm up to people, and enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them. I think I have a silly personality, I like to have fun and try new things.”

Willow’s favorite high school teacher is Mrs. Fandel, who teaches Brit Lit.  It is also my favorite class.  Mrs. Fandel really gets to know all of her students, and she is very helpful if someone is having a hard time. She  listens to her students and I enjoy the class a lot. I thought Brit Lit would be hard, but having her as the teacher really helps.”  In school, Willow is a cheerleader. “I love the basketball games! From being a cheerleader, I actually mostly understand basketball. Everyone cheers along with us and it is a very energetic environment. I actually did cheer for football this past year, but regretted it and missed basketball cheer so much. Outside of school, Willow has two jobs. She  works at a local flower shop delivering flowers and she is also a host at Sullivan’s Pub.

“Dealing with the pandemic this past year and how it has affected my senior year has been rough but it has taught me to appreciate the little things in life like spending more time with my family. I have learned more about myself since I’ve spent more time alone and I have learned to make the best of hard situations.”

Advice to incoming freshman: “Don’t worry about what people think of you, and it make take you a year to find your true friends.”

I would describe my perfect day as waking up at noon in a tropical resort somewhere warm and overlooking a beach. Then putting on a swimsuit and eating a snack and heading straight for the beach! Later maybe going on a boat ride to see the dolphins, and watch the sunset.

 

Three things on my bucket list: 1. Have a family 2. Travel to California 3. Go to Georgia to the Vampire Diaries set

Food and Family:

1. The most unusual thing I have ever eaten is octopus.
2. Favorite family recipe: My mom makes M&M pancakes
3. If I could eat only one meal for the rest of my life, it would be Kraft Mac and Cheese
4. Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi
5. Chocolate or Vanilla?  Chocolate. .Dove chocolate!
6. Favorite dessert? Cupcakes and Birthday Cake Ice Cream
7. My favorite family trip was to New Symerna Beach is a special place to my family! We have a place there and go there often. It is our happy place.
8. Favorite childhood memory: One year on my sister and I’s birthday (we share a birthday) we opened a box, and inside were to puppies! We both picked up the one we wanted!
9. What is the best thing about your parents? They help me with everything and anything I need. They always support me and love me no matter what mistakes I make. My mom is my hero. She is the strongest and bravest women in my life. She has been through so much in her life. She works so hard.  I love that we tell each other everything and how she shows her love to me. We always leave each other notes around the house. My dad and I do fun things together and he always likes to take me on adventures. We go to the gym together. We always like snacks and he ends up eating all of mine!
10. Favorite holiday and holiday tradition? Definitely Christmas. My sister and I watch the Christmas episodes of Friends and sleep in the same bed on Christmas Eve. Also me and my family and family friends also play white elephant on Christmas Eve which is a lot of fun.

Random Fun Facts:

1. Favorite singers or Band? Lil Tecca, DaBaby, YNW Melly
2. If I could travel anywhere in the wold, I would go to Hawaii. I love beaches, and think it is so so pretty there! I also have always wanted to go to the black sand beach there.
3. My hobbies include traveling to the beach, hanging out with friends, and reading
4. Favorite places to shop: Platos close.. affordable and good brands!
5. Favorite color to wear.. blue, it brings out my blue eyes
6. Current favorite fashion trend? Fun colored shoes and shoes that I have painted!
7.  A moment that I’m most proud of: Participating in Habitat for Humanity
8. What did you want to be when you were a little girl?  I wanted to be a vet
9. Do you have a nickname? Joe
10. Why did you choose to be a Shelby Senior?  So many reasons.. but their goal is not just about taking photos; it’s more about the whole experience, making friends, meeting new people and building confidence!