Senior Spotlight: Lily Swanson Seeks Future in STEM

Math & Science Academy student Lily Swanson poses in front of Target. She is a member of the 2019 Senior Spotlight
Inspired by her teacher, Math & Science Academy Senior Lily Swanson plans to continue her science education in college.

Woodbury’s class of 2020 are athletes and creatives and academics who juggle complicated workloads. But they have their favorite clothes and jams and beverages they can’t live without–just like any high schooler ever. We sat down with a few of Woodbury’s rising seniors to find out their favorite things—and their favorite places in Woodbury: Jonathan Torrence, Kavin Muhil RameshMarta StruveDipali AroraJack Lowe

Lily Swanson
Math & Science Academy

What has been your favorite class?
Ms. Albers teaches AP biology, biology, and anatomy and physiology. I don’t have a career in mind quite yet, but I know it’ll definitely be something STEM-related, in part because of her. She’s super positive. She’ll always brighten up your day.

What extracurriculars or hobbies are you a part of?
Tri-M music honor society. I’m in orchestra and the pit band for the spring musical—I play clarinet and bass clarinet. I play volleyball and I’m a captain on the track team. I do robotics and trap shooting in fall and spring. I also volunteer in the audio booth at King of Kings Lutheran Church.

Favorite book?
The Red Queen series. It’s this fantasy-adventure genre where there are silver-blooded and red-blooded people with special abilities. It’s awesome.

Favorite song?
“Death of a Bachelor” by Panic at the Disco. It’s a good one to jam out to in the car.

Signature article of clothing?
I wear leggings or jeans and a sweatshirt to school almost every day—ha!—but I have these red velvet heels I bring out on special occasions. People always comment on them.

Beverage you couldn’t live without?
Chocolate milk!

What words of wisdom would you give to younger students?
High school can get overwhelming, and I’ve realized that if I can’t do it all, the world is not going to end. It’ll all be OK. Take things a step at a time.

What's next for you after high school?
I want to stay in the Midwest, probably at a smaller school. And definitely studying something STEM-related.

What’s your favorite spot in Woodbury?
Honestly? My friends and I always end up at Target. I don’t know why. And I don’t know how. But it’s true.