2016’s 20 Under 20: Elizabeth McCosh, Columbia Independent School

Elizabeth Jo McCosh, 18, Columbia Independent School

Post-graduation plans:

After graduating from Columbia Independent School, I plan to get a summer internship at the Amber House Bed and Breakfast, in Rocheport, to learn about hospitality and serving; after the summer, I will attend the University of Denver in Denver studying international studies, psychology, and business, with a minor in Spanish.

Favorite club or extracurricular in high school:

My favorite high school extracurricular was Model United Nations (MUN). In MUN students write papers that represent a country’s position on a provided topic and then travel to a conference where students represent their respective country, try to pass resolutions to solve problems, and try not to break character.

Proudest accomplishment in high school:

My most proud accomplishment in my high school career has been going to Peru with Be the Change volunteers. On this trip, I helped build a school, practiced my Spanish speaking skills, and made some great Peruvian friends who I still talk to today.

Biggest lesson learned in high school:

The biggest lesson I have learned in high school is that it’s okay to be who you are. At Columbia Independent School, there is no pressure by peers or otherwise to be a typical teenager, and that environment has allowed me to grow into who I am today with fewer pressures to be a certain way. Having this confidence instilled in me, I am comfortable saying no to a bad idea, speaking my mind, and sticking to my guns on issues I’m passionate about.

What you do for fun:

In my down time, I like fishing, camping, and just spending time outdoors, but I also treasure the movie nights my friends and I have together. I am really into paintballing, which comes as a surprise to some, and I will watch any music performer live. When it comes to having fun, I want to hang out with my friends, and whether that takes me to a Weird Al concert, Monster Jam, or the theater, I’m down.

CBT’s 20 Under 20 celebrates 20 Columbia high school seniors who are ready to accomplish big things after graduating. Congratulations to the 2016 20 Under 20, and to all Columbia high school grads.