Are you fascinated by the way people think? Well, Sahara VanTassel, age seventeen, is and she has intimate knowledge of the human brain. After high school, she plans on attending a university or tech school and obtaining a degree in criminology. Her love for psychology and criminal justice sparked because her mother, who also happens to be her role model, encouraged her to seek a future career in criminal justice. Sahara’s mom works as a case manager at Community Counseling Services. With a parent involved in the field, Sahara can see herself successfully finding a career with a criminology degree. Psychology was one of Sahara’s favorite classes, but she looks forward to the Intro to Public Law and Safety class she will take next semester. This excitement will jump-start her experience and education in the field.
Outside of school, one can find Sahara at our local restaurant the Second Street Diner. She encourages everyone to eat at the diner because “We have good food!” She recommends coming into the diner in the morning for their delicious, hot breakfast. Her job as a waitress is very fitting because Sahara has excellent people skills. If she could have any superpower it would be to read people’s minds. This comes at no surprise because she is fascinated by the way people think. One of her best qualities is her ability to connect with people, and coming in second would be her work ethic. Other activities that Sahara is currently involved in include oral interpretation, basketball cheer, and band, where she plays the clarinet.
When asked where she sees herself in ten years, Sahara said, “I see myself living in a home, with a successful career, and possibly a family.” Her success will only continue as long as she is not alone or in any small space. Sahara is claustrophobic, and being alone is one of her biggest fears. That is why she can be found with her three pets at home. Sahara has two dogs, Connor, a golden retriever, and River, a lab-rottweiler-german shepherd mix. She also has a cat, named Dinah. And speaking of family, Sahara lives in Madison with her three other family members. Besides her parents, she has one brother, Dawson.
Sushi is Sahara’s favorite food, which is why Sahara would love to travel to Jamaica for a vacation spot. Not only can she picture herself near the ocean, but also she can see herself living in the mountains in Montana. Sahara explained that she doesn't mind the snow, which is why South Dakota is a great fit for her. She is quite easy going and does not have a bucket list. She encourages people to, “Go with the flow and just live life.” Her best advice to give underclassmen would be, “High school can be a weird change, but don’t let it get you down. Keep pushing forward.”