Dancing Through High School: Rihanna Gordon

Rihanna has the ability to light up any room she enters. She is someone you can talk to when you’re feeling down, and her energy can instantly make you feel better. Throughout her years at Speer, she has been deeply involved in the school community. She serves as president of the Black Student Union (BSU), a role that has been her “main character moment” at Speer. She is also a part of Dance and the National Honor Society (NHS). Through these activities, she has learned valuable life lessons that she will carry with her wherever her path takes her. 

Looking ahead, Rihanna has big plans for the near future. “In college, I plan to major in social work. More in depth, I want to be involved with mental health and help those who struggle day to day. I chose that field because I once had those struggles and sometimes still do, but I’d like to be the outlet I once needed. I also believe that the storm doesn’t last forever, and help is always necessary for anything, and people need it more than we realize.” She hopes to be the voice for those who are afraid to advocate for themselves. Rihanna has already begun to take steps towards her goals. She has been given the opportunity to intern at NAMI Chicago, a nonprofit organization whose main focus is to spread awareness and promote community wellness. There, Rihanna engages in group activities, learns about mental health challenges, and ways to improve and navigate mental health. 

Beyond her accomplishments, Rihanna reflects deeply on the people and experiences that helped shape her. She credits Ms. Swain as the teacher who had the biggest impact on her, describing her as “a light in the dark” and a role model who taught her to stay true to herself no matter what obstacles come her way. When looking back on her high school years, Rihanna says freshman year was her favorite because it served as the beginning of a new chapter filled with excitement, growth, and happiness. In contrast, junior year was the most challenging. While attempting to grow and improve, she admits she sometimes lost sight of herself in the process. If given the chance to redo it, she would focus more on protecting her peace and prioritizing her physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Getting to know Rihanna Q&A

Describe your high school career in one word. 

“Eye-opening”

What does it mean to you to be nominated for senior spotlight?

 “It means being recognized for the contributions, leadership, and positive influence I’ve had throughout high school. It’s an honor to be acknowledged for my hard work and dedication.”

What’s a fun fact people might not know about you?

                                                           “My favorite movie is Annie.”

How do you want to be remembered at our school?

“As the level-headed, determined young lady who got her work done and remained who she was despite anything that went on around her.” 

If you had to pick a song that represents your senior year so far, what would it be?

“Everything I wanted – Billie Eilish.”

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

“Taking 4 AP Classes my junior year and passing the one that I had the most struggle with all year, feeling defeated and hopeless.”

What advice would you give your freshman self? 

“Don’t let up.”

What’s your most used phrase? 

“The storm doesn’t last forever.”

If you were the principal for the day, what rule would you change?

“If I were the principal for the day, I would clear everyone’s student balances and make enrollment fees and second lunch fees free.”

What are some of your hobbies? 

“Traveling and Shopping”

If you could invite any celebrity to our school, who would it be and why? 

“If I could invite any celebrity to our school, it would be Rodwave. A lot of the students are huge fans of him, and his music has gotten the majority of us through trials and tribulations, but also our day-to-day life, serving as an outlet in the midst of everything we have going on or have gone through already. He could also inspire us all to keep going in life, no matter how rocky things may get, and this would allow us to get advice outside of just listening to his music.”