Hailey Gibson

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

I am an eighteen year old, from Livermore, California. Currently I am a high school senior attending Livermore High School (LHS). I will be graduating in June of 2024 and looking forward to continuing my education at Boise State University in the Fall. I enjoy playing soccer, snowmobiling, spending time with my family and friends, and working. I love going on spontaneous adventures, trying to find new restaurants, hiking, shopping, but I also love my quality time at home finding a good, new movie. I am a very introverted and extroverted person at the same time, so I am extremely excited to go off to college and experience all the new adventures being off on my own has to bring!

Share a story about a family memory from time spent in La Porte.

1981 is when it all began. This is the year my cabin was built, and our family grew closer. Ever since this cabin was built, my family, long before I was even born, spent every weekend there doing any and every activity possible; snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, boating, fishing, rafting, spending time in the town. LaPorte had an activity for everyone at all times. Not to mention the town community hosted activities; yearly Christmas tree lightings, Special Olympics, raffles, poker runs, and BBQs. LaPorte, CA had it all.

I was privileged to grow up with this incredible support system LaPorte, CA had to offer. Although LaPorte, CA is often mistaken for being referred to as just a place, that is far from the truth. LaPorte, to me, is my home away from home. LaPorte is where we go for a weekend away to clear our heads and enjoy each other's company. As soon as you drive up the hill, the phone gets put away, and lifelong memories are instantly shared.

Everyone who knows this place is family, we are a community, which is not something you see every day. One thing I truly admire about being there is that no matter who you are, where you are, or what you are doing, anyone who passes by will check on you. They will slow down, ask if you are alright, if you need help, and of course, say hello with the biggest smile across their face.

Now, I am eighteen years old, finishing my senior year of high school at Livermore High, and getting ready to continue my education at Boise State University. I am pursuing a degree in Public Health or Nursing; I haven't quite made my decision yet. Yet still, the hardest part will be having to say goodbye to the family, friends, and community who have raised me all these years, as it is unknown how long it will be until I see them again. You don't realize how much of an impact a location on the globe can have on you until you are saying goodbye.

Wintertime has always been my favorite time of the year to visit. Friday night would come,
bags all packed up and loaded in the truck, and we would hit the road for our four-hour drive. Friday night traffic in Sacramento was always the worst! But it was all worth it when we reached the court of our cabin. The roads were always paved to perfection due to our amazing LaPorte Snowmobile Club, always taking care of our safety. My dad and I would always hop out first, put our gear on, and start walking up the hill to our cabin. I went up with him first to make sure the cabin was nice and warm for my mom and my younger brother when they arrived. After setting up the cabin, we would head right out back with our shovels and begin shoveling out two snowmobiles so we could get them out of the car, along with our luggage, to start our weekend of fun!

This process may sound long, but the truth is that having fun requires work, and you have to make sure everything is done correctly to have a smooth weekend. It was always worth it. It is going to be very weird and difficult when my family goes up without me, but I am making it a priority to make as many trips as possible, even while away at college. I am so grateful that this cabin is in the works of being passed down three generations and will only continue to grow. This is what LaPorte, CA has given me, and it will only continue.

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL PLAN FOR THE FUTURE?

I am planning on attending Boise State University in the Fall of 2024. I will be rushing in order to put myself out there, meet new people, and make new memories. I am currently in the process of deciding between a major of Public Health and nursing as I want my future to consist of helping people and I also do not want to be stuck sitting at a desk all day long. My goal is to find something I love so I enjoy going to work everyday! Thats the plan, but we will see what happens!