For Piper Owens, a small concern about global warming grew into something much bigger: a passion for politics, advocacy, and change. Her journey to her passion started from a concern and spiralled into her future, “I became worried about our planet and started to get into ways about how society could improve it.”
As a senior at Sylvan Hills, she has furthered her passions in politics through classes and extracurriculars; she’s a part of Juvenile Justice, takes AP Government & Politics, and attended ALA Arkansas Girls State over the summer. She also cares about women’s rights, with a focus on “healthcare during this time.”
She hadn’t always been a student at Sylvan Hills, which taught her that “a better situation is only one solution away.” Her old school was much smaller and more academically focused with their only extracurriculars being math and science classes. Coming here was a culture shock. She’s taken it in stride and doesn’t regret moving schools at all: “Sylvan Hills is truly just a so much better environment.” Here, she’s more than her grades. The moment that made her realize how much she loved being on the Hillside was when interims came out and she no longer had to worry about them.
Outside of school, she loves to read. Her favorite genres are thriller and horror, specifically the ones that “keep you on the edge of your seat.” Ironically, the books that have stuck with her most were ones about Jane Goodall, who she has as a role model. Goodall’s kindness and bravery inspired Owens, and shapes how she wishes to be both now and in the future.
The conservationist isn’t the only one who’s impacted her life. Her parents have as well. “[They’re] the best people I know.” They’ve taught her financial stability and unconditional love, which she feels are the most important things anyone could know. Her parents had her and her brother when they were able to offer these things, and she’s grateful for that.
In the future, Owens plans to attend the University of Central Arkansas and later law school. She wants to own, or co-own, a law firm; But mostly, “[She] really just [hopes] to become respected.” Outside of a career, she hopes to become a wife and mother.
