Name: Nina Ruble
Age: 18
School: CSA New Tech
Who are your parents, grandparents and siblings?
Adoptive parents: Brad and Stacy Konkle
Biological parents: Kevin and Angela Ruble
Grandparents: Kathy Brown and Don Konkle
Adoptive siblings: Dakota Earman, Patience Konkle, Rebecca Earman, Austin Konkle
Biological siblings: Chaylee McQueen, Tyler Ruble, Chelsie Ruble, Raden Ruble, Jason Ruble, Shadow Ruble
Which elementary and middle school/junior high did you attend?
Elementary: South Decatur Elementary School
Middle: Northside Middle School
What’s your favorite class or part of the school day?
Favorite Class: Economics, fourth period
In which extracurricular activities do you participate?
PBIS, Student Voice
When you’re not in school, where’s your favorite place to be and why?
Outside of school I love reading or hanging out with my family. My sister, Chelsie, and my nephew, Cameron, never fail to brighten up my day.
What has been your greatest high school memory so far and why?
My best friend, Addie, takes me to and from school most days. During the five minutes to school or back home, we like to listen to her playlist, rant about normal teen struggles or talk about the latest book I have been reading. These few minutes during the day help us release frustration, as well as make us laugh. It is my favorite time of the day.
What are you looking forward to after graduation?
I plan on going straight into summer classes. I plan to get my master’s in psychology and a minor degree in human services. My ideal job, after all of my schooling complete, is as a therapist who focuses solely on adolescents.
» Who in your life has inspired you or whom do you look up to and why?
My first nephew was born when I was 12. Since then I have had two other nephews and a niece and a “mystery” on the way. Every day I push myself to do better and work harder so I can make sure they always have a home away from home. My niece and my nephews are the heart and soul of my motivation.
» What is the most important thing you’ve learned during, or from, high school?
Over the course of the years I have been a high school student, if I have learned one thing it is to always push myself harder but to make sure you’re healthy while doing it. While education is important and grades are important, make sure you take time to care for yourself. It doesn’t have to be something crazy, like going to the spa three times a week. It can be as simple as eating three meals a day, sleeping the full eight hours, finding time for leisure activities and friends. Education is important, but you can’t effectively learn when you are neglecting your physical and mental health. Know your limits and know your boundaries, it will get you so far in high school.
Additional message:
Take time out of every day to count your blessings and all of the beautiful and wonderful things that happened. Admire the flowers or your best friend’s smile, reflect on the joke you overheard in the hallway, remember the way someone giggled at what another peer said. Recall everything positive about what happened in the last hour or two. I can assure you, it might help get you through your worst days.
