Bella Griffin: Getting Involved Across the School
Bella performs as lead character Megan Jones in Kennedy’s production of Puffs.
December 8, 2022
From academics to athletics to fine arts, sophomore Bella Griffin wears many hats at Kennedy. Griffin is preparing for her sixth year of show choir, second wrestling season and concluded her first theater production as a lead in ‘Puffs’ this October.
Griffin says those around her play a big part in stepping out of her comfort zone, something she’s hesitant to do alone. Coaches, family and friends have helped push her to get the most out of every opportunity.
“My biggest support system is my mom,” said Griffin. “She supports me through everything I do, even the questionable decisions.”
Being so involved doesn’t come without challenges. At times it may feel like there’s no room to breathe. Between activities and schoolwork, there’s little time left for a personal life. However, for Griffin, the work, the people, and the reward make it all worth it.
“I’ve found that if you find the right people it’s really helpful,” Griffin said. “If you don’t have good people when you’re doing something it’s really unmotivating.”
Coaches and directors have been open to helping Griffin, ensuring she can do everything she loves. Her wrestling coach, Craig Mallicoat encourages and takes action to get all athletes to step outside of what they know.
“I think it’s important for athletes to get out of their comfort zone because that’s when you really grow and figure yourself out,” said Mallicoat.
For Griffin, coaches are a big part of growing as both an athlete and a person. Finding support and safety in her coaches gives her the motivation and assurance needed to persevere.
“Mallicoat has been great, I’ve gone through some stuff, and he’s just always there,” said Griffin. “He’s been so helpful and patient with us.”
To Mallicoat being versatile and trying new things is what makes a good athlete, great. Knowing what it’s like to struggle and throw yourself into something new makes you stronger and allows students to figure out who they want to be.
“Athletes can do, not just other sports, but go ahead and do something on the other side of the building, be a south end and a north end kid,” Mallicoat said. “Do something that challenges you and figure out who you’re going to be.”
Everything Griffin does, she does because she enjoys it. The passion, community and growth she takes away from all that she does makes every struggle worthwhile.
“If I don’t like what I’m doing, it’s hard to do it. But with the coaches and directors, they make it fun and help you in every way they can,” said Griffin.
