As parents and friends watch the EHS graduates walk across the stage and receive their diploma, they see not just their child or classmate, but all the students who will be leaving high school and pursuing the countless opportunities the world has to offer.
Whether they’re attending college, starting a business, finding a job or travelling, the graduates will end up all over the country, some around the world, living different lives and exploring different paths.
For one graduate, this path led to a published book and the means to achieve a dream of improving lives.
Anna Brase graduated from EHS in 2020, where she was faced with a world changed from the pandemic and an uncertain future. But he didn’t let any of it stop her, and she soon found herself studying biology and neuroscience at Western Kentucky University. She later transferred to medical device sales, a path she believed would give her greater means toward helping others and improving lives.
“I switched paths to medical device sales because I wanted the ability to still use my knowledge and background while also being able to reach other goals I had for myself,” Brase said. “I meet so many amazing individuals and I am still able to aid in patient health, which is rewarding to me.”
For Brase, improving lives isn’t just about physical health: It’s about mental health, too. Over the course of two months, she came up with the first draft of her first book, “Ambition in Action.” A self-help book for girls, “Ambition in Action” is the story Brase wishes she could have had in high school and the one she wants for her younger sister.
“I have read so many self-help books, and I felt like I was having a hard time relating to some of them,” Brase said. “I was initially inspired to write for [my little sister]. I wanted to give her my step-by-step guide on what I did whenever I was struggling and what I believe got me to where I am today.”
The story came together gradually. There were no looming deadlines or money-hungry agents, just Brase and her thoughts, and what she wanted to tell the world.
“I took time at night to just sit down and write as much as I wanted to,” Brase said. “It was actually quite relaxing for me and allowed me to reflect.”
And Brase hasn’t stopped there. As someone who wants to help and support others, she has tried to get involved in other places and opportunities that will allow her to have influence and involvement. She is a co-author on published research regarding the science behind aging and motion as well as a member of Team Fredbird for the St. Louis Cardinals.
“I had always wanted to be a part of a strong group of women who also had the same love for the game that I did,” Brase said. “To get involved in things, it’s all about taking action on what you want.”
Although she doesn’t yet have a concrete time frame, Brase said she’s considering releasing another book. For the moment, she is focused on advancing within her career and growing as a person.
“I book my schedule pretty full, because I find that it keeps me inspired to keep growing as an individual,” Brase said. “Right now, the goal is to focus on my medical device career and continue participating in the things I love.”