Mikaela Jensen earns gratitude of senior citizens

For those who think teenagers only focus on themselves, here’s a girl that will change your mind. United Dairymen of Idaho Distinguished Student Award winner, Mikaela Jensen, from Firth High School is a shining example of service.

For her senior project, Mikaela organized a prom night for the residents of the Gables senior assisted living center. She created invitations and organized refreshments. She invited boys to comes serve as escorts and got live music. The residents loved it.

“There were a lot of tender moments that night,” Mikaela said. “The boys were amazing – they stuck right by their date’s side and made sure she was having an enjoyable time.”

Perhaps the best part for Mckaela was what it meant for her grandma who lives there.

“While I was there I learned that my grandma was unable to attend her own senior prom, so I was able to experience that with her,” Mikaela said.

McKaela has lots of experience doing service projects. For years she’s been involved in Family Career and Community Leaders of America, earning medals for her projects.

“We actually do a ton of service — that’s what a lot of our time is spent doing, which I love,” Mikaela said.

It’s no wonder Mikaela wants to go into a profession known for service and compassion — nursing.

“In our family we’ve had a lot of experience with hospitals — we’ve had a lot of trials, and it made me realize just how much a nurse can help and the impact they can have,” Mikaela said.

With a 4.0 GPA and 30 ACT score, Mikaela should do well in her nursing studies at BYU-Idaho. But as she looks back on her high school years, she has this advice for other students.

“I would say never let a day go by wasted, because that’s something you’re never going to get back, and there’s times you look back and those memories will stay with you forever,” Mikaela said.