Understanding how others function can be fascinating, as Paducah Tilghman High Senior and Murray State University Teen of the Week Ashlyn Story knows.
Story devotes her time to understanding the human mind and plans to study cognitive science, taking the pre-law in social justice route to support local and national mental health efforts.
Story is involved with various on-campus clubs and extracurricular activities, including the Commonwealth Honors Society, cheerleading, serving as editor for Tilghman Bell, and president of HOSA — Future Health Professionals.
She also volunteers within her community at places like Morgan Elementary.
“I love to experience all the different things,” she said. “The last thing I did there was work the Heather Price Invitational elementary school academic team tournament.”
Story said she has felt disconnected from her peers since she was a young girl. She preferred to sit alone while watching other kids socialize. Fascinated by her own feelings, she embarked on a journey to understand how the human brain works.
As a senior who will soon graduate, she plans to study cognitive science and behavioral studies in college.
“I’ve always had an interest, like, a really large interest in psychology,” she said. “And understanding more of, like, human behavior and patterns and things like that.”
Story said she plans to apply what she learns from a psychology and criminal justice degree to the real world and the effect of mental health on people in the justice system.
When asked what college she plans to attend, Story said she’s been accepted to various schools but is still considering which option is best for her.
“I have been accepted into the University of Louisville, Transylvania University, Louisiana State University, Murray State University, and Western Kentucky University,” she said.
Story said her top two choices are the University of Louisville and Louisiana State University.
“I love the program; they just have a lot of connection,” she said. “I wanted to expand into, like, a larger city. That’s a big difference for me to a large city. I love the environment there. When I toured there several months ago, it was so welcoming.”
Andrea English, a Spanish teacher at Tilghman, was impressed by Story’s maturity and motivation. Story has been taking English’s AP Spanish class for the past three years, and according to English, she is exactly the kind of student every teacher hopes for.
“Ashlyn is beautiful, kind, intelligent, generous, and a natural leader,” English said. “She is active at school and in the community. She has friends in every group, excels in everything she does, and is willing to make sacrifices to succeed.”
As for advice for her peers, Story encourages them to keep themselves in a headspace that benefits them.
“This is important just because of my own experience,” she said.” You’re always going to have yourself no matter what happens, no matter what you go through. I’ve been told this a lot in the past several months. You still have to have your empathy and your compassion for other people. But, at the end of the day it is you, and you must keep that in mind. You have to keep yourself set on what you want to do and what you want to work towards.”