This Week's Senior: Dan McBride

Wheaton North High School senior Dan McBride loves being involved in his church and hosting get-togethers with his friends. At North, Dan is a member of the Choir and German Honor Society and participated in the musicals during his freshman and sophomore years. He is a student leader for his youth group and volunteers with the STARs disability ministry at College Church. Dan will stay in Wheaton to continue his education, he will attend Wheaton College in the fall. He plans on majoring in Christian Ministry and Photography/Graphic Design.

Wheaton Patch: Why did you choose this college?

Dan McBride: I was really looking for a Christian school that was very active about incorporating faith into each of its classes and seeing how the Gospel impacts all the possible areas of study.  I also love the campus, the size, and the myriad of opportunities to get involved in various activities.

Patch: What is your favorite memory from this year so far?

McBride: Probably Halloween. I had about 20 friends over for a costume/horror movie party, and everyone put a ton of effort into their costumes. It was great.

Patch: What’s your favorite memory from all of high school?

McBride: Well this is more than one memory, but every year on the last day of school I have a bunch of friends over for a barbeque/dance party/water gun fight extravaganza. It's grown from about 8 people freshman year to almost 30 last year, and it's always such a great way to look back at the fun times of the past year and look forward to the next.

Patch: What is the best thing about being a senior?

McBride: All the freedom from worry. By December I had already confirmed my enrollment to Wheaton, so I've been able to just enjoy my time since then.

Patch: What will you miss about high school?

McBride: Having my parents cook for me.

Patch: What won’t you miss about high school?

McBride: All the drama. I know college isn't going to be totally drama-free, but I hope it'll at least be better.

Patch: What are your summer plans?

McBride: I'm going on a couple short camping trips with my youth group, a week-long missions trip to Chicago, and a three week camping trip with Wheaton right before orientation in August.

Patch: What is your favorite activity/club/sport that you participate in?

McBride: I love my youth group. It's been a driving force behind my faith, and I've made plenty of friends that I wouldn't have even met without it.

Patch: What is your advice for the next senior class?

McBride: Relax. Don't waste your year, because it'll be done before you know it, but it's okay to just take a breather every once in a while.

Patch: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

McBride: Working in some sort of ministry position that allows me to also use my photography and graphic design skills.

Patch: “When I visit home, the first thing I’ll do is...”

McBride: Ask my mom to make some cookies.

Patch: What song will always remind you of your senior year?

McBride: "Born this Way" by Lady GaGa. Don't judge.

Patch: Favorite Wheaton hang-out?

McBride: In cold weather, Starbucks. When it's nice out, Jack Straw's.

Patch: Favorite lunch item?

McBride: A salad from Whole Foods.

Patch: Favorite class you’ve taken so far?

McBride: AP Lit. It's a lot of work, but it's such a rewarding class. It's amazing to see how we're able to talk about everything from political history to human biology in one period and see how it's all connected to the novels we read.  I always leave feeling so much smarter.

Patch: How do you plan on keeping in touch with your high school friends?

McBride: Facebook is going to be invaluable for this, but I also want to call/FaceTime the people I'm closest with.

Patch: What is your goal for the end of the year? What do you hope to accomplish before graduation?

McBride: Well my biggest goal for right now is to pass all my AP tests and get everything I need to do for college done ASAP so that I can enjoy my summer without worry.