High School Student Engagement

Emily Merkle

Design Editor

                Senior Madi Parkhill got engaged to her boyfriend of two plus years, Dezmond Brommel, on December 31, 2014. Previously Parkhill had not given much thought on being engaged in high school and said that it hadn’t really even crossed her mind.

“After falling in love with someone who chose the military, I was able to change my view on other relationships,” said Parkhill. “Yet, I still do have that crazy feeling of; whoa my life adventure starts now.”

With a dramatic life choice, some people may be supportive and others not as much. Parkhill stated that she has surprisingly gotten lots of support.

“I hadn’t expected people to be as understanding as they have. Of course there are always going to be people’s confusion and judgments, but they haven’t really been expressed to me publicly.”

 The people who are supportive of her choice understand that her life doesn’t end because she chose to get married, Parkhill explained.  She sees her engagement as an adventure away from high school, continuing through it all with her best friend at her side.

Being a senior in high school also comes with a big decision on furthering education. Parkill plans to move out to North Carolina where she will attend classes at Coastal Carolina College and her fiancé will be back to work in the Marine Corps.

After two years there, Parkhill says they plan to move back to Iowa to finish her degree in Psychology and he to obtain a teaching degree.

           Parkhill is only one of many students to get engaged while still in high school and one of many more young females that fall in love while in high school.

            “My advice to other young females in love… love yourself first. Understand your self-worth and never let anyone tear that down, especially your partner… The best thing is to know that YOU are happy, and that your relationship is healthy. No relationship is perfect, and no human being is perfect. Learn to love and accept them,” said Parkhill.