by Ethan Cahoon

Sports car lover. Future politician. Philly Cheesesteak addict.

ethan.cahoon45@gmail.com

My name is Ethan Cahoon and I am a rising senior at South Lenoir High School. While being a high school student, I have also been afforded the opportunity to pursue an Associates Degree from Lenoir Community College. Completing most of my high school course requirements by the end of 10th grade has allowed me to take all college classes during my junior and senior years.  

It has also made my schedule a lot more flexible, as I am not required to be on campus every day.

My plans after high school are to transfer to a four-year university and major in political science while working toward my goal of law school. I currently work in a law firm, which has given me insight into my future law career.

Along with working in the law firm, I also continue to work with my dad in his landscaping/lawn care business. Earlier this year, I was able to launch my  online business, AdopTees Apparel Co., which partners with adopting families to help raise funds for their adoption process. My parents adopted my sister and I from Russia in 2005.

This, along with the passion to start a business of my own, motivated me to create a business that helps more orphans become adoptees. Running a business has been an eye-opening experience, but I am thoroughly enjoying it. Other interests that capture my attention are sports cars, politics, international relations, fishing, talking, and most importantly, music.  

Music is my go-to. Some of my all-time favorite artists are Elton John and Billy Joel. My favorite genres are country, classic rock, hip-hop, pop, and 60s, 70s and 80s hits.

Like music, this internship intrigues me. I hope to gain a better understanding of social media and all its features, learn how to better connect with people on social media, enhance my marketing skills, and mostly, I hope to have a fun summer with some pretty great people. I think this internship will benefit me in many areas of my future.

Becoming a lawyer has been a goal I have had since I was young and one I plan to achieve. In time, I hope to move into the political arena. My “dream” goal in politics is to become a U.S senator or perhaps, the governor of N.C. Becoming President would be awesome, but my foreign-born situation makes me unqualified.

Sometimes, I forget just how lucky I am to be a citizen of this country. I’m not ashamed to have been born in Russia because my beginning has made me a part of who I am today. However, if I had not been adopted and brought to this great country, I wouldn't have all the opportunities I now have.

Thank you for allowing me to share who I am, who I am becoming, and who I hope to become. I do not want to be just a “Candle in the Wind,” but I believe “If I Can Dream,” one day I can truly say, “I did it ‘My Way’!”