Although she just joined the RMA family last year as a junior, I can speak on behalf of the whole senior class when I say it feels like Jodie Coble has been here forever. She is the perfect friend to have during our stressful senior year, keeping things light and fun as she jokes around with us. As close friend Gabbi Ams says, “She’s really funny and helps take the seriousness of senior year down a notch. Jodie is also a reliable friend. She’ll always wait to walk to class with you, especially English, and is always down to try new things.” Clearly, Jodie is a great friend to keep around, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be serious when needed: Jodie also remains an involved student. 

Challenging herself academically, Jodie is taking Honors Pre-calculus, AP Environmental Science, AP Psych, and AP English. As someone who loves reading and writing, Jodie has also joined our very own Media Office this year. Another creative outlet is her ceramics course, which she says is her favorite class because it “allows [her] to have time to decompress and work independently” before her day really begins. With such a strong work ethic, it’s no surprise she won the Kaye Ellen Scholarship for Writing and was also a Graduation Marshal her junior year. Outside of her classes, Jodie is an active member of Photography Club, always making an appearance at basketball games to take photos, and is also involved with Senior Beta Club and plays varsity tennis. She must really love RMA (and she should!) because her afterschool job keeps her on campus for a few more hours each day as she works at ASE; it’s a big responsibility, but she loves “being a role model to the younger students.”  

When she’s not at school, Jodie loves the outdoors. Living on the reservoir, Jodie spends her free time out kayaking or fishing. She also loves spending time in her garden; this summer she grew tomatoes, cucumbers, and just one (admittedly beautiful!) sunflower. When she is in need of some relaxation but can’t make it outside, Jodie loves to curl up with a good book, her favorite at the moment being The Marrow Thieves, which is a dystopian novel about the exploitation of Native Americans. 

Next year, Jodie hopes to be at either Appalachian State or UNC-Charlotte majoring in Environmental Science and one day wants to live in Montana on a dude ranch. She is most looking forward to the independence college provides in addition to the variety of classes and resources available at a university. As she prepares to leave and looks back on her time here, she says her most important piece of advice for high school is to “study daily for AP’s and stay on top of assignments. Start assignments with extended due dates early because those due dates will sneak up on you quickly!”–a mindset I’m sure will help her succeed in college. While we will all miss her when she’s no longer around to provide light to our mundane school days, we are sure she is going to thrive wherever she goes next.

What is your favorite movie or go to song?

“Coconut” by Harry Nilsson

Where is your favorite place and why?

New Orleans because I love the culture and artistry in the community

If you were trapped on a deserted island, what three things would you bring?

water, Goldfish crackers, and any available sour candy

If you could be any teacher for the day, who would it be and why?

Dr. O’Brien because she is a fountain of knowledge, and I aspire to be as smart as she.

What is your favorite school event? (such as homecoming, prom, buddy events, field day, spirit week, etc.)

buddy lunch

What will you miss about RMA?

the personal relationships I’ve formed with teachers

What are you looking forward to in college?

more independence and a wider range of available classes – the opportunity to learn anything I want