My name is Joshua Law, and I am part of the Meridian High School Class of 2025. I live with my dad, and my older brother lives in Houston. One of my favorite high school memories is learning how to weld in shop class.
After graduation, I plan to attend Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco to train as a lineman. This career will involve working with power lines and high-voltage electricity—an essential and rewarding job that keeps communities connected.
My favorite teacher this year is Mr. Pittman. He treats all of us as equals and makes an effort to teach us something useful every day. He genuinely cares about his students and wants the best for us—plus, he’s pretty hilarious. My advice to younger students is to treat everyone with kindness and expect nothing in return. Stand up for others when they have no one to speak for them.
I have quite a few hobbies, but my favorites are fishing, hunting, working on engines, baking bread, and fossil hunting. My favorite type of fishing is ultralight fishing in small creeks. When hunting, I typically go for doves, pigs, whitetail deer, and coyotes. Right now, I’m working on a 2004 F-150 that was given to me. In the past, I’ve rebuilt dirt bikes, outboard motors, minibikes, and even a John Deere 5210 tractor.
Shop class is the best part of my day. We learn practical skills like welding, measuring and cutting metal, and using tools properly. Beyond that, we pick up random but valuable skills—like wiring plugs, repairing air lines, and building trailers. The atmosphere is great, and we’re not afraid to call each other out if someone is doing something unsafe.
One of my main goals this year is to maintain an A average. In past years, I didn’t care much about my grades or GPA—I just wanted to pass. But after working hard, I’ve raised my GPA to a 3.5. It may not be extraordinary, but I’m proud of it. A key lesson I’ve learned is not to judge too quickly. First impressions are important, but one meeting doesn’t define a person. Now that I’ve been in Meridian for over a year, my view of people has changed drastically.
Another lesson I’ve learned is to be kind to teachers. They already deal with a lot, and there’s no reason to make their job harder. Sure, you might think it’s fun to mess around, but eventually, you’ll realize you were wrong. Mr. Pittman has had the biggest impact on me this year. He looks out for us, treats us fairly, and teaches us real-world skills. He’s always willing to help and offers solutions when we have a problem. He’s a great teacher, and I wish I could have him for longer.
Lastly, my good friend Thomas has influenced me a lot this past year, and my girlfriend has helped me become a kinder and more open person.
