Theo Clausen, RCS c/o ’22
Submitted by Teresa Hendren in Home Page Stories, RCS Stories, Students on March 04, 2020
One of the RCS goals to #CelebrateRCS for our 50th anniversary is to connect with current RCS students and see what God has been doing in their lives and what they believe God is calling them toward their future. Dr. Hearne recently interviewed the 2019-20 Sophomore Class President, Theo Clausen.
This month’s theme verse is, Hebrews 12:1-2, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Dr. Hearne asked Theo to share what these verses mean to him.
Theo shared, “This verse shows me that our life is like a race. We are all running and trying to get to the finish line but we have this excess weight of sin on our back. God tells us that we can take the sin off making us lighter allowing us to run faster for Him.”
Dr. Hearne: What grade are you in and how long have you been at RCS?
Theo: I am in the 10th Grade and I have been attending redwood since 3rd Grade (or 8 years).
Dr. Hearne: Why did you run for Class President?
Theo: I ran for Class President because in running I saw a great opportunity to help serve my class and put to action the gifts and talents I have been given. I’ve always enjoyed being in a leadership position and being able to help others succeed and accomplish goals.
Dr. Hearne: List the gifts God has given you and explain how you have used them.
Theo: God has blessed me with many gifts and talents in leadership. One of the most important being the ability to listen and learn from what others have to say. In Proverbs 27:17 it says “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In order to be the best leader, you have to be able to take the criticism and complaints that others say and use them to your advantage instead of getting upset and ignoring them.
Dr. Hearne: Describe your favorite part about school outside of the classroom.
Theo: My favorite part of our school outside the classroom is the diversity and cultural variety. It’s really amazing that I’m able to go around and talk to people that have come from different situations and even other parts of the world.
Dr. Hearne: Share your favorite RCS memory?
Theo: My favorite RCS memory was playing on the soccer team my freshman year. This was such a great memory because it really allowed me to fit in and meet new people in other grades that I otherwise would have had no relation with.
Dr. Hearne: What impact has the RCS faculty had on you?
Theo: The RCS faculty has been a huge help for me while serving as the class president. Any time I have a question or concern they’re always there for me and give their best insight on the situation at hand. Their responsiveness and overall willingness to help has helped me to see what true leaders are like.
Dr. Hearne: How would you describe RCS to someone who doesn’t know anything about the school?
Theo: RCS is a small community with lots of welcoming and friendly people. It’s very easy to make friends and fit in and always someone there willing to talk to you.
Dr. Hearne: What do you plan to do after high school?
Theo: I plan to go to college and play on the school’s soccer team. I want to travel abroad and live in a different country for a year. This comes from my love for other cultures and learning about what different lives are like around the world.
