YouthTalk

Questions 4 Shane Ahrens

Shane:  My grandmother, Franke Stickley, had the maiden name of Shane before she was married to my grandfather.  My parents thought that it was a good name because it could be a first or last name and still sound somewhat normal!  The other option was Micah, but I think I like Shane better.  It also is an interesting name because it is an anagram.  Shane Robert Ahrens.  If you scramble the letters in my last name you can spell my first name with one letter left over, my middle initial.  This was not on purpose according to my parents, they said they figured it out after I had been born and named!

TT:  What is it like being a freshman at Topeka High?

Shane:  It is very fun, interesting, busy, every word you could think of could probably be connected to it in some way!  The only bad thing is that I am back at the bottom and a lot of the upperclassmen and women make fun of us and tell us that we have to do stuff that we really don't have to just so they can make fun of us more.  However, my classes are fun, so I can't complain too much!  I always have lots of homework from my honors classes and I have band events and swim events to make time for, so it is taking up a lot of my time this year.

TT:  Is it weird, fun or what to attend a school where your dad teaches?

Shane:  All of the above, I think.  I know I have to behave well in all my classes... and at lunch... and in the hallways... and outside because I never know who will tell him what or when he will just pop up out of nowhere.  It is also fun, however, because I can go to his room and have a quiet place to do homework or find something to do where no one can disturb me...(except for my dad) Just joking!

TT:  What do you do after school these days?

Shane:  So much, we might not have time for all of it.  I leave school with a friend and we go straight to swim practice at Hummer for about two and a half hours.  Then my dad comes to get me and I start my homework while I wait for him.  After I get home I have dinner and talk to my parents and my sister.  Then I go finish my homework, maybe check an email, or do something else before I take a shower and get ready for bed.  It is usually around 9:45 when I get to bed which is late for me.

TT:  What do you like best about going to church?

Shane:  I like Sunday school, youth group, the sermons, talking to people, getting involved in stuff, I pretty much like it all!  The best thing is probably listening to the scripture readings and to Pastor Shelley's sermons.  I like comparing my interpretations of that stuff with the smart persons interpretation.  It makes me think about stuff more than I usually would with only one opinion(my own).

TT:  What's it like being a teenager and a Christian today?

Shane:  Interesting.  There are so many different kinds of people out there, it is fun to talk with other kids who are both teenagers and Christians, and then talk to those who are just teenagers.  You realize how special it really is to know all that we as Christians know.  Sometimes it is hard though and I think of how I can get through tough times with help from God and the people that God has made available to help me.

TT:  What has been your favorite mission experience?

Shane:  I have loved all of them.  I think that the Denver mission trip was amazing, and since it was my first time, it was a very good experience for me.  Everything else that we do in the community and in surrounding areas also is very fun and is something that I think is quite important.

TT:  What are two things that you could imagine doing professionally in say ten years? 

Shane:  1)Mission work like Peace Corps, helping build stuff or raise money or just help the needy all around the world and here at home.  2)Some type of scientific study or work that would help develop new, greener technology or make things to contribute to our knowledge or the pursuit of more knowledge.

TT:  How long have you been a [University of] Michigan fan?

Shane:  I am not sure I heard the question clearly.  Did you say, "How long have you been a [University of] KANSAS JAYHAWKS fan?"!!!!!!!!!

TT:  Who would you rather go on a road trip from Topeka to California with -- Moses, the disciple Peter or the Apostle Paul? 

Shane:  Moses, because he was lost in a river and was saved, and if we got lost, I would have faith that he could save us again!!  It would just be fun to talk to anyone from biblical times, so I really wish that there could be three car trips, or more!