Real Talk with Eisley Scowden, Bolivar High School Senior

Eisley Scowden is heading into her senior year at Bolivar High School in Bolivar, Missouri, with a full calendar and a pretty solid idea of what keeps her grounded. She runs every day, protects her eight hours of sleep, studies with worship music, and relies on Google Calendar because, in her words, without it she would “forget everything ever.”

She is looking forward to cross-country season, senior jeans, senior pictures, and all the fun that comes with the Class of 2027. Somewhere in the mix, she is also thinking about college and finding ways to balance school, work, rest, faith, friends, and the people she loves. In this Real Talk interview, Eisley shares the routines, study habits, favorite resets, and small things making her happy as she gets ready for senior year.

Meet Eisley, a bolivar Senior

What’s your name, what grade are you in and where are you looking at going to college?

Eisley Scowden, Senior ‘27, OU JBU and U of Arkansas

Describe your ideal studying setup. Where are you, what’s around you, what are you using?

I love to study in my bed, I know ppl say not to because you could fall asleep but it’s just so comfy. I love to use notebooks and highlighters to motivate me to study because if it’s not colorful I don't want to do it. I also love to study at the vault with both airpods in and a table to myself.

Are you a silence person or playlist person when you study? What’s your go-to “locked in” music?

Definitely need music, playlist depends on the vibes that day but usually worship music.

Snack/drink: What’s your must-have study snack or drink?

Vanilla matcha white chocolate cold foam and i also love water :))

What are you reading right now, or what’s a book you always recommend?

Hot take I don’t like to read so the only book I’m reading right now is the Bible

How do you plan your week in the way that works best for you?

Google calendar is my holy grail. I am so type B it scares people, so without google calendar I actually would forget everything ever.

Routine that works: What’s one routine that actually helps your life feel more steady?

Again I have to say google calendar, but also during the school year I religiously get 8 hours of sleep every night. That really helps me think clear and feel less tired especially, with everything I have going on and everything I’m doing.

What’s a habit you need in your life to feel like you?

My daily run it gives me brain time to relax and think about things.

What do you do when you’re stressed but still have to show up?

Again, I run it helps me release stress.

What are you passionate about?

Hehe running and sharing the love of Jesus.

What are you most excited about for senior year?

All the opportunities and fun events that come with it, like senior jeans and especially senior pictures too!

Happy right now: What are you genuinely happy about right now?

I’m happy about how my summer looks and will be looking in the next month or so. I feel like this year I have done a good job of balancing fun, rest, work, and people.

Current song on repeat?

Stupid song - Olivia Rodrigo

Favorite “reset” thing to do?

Do my nails or go for a fun run.

Current fixation drink/snack/meal?

Pasta or cranberry juice:)

One thing you’re looking forward to this semester?

Cross Country Season

How Eisley Balances Senior Year at Bolivar High School

Eisley’s version of balance feels refreshingly real. She is not trying to make every part of life fit into a perfect routine. She knows which habits help her feel like herself, and she keeps coming back to them: a daily run, enough sleep, time with people she loves, and one calendar that holds the details her brain does not want to hold.

That matters during senior year, when school, college decisions, sports, work, and once-in-a-lifetime traditions can all compete for the same hours. Eisley’s Google Calendar gives those plans a place to live, but her answers also show that planning is not only about getting more done. It helps her make room for fun, rest, family, faith, and cross-country too.

If your senior year already looks full, you do not need Eisley’s exact routine. You can start by noticing what helps you think clearly and feel steady, then give those things a place in your week. Maybe that is eight hours of sleep, a run after school, music while you study, or a calendar you will check before saying yes to one more thing. The best system is the one that lets you show up for your responsibilities and still enjoy the year you are in.