Aislin Craig ’21 sitting outside of West High enjoying the beautiful weather before it starts to get cold.

Aislin Craig ’21

Coming out as bisexual brought Aislin Craig ’21 freedom.

“When I was closeted, I was kind of like a lot more shy, and kind of more afraid I guess, to be who I really was, but then when I came out I felt a lot better,” Craig said.

When she attended school in Williamsburg, IA, Craig didn’t feel like she could be herself.

“I was trying to convince myself, ‘No, this isn’t what you are. You’re straight’. But then I came out in January, freshman year,” said Craig.

After her dad got a job in the district she felt more comfortable sharing her identity. She went to her brother who is gay and her friend who is bisexual before she came out to other friends and family for their support.

“It was just late at night and I started getting all emotional, then I texted them and asked for some advice,” Craig.

Leading up to her coming out the thoughts had been circling her head and she wanted to share them. Craig decided to text her mother, father and sister, because she was nervous to tell them face to face. She then told friends or they found out over time.

Now that her identity is public, she can be more involved in the community.

“It’s amazing, because before, freshman year, I wanted to join COLORs club, but I wasn’t out. So I was kind of, not necessarily afraid, but really shy,” Craig said. “And then when I came out, I felt more comfortable… I now have a lot more friends who are in the community who I can talk to about things like that.”

Paul Breitbach

Paul Breitbach is a retiring West High School counselor

Vivian Polgreen, Managing Co-Editor, News Editor

Paul Breitbach is a school guidance counselor and football coach here at West High. He has been on West’s staff for 28 years. Since he was hired, the building and staff have changed a lot.

“We have added several wings of classrooms, a new auditorium, a new gym, a new weight room. But, our commitment to excellence has never changed,” said Breitbach. “I was one of the younger staff when I first started, and we have almost turned over the entire staff in my 28 years.”

In his time here, Breitbach has also been inspired by how West students can come together to support a good cause.

“One of the most amazing experiences was the entire Live Like Line magical moment,” said Breitbach. “It was exhilarating as the entire West High Community cried together, laughed together, celebrated together and realized how important it is to take care of each other.”

Advice Breitbach has for future West students and teachers is to try new things and meet new people.

“Find people in your life who will nourish and nurture your dreams. Also, be that same dream maker for others,” said Breitbach. “Step out of your comfort zone: the world is full of amazing people; meet as many of them as you can.”