Erik Pierce: Wisdom, success comes from hard work

Erik Pierce might be considered an old soul. His friends joke about it and considering how he talks about his life goals and aspirations, he sounds like a zen master instead of an 18-year-old bound for college.

“I have been called an old man since I was 7 years old,” said Erik. “People have said I have gotten younger as I have gotten older. In the orchestra, I am called the funkiest old person.”

Lake City High School’s Valedictorian and he will graduate with a 4.35 grade point average, making him the top student in his class.

“Like a lot of accomplishments, it’s a nice moment. It took a lot of work, a lot of dedication and a lot of discipline to get there,” said Erik. “But for me it’s not something that defines who I am.”

Erik says he cares about people and the environment. His resume includes earning the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boys Scouts of America. He also volunteers on the ski patrol and is a lifelong skier. He learned about bee keeping while at Lake City and says he has never been stung.

“I love being outdoors and far more comfortable than being indoors in some situations,” he said. “Being able to work on systems and designs that further the environment like fish ladders that help fish overcome dams is what I want to work on.”

Pierce plans to attend Washington State University to pursue a career involving the environment.

“The most important thing is being able to build myself a life where I can be surrounded by the people I care about, work with the people I care about and do the things that I am passionate about,” said Erik. “Money is nice, don’t get me wrong. Money gives us the opportunity to do the things we want to do and me being able to support the people I care about.”

Advanced weights, orchestra and AP U.S. History and AP Language were among Erik’s favorite courses. He plays the viola, saying expressing math and science into music appeals to him.

“I am passionate about music,” he said. “I love the mixture of passion and organization. I love balancing discipline and organization and mixing creativity and improvisation in my life in general.”

Pierce believes that approach to music has served him well academically. He would map out his weekly schedule meticulously with check lists and day-to-day to dos — with an element of winging it.

“If I am noticing I am slowing down, I might just hang out with a friend and have fun,” said Erik. “I have been lucky to be supported by wise and amazing people.”