BonnerSprings.com

Transitioning from a small town to a small college was exactly what Bonner Springs High School senior Lisa Rogers was looking for when she decided on her future path.

After graduation, Rogers will be heading off to Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan.

"I'm really excited but kind of nervous," she said.

Rogers' father also attended Ottawa, so one of her reasons for picking that school was to keep the family tradition alive. However, her main reason was because she looking for a smaller school that offered a learning environment that allowed for teachers to give more attention to their students.

"I just wanted to know that I could get help whenever I needed it," she said.

The small-college atmosphere also will help Rogers get over the nerves of starting a new life on her won. While she admitted that she was nervous to go off to college, in the end she said she knows it will be good for her to step out of her comfort zone and meet new people.

Rogers chose to double major in accounting and business administration. She took an accounting class at BSHS her junior year and said she really enjoyed it but had never considered the profession before then.

"(The class) showed me how much I love working with numbers. I've always loved math," said Rogers, who was one of three of this year's BSHS valedictorians and will be giving a speech during tonight's graduation ceremony.

She added the second major because she said she thought it would offer more opportunities for her in the long run.

"More doors will be open for me," she said. "It's always good to have that extra experience."

Rogers came to Bonner Springs in the seventh grade and has enjoyed the unity and friendship her fellow classmates have given her. She said she has a lot of good memories from her time at BSHS such as dances and other social events.

"It's sad it's the end of my senior year," she said, "But I know I'm about to start so much more."