Everyone has trouble sleeping, but while some count sheep, Caylee Caldwell finds herself creating stories. The stories regularly include the same three to four characters and then her imagination takes over as she drifts into dreams.

Writing is something Caldwell has always done and is always doing. And ever since she discovered she could make a career out of it, Caldwell has wanted to be an author. Inspiration can come at any time or anywhere, which is why Caldwell always carries a notebook for her stories. In an instant, she might whip open the notebook and scribble a note or two about a new plot line or character twist.

“I can’t stand not having a notebook with me,” Caldwell said, adding that she keeps a spare in her car so she never has to be in school without one.

It’s no secret that writing is a big part of Caldwell’s life, being the 2019-20 English Sterling Scholar, Editor-in-Chief of the Highland Rambler, and having multiple submissions in Highland’s Literary Magazine. But Caldwell recognizes that writing is helpful to her in many ways.

“…I think writing is necessary in every job, I don’t feel I’ll be trapped in just writing books,” Caldwell said.

Before this year, Caldwell envisioned herself taking a career in Physiotherapy and writing on the side. It took conversations with her mom and a lot of thought to decide that writing is what she has always loved and, despite the challenges, that it would be her profession. Despite the assumption, writing isn’t a reliable source of income, Caldwell hopes to defy the odds and pursue her true passion.

Originally Caldwell never saw herself writing as a journalist; it was Brandon Winn, a Highland Language Arts and journalism teacher, who noticed her impeccable writing. Caldwell had Winn’s 9th grade English class and through essays and every-day writing, Winn saw the potential of a great journalist.

“The way she writes, makes her readers care and relate,” Winn said.

Caldwell’s favorite part of writing has always been telling someone’s story and creating something that matters to people. What she used to do with stories she found in journalism; writing someone’s story.

When Caldwell isn’t dreaming up stories or writing ground-breaking articles for the Rambler, you can find her in the CrossFit gym. She spends 3-4 hours a day training for the next CrossFit competition.

Caldwell’s CrossFit journey started when she was 12 years old. Her gymnastics coach suggested the physically demanding sport, when noticing Caldwell’s natural potential to succeed in strength and balance events.

“My sport is pain, constant pain,” Caldwell said.

Without a doubt, CrossFit has made Caldwell physically stronger, but she mostly credits it for toughening her more mentally.

“Learning to open up and accept people’s judgement,” said Audrey Kelly when asked about the most challenging obstacle Caldwell has overcome.

Everyone faces obstacles in life, Caldwell credits CrossFit for making her the strong person she is today. Overcoming her day to day school challenges, trying new things, and growing up in general has proven to be tough, but CrossFit helped to prepare her for real life. Because if she can get through a CrossFit lifting workout, she can make it through the day.

Overall, Caldwell has always found writing as her default. She wants her work to be more than just words on a page, and every day she proves it. Caylee Caldwell, the 2020 English Sterling Scholar, a girl who will never stop writing stories.