How do you think your participation changed during the course of your high school years?
I think that my participation changed a lot throughout the four years. At times I was really into it all and really excited, but at times I got a little bit annoyed with the cameras and felt a little bit overwhelmed. I never backed out of the commitment, and am now very hopeful for the future opportunities the series may bring.

How do you feel about being on national television?
I am extremely nervous about being on national television. This is mainly because I have always been pretty shy in front of crowds and am really the last person who would ever want to be in the spotlight, and to know people around the whole nation will be watching a story about my life scares me sometimes. On the other hand, it is really exciting that the documentary amounted to this and I am excited to watch the entire series.

If you could go back and do it again, would you? Or would you choose not to and why?
This is a tough question to answer at present because I haven't yet seen the series. Based off of the experiences I have had so far and that are ahead in the future regarding the documentary, I do think that I would go back and do it again. Not only do I get to look back on my years in high school, but I, along with the rest of the girls, also have the chance to help other girls going through their own tough times. I hope that watching our series will touch others and show them that they are not alone in their problems. As I fully believe the series will do this, I would 100% go back and do it again.

What are some of your thoughts about the things that happened during the four years of high school? What was your best moment? Your worst?
Looking back, I can think of good and bad moments. My fondest memory from high school would have to be spending time and playing with the girls' soccer team senior year. It was the most fun I ever had, and I played the best soccer I'd ever played that season. I feel that my best moment was when I graduated, and knew that it was on to the next part of my life. However, I definitely made some mistakes…some huge ones, and I would give anything to take back anything I did that may have hurt another person. My worst moment was probably when I got suspended for three days, as it was completely out of character for me. I hate to dwell on the bad moments, and when I really think about it, there aren't any mistakes, just life experiences.

What do you hope high school girls can learn from your story?
I hope that they can learn that high school can be rough, but that it's ok to go out and have fun. I also hope they can learn the importance of supporting their friends and family, as well as the importance of putting faith in others for support in return. Most of all, I hope they can learn that it can take a while to become the person you hope to be, and to really find yourself, and I encourage them to never be afraid to do what makes YOU happy and to never give up.

Now that you have some distance, how do you remember your high school experience, was it a good one or was it a struggle?
I think that high school is a struggle for almost everyone, including me. There are some days where you feel like you're never going to make it out alive, I swear! But then there are days where you feel like it's the time of your life. Though there are many things I would change, overall my high school experience was a good one.

From her first interview I was reminded of the phrase “still waters run deep.”Courtney's story illuminates the proverbial struggle to cultivate an independent “true” self while remaining “true” to what she believes her family expects.
She almost predicts her path as a freshman, “I hope I don't get into trouble . . . or do any thing bad.” With wisdom beyond her 14 years, Courtney knows herself well enough to know she will be tempted to explore and experiment. She also has a strong sense of what's “right” in her world. Through her episode, we witness Courtney's struggle to follow her curiosity while staying grounded in her closely held faith, morals and sense of responsibility.

Perhaps Courtney's defining moment arose out of the family challenge resulting from her little sister's pregnancy. Courtney, the eldest of four siblings, takes on the dubious role of telling their parents the life-changing news. As a senior about to embark on a new life chapter, Courtney remains “present” for her family. The final interview with Courtney and her sister is one of the most touching moments of the documentary for me. They grew light years together. As a family, they displayed amazing grace and fortitude.

I can't talk about Courtney's story, without acknowledging her incredible parents. They were so gracious, direct and open. Cheryl (Courtney's mom) always spoke from her heart. Her honesty permeates their family, as does her love for each of her children. Dan (Courtney's dad) is the calm force in the storm. His tenderness, compassion and love shine bright in Courtney.

Courtney's elucidating story is best viewed in the context of family, as it can be a powerful force in a teen's life.