For most high schoolers, senior year is filled with excitement, graduation plans, college applications and dreams of the future. But for Lanie Selby, an 18-year-old senior at Mustang High School, this year represents something even deeper: resilience, purpose and hope.
A concurrent student enrolled in college courses at OCCC since her junior year, Selby somehow manages to balance academics, extracurriculars and volunteer work all while managing the effects of a recurring illness.
“I was first diagnosed with a tumor in my leg my freshman year,” Selby explained. “I had surgery to remove it and was fine for a while. But earlier this month, I was diagnosed again. It’s called osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.”
Despite the pain and physical limitations, Selby refuses to let the diagnosis keep her from staying active and positive.
“It affects the way I move,” she admitted. “Even sitting or sleeping hurts. But I love what I do. It keeps me going.”
Selby’s compassion shines through her involvement with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Bethany Children’s Health Center and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. At Bethany Children’s, she spends her time reading to young patients, playing with children before their appointments and comforting babies in complex care.
“Just being there with them, seeing their smiles, it means so much,” she said. “You learn a lot about empathy and communication when you’re around kids who can’t always express themselves easily.”
Through her work with Make-A-Wish, Selby helps plan wish reveals and fundraising events for children with critical illnesses.
“We recently hosted an event at Main Event for two girls who were nonverbal and in wheelchairs,” she said. “It was so eye-opening. Being part of something that gives kids joy, even for a moment, is really special.”
At Mustang High School, Selby participates in the National Honor Society and REACH, a student leadership program that helps freshmen adjust to high school.
“We give tours and plan events to make new students feel comfortable,” she explained.
Through OCCC, Selby has already completed more than 10 college courses, including psychology, sociology and English composition. She credits her professors with helping her navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
“When things were really hard last year, my psychology professor was so kind,” she recalled. “She checked in with me even after class ended. It really showed me how much teachers care.”
Selby plans to attend the University of Oklahoma after graduation, majoring in pre-pharmacy by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology before entering a pharmacy program.
“If I ever change my mind, I’ll still go into something in the medical field,” she said. “I just love science and helping others.”
When asked what advice she would give to new students, Selby didn’t hesitate.
“There’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes that people don’t see,” she said. “But you get through it with your support system, your professors, your family and your friends. It’s all worth it in the end.”
Her outlook on life stems from a lesson taught by one of her former teachers.
“He used to say, ‘Have a day,’” Selby noted. “Not ‘Have a good day,’ just ‘Have a day.’ Because it’s up to you. You can choose whether to have a good one or a bad one. You’re in control of your life.”
Despite her health struggles and the loss of her father, Selby continues to face each day with courage and gratitude.
“It’s all about perspective,” she said. “You can’t control everything that happens, but you can control how you respond.”
Through every challenge, Selby continues to inspire others with her strength, her kindness and her choice to keep moving forward one day at a time.
