My name is Algen Carter, and I’m a senior here at Apex High School. I find it so insane that in eleven days, I’m going to officially be an Apex High School alumnus. If I’m going to be honest, when I first signed up for newspaper, I viewed it as an easy grade, but once I actually got into the class I found out that it was everything but that. This class has not only helped me to improve my writing style but has helped me push my limits as well. I also want to say thank you to Mrs McGee for giving us this platform to be able to express ourselves through writing, which is something I probably wouldn’t do if it weren’t for this class.

As I reflect on my four  years at Apex, I look back at the person I was when I first started high school and the ways that I’ve changed. Apex High School has been a big part of my life and has seen me at my worst, my best, and all in between. Every challenge that I’ve gone through has been a stepping stone that lead to the person I’ve become today. An especially low time for me was starting high school virtually. This point of my life was really challenging for me, having to be at home all day every day with barely any motivation or social interactions. Sophomore year was my first real “high school experience” since we were finally able to come back to school, and I was able to reconnect with old friends. High school has shown me that everyone’s opinion is valid and should be treated equally, no matter how you feel about it, and that it’s okay to make mistakes. High school has brought friends into my life that I’ll have forever, and I think it could for you, too.

My advice as a senior is to make sure you stay on top of your classwork, and rising seniors, make sure to start your CommonApp essay. Don’t be afraid to talk to people; the worst they could say is no. Make your years count because before you know it, that time will come to an end. As I end my chapter at Apex, I want to thank all my teachers, parents, and friends who have helped me get to this point, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. I hope everyone takes a piece of Apex with them as they go into the real world. Thank you Apex High for making me who I am, and Cougars, don’t forget to light it green.