teen spotlight
photography by Gretchen B. Photography
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18, Senior at Alabama School of Mathematics and Science
notable
National Honor Society Member; SGA President; Varsity
Cross Country Captain; Robotics Team Lead Design and Build
Captain
quotable
“Look where you want to go, know what you want to do, and
imagine yourself in the process of accomplishing it.” He explains,
“It comes from my dad’s lessons on whitewater kayaking. He
told me about hazards, and how your body naturally turns
the boat toward the direction you are facing. If you look at the
dangerous stuff for too long, you’ll end up going toward it. It’s
good to know the dangers of life, but not to focus too intently
on them.”
his story
Alex is very active in campus life at Alabama School of
Mathematics and Science with SGA, Robotics, and his
Residential Life Support Team duties. He is the Lead Design
and Build Captain for the ASMS Robotics team, and was even
asked to teach classes during the Adventures in Math and
Science (AIMS) Robotics summer program. Alex draws
inspiration to succeed from his friends; he credits his room-
mate, Jediael, for inspiring him with his “quick thinking, witty
jokes, and ability to be good at everything he does.” He adds, “I
feel that if I can make myself a little bit like each of my friends, I
will be able to accomplish anything.”
what’s next
“In short, I want to learn and create. Mechanical engineering is
where I see myself in the future.
alex stephens
PG (parental guidance) rating
Mobile, AL
“I’m proud of my family’s diversity in activities. Whitewater
kayaking, living on a river, building a cabin with my dad, bee-
keeping, learning guitar with my mother, practicing martial arts
with my brother, and the list continues.”
parents’ perspective
“Alex is always an observant and intent learner. Perhaps he is nat-
urally full of curiosity; learning the science of life fascinates him,”
shares Ming.
parent-to-parent
Ryan and Ming recommend that other parents “spend
time finding out what their child is good at, help them
develop their interests, be their guidance, and give them
plenty of encouragement.”
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Summer 2017 |
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