Potential Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 69

teen spotlight photography by Gretchen B. Photography stats 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.” Teen Spotlights are eligible for a $500 Scholarship - Nomination forms at www.potentialmagazine.com/spotlights www.potentialmagazine.com Summer 2017 | 29