Senior Reflection: Alexander Rurik

As I sit to write my thoughts and reflections on high school, I struggle to figure out where to start. I struggle not just with a loss of words, but with an unexpected wave of emotions. To put into writing the effect and experiences of the last four years of my life, specifically in The Feather, is exceedingly difficult, but I will try my best.

To start, I fail to believe that anything happens due to coincidence. It does not make sense that a God who so meticulously planned out phenomena as large as the universe down to microscopic cells and atoms leaves things in our lives for no reason. Everyday and every occurrence serves a purpose.

This mindset especially cultivated my time writing for The Feather Online. I initially met adviser Greg Stobbe as a small elementary school kid when my older brothers had him as a teacher. With his permission, I had the chance to co-blog in sixth grade and continue throughout junior high. Again, I am a firm believer that these opportunities did not come by chance.

Now, only days away from graduation, I am leaving the last four years with over 140 articles published, three CSPA Gold Digital Crowns, an NSPA Pacemaker and a Letter of Recognition from the Mayor. It is really strange to say this is my last article for this newspaper I have dedicated so much of my time to. As an FCS “lifer”, it is even stranger to walk away from an institution I have been at literally my entire life.

I have experienced so much that I never would have without journalism. Thankfully, Stobbe employed his infamous technique and stalked me down at the beginning of high school to ensure I remained in the lab.

From writing and editing, to traveling across California and beyond, I have met countless people such as professional athletes, politicians, veterans and beyond. Some of my fondest journalism memories are the annual trips to NYC, traveling to Las Vegas with Paul Loeffler, and working as Editor-in-Chief for the last two years.

I look back and see the intricate ways in which I’ve grown. Writing frees the soul and unlocks an avenue to express yourself and relate to others. Some of my strongest friendships and best memories have come out of the journalism lab – the relationships built have helped me become a more selfless person. Additionally, I now feel comfortable going up to any person I meet and introducing myself.

I encourage everyone who is on the fence about joining journalism to try it out. It’s not for everyone, but you never know without trying. Forget the class grade and the requirements. The skills you can learn from journalism are more applicable in the world beyond FC than any other class you can take. However, you have to put in the effort. It’s not always easy, but nothing worth it in life ever is.

Lastly, I want to say thank you to so many people. This year I was blessed to end the year as valedictorian, athlete of the year, homecoming prince, ASB president and completed my second year as editor-in-chief. All this stuff is great, but it pales in comparison to the relationships and memories created and lessons learned.

I could never have done any of it on my own. Only with the strength and peace that comes from God, the love of my family, the support from my teachers and the laughter from my friends allowed this all to happen. Without all of the people who have helped me, supported me and guided me, I would never be where I am now.

Thank you to Greg Stobbe, who may have taught me more than any other teacher I have ever had. You pushed me and you trusted me, and I cannot be more thankful for the influence you have had in my life. Stay crazy.

To Kori Friesen, you rock. You bring a joy and intensity to the team and I appreciate it so much. While there are many stories I could point to, I always go back to my first Feather trip to NYC when you helped me get to Tompkins Square Park. I thought that was the coolest thing. Thank you.

I am so incredibly appreciative of so many teachers: Dr. Walters, Richards, Donaghe, Foshee, Bucher, Hyatt, Foster, Rojeski, G, Ainley. You all made a huge positive impact in my life. Thank you.

Thank you to my parents for their endless support and love. Thank you to Austin, Andrew and Allegra for your influence in my life. I love you guys.

Who knows where the plaques will rest in 50 years. The journalism lab at school may be gone, the awards collecting dust. But the memories I have created over the last four years have been some of the best, and I will never lose them. All I can say is how incredibly thankful I am for the experiences, the people and what I have learned.

After graduating Fresno Christian, Rurik will attend Westmont College in the fall of 2019 and double major in biology and computer science.

Psalm 100

Slideshow below includes images throughout Rurik’s high school career.

Gallery • 24 Photos