Thirteen years. From the five-year-old who stood tall above every kid in his class, to the senior looking back at all the time that has passed, I am a Fresno Christian Schools lifer, being one of two guys from the original class of 2026. That is no small feat; I have gained 13 years full of memories and experiences, growing from the timid, wary boy to an established and grounded young adult. Fresno Christian has been my entire life, watching different classmates come and go as different scenery and landscapes unfold each year.
In a week and a half, my high school journey will be over. I can’t even believe it’s come to the point where I have to say goodbye to the place I have built friendships, strengthened my faith and called my second home. During high school, I would always think to myself, “I can’t wait ’til I graduate,” but looking back from the finish line, I feel the exact opposite, reminiscing on my time here at FC and wondering why it has to be over.
My name is Austin Kinzle. To my friends, I am “Austina” or “Auzziebozzie.” I love watching movies and TV shows and listening to a variety of music. I also love playing sports, specifically volleyball, and I love cheering on my Pittsburgh Steelers during football season. If you know me even the slightest bit, you know I am a big-back and a huge foodie!
It wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows for me early in my time at FC. Struggling to find a connection, elementary and middle school were a time of searching and discovering for the person I would develop into. Junior High was a major pivoting point in my life, with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. While on the surface it seemed like it was the Christmas vacation I had always dreamed of, being without school for months, there was a void inside me. I felt alone and lost without having the luxury of connecting with anyone face-to-face. It was a rough season for me to overcome, but thankfully, God was right there with me through it all, bringing answers to my prayers.
Like every 13-year-old kid, I was afraid of one thing: high school. It wasn’t until late freshman year that I started to crawl out of my protective shell and shine my light on those around me. It was a lengthy and rough process at first, but as the year stretched on, I grew my relationship with Christ, made close friends, and began branching out in my academics and extracurriculars.
Following my sophomore year, I had never been happier in my life. I cemented my community of people around me. Playing two varsity sports, being a 15-year-old kid without a care in the world, thinking everything was perfect, but little did I know that I still had a lot more learning to do.
It was the last week of school when I was approached by Kori James to be recruited to The Feather Online. At the time, I had only known about the Feather through Instagram, reading the results of every sports game that was happening that season. When she told me she thought I would be a great fit, I laughed, thinking I wasn’t cut out to be a journalist. After only writing crappy essays in all of my English classes, I thought I was nowhere near a good enough writer to take on this challenge. But looking back, I am so glad I took that chance of joining the team.
I had no idea what kind of rollercoaster my junior year would be. My first year as a journalist for this class, I was nervous to my core. Having to be pushed outside what my comfort zone allowed me to do, interviewing random people and writing full-blown articles on deadlines. There were many times I told myself I couldn’t do this class anymore next year, but I kept going.
This program has taught me so many things that I will be able to take into this next chapter of my life. I learned to work cohesively as part of a team, grow in my writing abilities, and step outside my comfort zone. Then I truly got the benefits of the program going into my second year on the team when James asked me to step into the role of Athletics Section Editor. This position truly advanced me in not only my writing skills but also my leadership abilities, and developed me into a completely different person than when I entered this program.
I would like to say thank you to James for seeing the potential in me when I didn’t even think I had it and taking a chance on me. She stretched me creatively in more ways than I thought possible and developed professional and personal gain through this program, and for that, I am forever grateful.
And finally, the year it all led up to, my senior year. The culmination of everything that this school has given me and the farewell to everything that is left behind. This year has been the definition of bittersweet. From the highs of all our fun senior events, such as senior retreat at Hume Lake, Formal and Sadies or winning Powderpuff against the juniors, and the lows of crushing AP tests, stressful nights with piles of homework, and most of all, the daunting reality of graduating. This year has really shown me how blessed a life I have, and I will never take my time here for granted.
My favorite memory from my time at Fresno Christian, if I had to choose, would be the senior retreat this year, being able to bond with my class and strengthen friendships while all growing in our relationship with the Lord and being able to worship him and be surrounded by his creation. But my real answer would be the collection of memories I made with my friends, being able to walk through the Building 6 doors, greeted by them at 8 am, or attending a sports game in the FC Gym, and going off campus for lunch. There is not one memory that can encompass the time well spent here, as it has truly been the best decision of my life to be on this campus.
I plan to attend Vanguard University of Southern California next fall in the town of Costa Mesa in Orange County, where I will major in Business Administration. In the next five years, I hope to be starting my own business or working a good job and starting a family. I am super excited to see what this school holds for me in the future, and I can not wait to see where God will lead me in this new environment.
As the clock ticks down on my time here at Fresno Christian, I can’t help but feel overwhelmingly blessed and grateful for being a part of this school. This environment has truly taught me what it means to be a part of a community and feel welcomed and secure with people who care about your growth and who you are as a person. Through the programs and the people who have made an impact on my life, I am so thankful for every single one.
First off, I want to thank my parents; if it were not for you guys, I wouldn’t even be able to call Fresno Christian my home. The long hours of work and the sacrifice you put in to allow me to be here, I will forever be grateful.
To my amazing mother, there are not enough words to describe how thankful I am for what you have done for me. The countless days telling you all the drama and events that went down on the ride home from school, and the lessons and wisdom you have given me, I will hold on to and cherish in this next chapter of my life. I love you!
To my father, you have been my biggest supporter throughout everything, whether it was my little league baseball games all the way to my last playoff volleyball game; you are always there, cheering me on. I wouldn’t be half the man I am today without you, Dad. Thank you for comforting me in the hardest moments and times when I didn’t think I could carry on further; you were there by my side to pick me back up and push me forward. I love you so much, Dad!
To my friends, Jake, Kyleigh, Drew, James, Cole, Jasity, Hayden, and Sarah. Thank you for all the memories and the laughs we have shared. If it was playing video games late at night with the boys or making the girls laugh and make them mad purely for the fun of it, I am so thankful for all of the time spent with you guys and every single one of your friendships.
To the home invaders, Benson, Caleb, Hudson, Natalie, Georgia, and Chloe. I could write an entire book on the times we’ve spent together. Going to Yosemite for a night, staying up till 5 am just talking together, or spending 3 days in a mountain house for New Year’s because we were having way too much fun. I am so thankful for what every single one of you has done for me in my life. You guys have shown me what true friendship brings. I always get excited every time we plan another random side quest to go on because I can’t wait to spend the time I have with the people I care about most. Thank you guys, love you!
To my coaches, Coach Gug, Coach Van Loon, and Coach Justin Williams. Thank you for the hours pouring into me, not only as an athlete but as a man of Christ. Your leadership and willingness to push me past my limits and bring me back in check every time I would get hard on myself after each mistake. Thank you for helping me fall in love with the game of volleyball. You guys challenged me every practice and game while instilling in me the phrase “one percent better every day,” not only on the court but also in my personal life and my walk with Christ. I appreciate all of you so much!
To the teachers and staff who have poured into me and prepared me to walk into this new way of life outside of high school. Thank you for sharing your passions with me and giving me an amazing education while shining the light of Christ in the classroom each day. There are a couple of teachers I would specifically like to thank. Brian Butler, Scott Falk, Kristy Higton, Silva Emerian, Evangelina Escovedo, and Hope Villines. The influence and impact each of you has had on my life is more than you will ever know. I am so thankful for every one of you that have put time into me as a student and as a person, showing me grace, love, and compassion through various situations. I am proud to have had you all as my teachers throughout high school!
Well, it seems as though we have made it to the end. But before I go, I want to leave you with a Bible verse and a word of encouragement:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Whoever is reading this, always remember to stay present and never take for granted the things you have. Time goes by in the blink of an eye. Take hold of every opportunity that is given to you and continue to pursue the things you envision for yourself. Love on the people you care about most because you will never know what could happen. And above all, keep your relationship with Jesus at the center of your life and let him lead you in the plans he has for you.
“This isn’t goodbye, this is just a see you later.”
Austin Kinzle
For more senior reflections, visit Senior Reflection: Hayden Spurrier or Senior Reflection: Jacob Christensen.
