There has been a lot of change over six years, from ages 12-18 as a short nerd with awful hair to a taller nerd with a bit better hair. I came to Fresno Christian because I hated online learning during Covid, and FCS was the only in-person school, so after complaining to my parents about sitting inside all day, off I went.
I didn’t really know what to expect from a private school, but don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t the first time I transferred schools. By the time I got to FC, it would be school number seven. I went to my first day of school with a horrendous sense of style (old khaki shorts and an anime hoodie). I walked into my first period math class with no idea that my two best friends would be in that room. Austin Kinzle, ’26, and Caleb Eldrige, ’26, were two of my first impressions of the school. They were cool enough that I stayed another six years, and now I have the great honor of calling them my brothers and will continue my education with them in the spring at Vanguard University.
Now you think middle school is long, high school is longer by many, many and when I say many, I mean many miles. But little freshman Benson went in head first and joined Leadership. Having been a part of it my eighth grade year, I thought why not keep on going. So I did; I ended up jumping right into the interview process, where I got partnered up with Danielle Arndt, ’26, as my interview buddy. I thought I was getting rejected, but by the end of the interview I had managed to not look like an incompetent buffoon for just long enough to make it into the class. Now when I say I got carried through that interview, I mean if you know the story of Atlas, that’s as close as I can get to describing it. Once I got into the class, I made it my goal to do the best I could and be a part of the community.
By the middle of the year, I had the option to run for class representative along with other freshmen in the class; with one choosing to decline, the other five of us ran, and I won. Winning was a huge accomplishment for me and my job was something that I deeply enjoyed doing; speaking for my grade and representing them was a pleasure and privilege. Ultimately, this is what furthered my enthusiasm for leadership and put me on the path to lead for all four years.
On top of the change of social life and academics, I was determined to continue playing tennis during my high school years. Having played five years, I joined the team and ended up getting a varsity spot, something that I had been shooting for since the start of my journey 5 years ago up to that point. I had the time of my life playing with my teammates during my first year, and the memories I hold will always be ones I deeply enjoy, ones that led to friendships that have continued to this day.
Sophomore year was a woozy, and, to be honest, what started it off was the fact I somehow made it into a random class I had never heard of before, nor applied to: Advanced Digital Media, or the more lovingly referred to as The Feather Online. What I knew of the class was two things: one, you had to be a good writer, definitely not me, or two, you had to know how to take photos, once again definitely not me, but my parents made me stay and I am happy to say that I’m glad they did. I ended up joining the media team, and I gained skills and met people I never thought I would. I traveled to New York City, and that week shaped my humor and eating habits for the rest of my high school career.
In my second year of high school, I encountered something I had never had to experience before: a loss of love for my sport. Now, it is with sorrow I can’t give an inspiring story about how I overcame the slump and continued to play tennis for the rest of my time at Fresno Christian. I quit my sport after the season ended, but after talking with my Coach Mark Bellman, he encouraged me to try whatever I wanted and to not be afraid to experience new things.
If I were to pick a year that I truly loved it would be junior year. Junior year was a big season of change; I grew more confident in myself and the friendships I would be taking with my post high school started to shine through. From food filled comas after bookstore runs with Delaney Meyers, ’26 and Danielle Arndt, to whatever in the world volleyball practice was with Austin Kinzle and Tycen Ramirez, ’26, I grew so much during that time and I have such a deep love and appreciation for everyone that was by my side.
Senior year felt longer yet shorter than all the other years. I was somehow coerced into playing football by Bryce Smith, ’26, and Hayden Spurrier, ’26. I’m not a football player, not even close. It was such a dumb idea to play, but I loved it. Now was I good? No, not at all. But I loved the team and coaches and I truly appreciate the friends who convinced me to play. Football will always be something I will never believe I did.
On top of playing football, I was granted the opportunity to be on the ’25-’26 Homecoming court. I was paired with Danielle Arndt as my partner for the Royal Battle. Long story short, with a week of practice and a dance that was more like a broadway version of Star Wars, we won! With the “Imperial March,” “Teach Me How To Dougie” and “Great Balls Of Fire” all thrown together into an unforgettable dance number.
The Feather was without a doubt the most influential class of my high school life; It taught me communication, leadership and how to express myself through photography. It gave me memories and experiences I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. From traveling to New York twice and gaining the opportunity to teach a class at Columbia University (even if I did trip) to traveling across Europe with my closest friends. The Feather has been a source of inspiration, growth and love through my time in the class.
Serving as Media Editor along with Selah Neal, ’27, has been an honor that I am incredibly grateful for. Thank you Kori James for being a mentor and a guide through these past years. Thank you for teaching me what a shutter is and the best ways to skip school after Serve day to get Sam’s Italian Deli Sandwiches. Thank you for being a guiding light through these years. You have been without a doubt one of the largest influences in my life and I don’t know how to express my gratitude, but thank you for everything.
With the skills I learned and experience I gained, I applied to my dream school, Vanguard University, where I will be studying history and political science in the fall. I am so grateful for all of my experiences and I can’t wait for the future that is to come.
To my parents, who I would not be here without, thank you for all of the love and support you pour into me, and thank you for the rides to school and practice. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made for me, and I truly appreciate and love the two of you so much!
To my grandparents: thank you for everything you have done for me. I have so much love for you two and I am blessed to have you two and my Nonna and Papa. Thank you for letting me stay for weeks on end at your home, for being my sources of inspiration and wisdom, and for the unyielding love and support you have granted me. I love you.
To my little siblings: I love you so very much. You have been one of my greatest sources of pride and joy, and I am honored to be your older brother. Thank you for all of the arguments and stealing of my food, for making me a part of your lives and for thinking I’m awesome. I love you so much and I hope you know, I am always here for you.
And no matter what anyone says, I wasn’t late, I just showed up at a different time then everyone else.
To read more senior reflections, check out Senior Reflection: Jacob Christensen or Senior Reflection: Austin Kinzle.
For more from The Feather visit FC Drama brings Wizard of Oz to life and Brock Kitchen prepares for the adventure of a lifetime.
Robyn Meyers • May 16, 2026 at 11:47 pm
Great job Benson! Fun to see four years through your lens!