The time I thought couldn’t come quicker has finally arrived. Every day feels realer as the clock ticks down and calendar boxes get crossed out. Four years away quickly turned into one year and even quicker, one month until graduation came. Now reflecting on that time im so thankful for the growth that I’ve gone through in all forms in the past four years of my life. I couldn’t be more thankful for the people and loving God in my life.
I have been a part of Feather Online for all four years of high school. Deciding to join in my freshman year was single-handedly the most impactful and life-changing decision of my academic career. From writing skills to walking on top of the world, Advanced Digital Media is more than just a high school class; it transcends into all aspects of a person and their lives.
My first interaction with the class itself was towards the end of my eighth-grade year at The Feather interest meeting, with the promise of free pizza capturing my attention. I, along with two of my fellow classmates one being our now Editor-in-Chief, Danielle Arndt, took on the journey of committing to the best class FC has to offer.
I will be forever grateful for the opportunities presented to me through this class. From interviews turning into job offers to the amazing experience of attending countless town hall showcases, which allowed me to meet renowned public figures and world changers.
My favorite memories were made when we trekked across the country to the Big Apple. We enjoyed exploring all the burrows had to offer, ate some of the most delicious authentic cuisines and visited Columbia University’s campus for the CSPA conference to teach and take home multiple outstanding awards. Taking the best trip of my life with a history buff tour guide, who happened to be my teacher, and the friends who shared the awe with me, making lifetime memories was one of the best high school experiences.
On a deeper level, The Feather, my fellow journalists and Kori James, have developed my very being more than I once believed was possible for my life. Prior to this class, help is a word I excluded from my vocabulary. Taking on the pressures of life, my academics, extracurriculars and others, alone was comfortable. I chose to close myself off to help, believing that if I couldn’t earn it on my own, it was of lesser value. I believed no matter what I did, even if done correctly, it was one extra failure on a long list. But I’m not alone. I’ve never been alone on this team. What I once saw as a single period on my to-do list of the day turned into a home I’ll never forget. Fellow students became family, allowing me to lean on them. They taught me the life skill of communication within my workspace, allowing for comfort in chaos.
To future members of this team, I pray you learn to lean on each other in times of need and allow others to depend on you. A healthy stream of communication, confidence in one another and showing up when it matters most keep the team going, hence why we have had such a successful year. You will receive what you pour into the class, if you want an easy period to pass the day, this class is not for you. It will push you to your limits, make you question your choices and at times feel like its way to much for an “elective.” But it will also grow you into a stronger person, preparing you for life, it will provide an outlet to pour your passions out, create opportunities and connections for college, jobs and life and it will give you a space and people to call your own.
Using the skills and lessons learned from The Feather, I will be pursuing a career in firefighting and paramedics. First, I will obtain my EMT and paramedics certifications, then move into a position through the fire department. My goal is to show God’s love and grace by intermixing faith with helping those who are going through the hardest days of their lives. In five to 10 years time, I hope to be first and foremost married to the most fantastic life partner who I can walk beside life’s obstacles and gifts. I also hope to be an active member of the Fire Department, and most importantly, walk in obedience to what God has planned out for me. All my glory is His.
A special thanks to all the classmates who pushed me to be greater, while making the class so enjoyable. Benson Elbert, thank you for always being a person whom I could depend on for photos, conversations and advice. Thank you to Hayden Spurrier and Sophia Feldkamp for always proofreading my articles, inspiring me with your fantastic writing and making me laugh every morning no matter how tired I was. To all the editors, especially Danielle Arndt, thank you for being patient and picking up the slack when I couldn’t hold it for myself.
And to Kori James and Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, thank you for always being so encouraging but willing to tell me when I’m wrong. You kept me grounded but helped me soar, and even when dealing with your own heartbreak, you put your honorary kids first, pushing us to be better and love the growth. You both are truly so inspiring and have lived 100 lives in one. Thank you for pouring into us with everything you have. I know you know this, but it’s truly worth it. You guys are life changers and we are all better for it.
And a final thank you to The Feather itself, all that it stands for all that I’ve learned from it. I wouldn’t be the same person without the program or the people. Thank you for the amazing four years I’m so thankful to live on through my writing. Garrett Alvis signing out for the last time…thank you for everything.
In the end we were just a bunch of birds in one big flock, Garrett Alvis signing out.
To read more from the Feather, read Senior Reflection: Jacob Christensen or Senior Reflection: Caleb Eldridge.
Robyn Meyers • May 17, 2026 at 12:03 am
Proud of you Garrett and excited for your future!