![Junior Alex Alkhal pitches the ball. “[I] just let it go and keep practicing so we can focus on our goal for the next game to get better as a team,” Alkhal said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DSC_0013-1-1200x929.jpg)
![The Phoenix varsity volleyball team lines up for the national anthem. “We were more communicative [with each other] during this game, and I feel like we kept our energy up, especially after the first set,” senior Jessica Valdov said.](https://theblazerrhs.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSC_0202-1200x800.jpg)
Phase 1: Establishment
The first phase was freshman year, as I realized how high school worked. Especially coming from a quarantined half seventh grade and full eighth grade year where I didn’t know that many people due to the majority of my elementary school years being at Legacy. All students at Stone Hill went to Rosa Lee Carter, resulting in me having to make many new friends, while also reconnecting with some my freshman year. It ended up being my favorite phase, where I prospered academically and established connections with students of all grades and teachers that I would use all throughout my high school career.
Phase 2: Awakening
The second phase was sophomore year, where I decided I should be having more fun, and make it a priority, forgetting schoolwork. I ended up also going through a crazy milestone in my life where someone I was close to passed away, which changed my perspective on life. My schoolwork was becoming poor and I ended up not getting as good grades as I did during the first phase. Although it was a fun year where I made many new acquaintances, it set me back academically. This was a key phase though, due to the amount of social progression.
Phase 3: Focus
The third phase was junior year, where the summer previous, I realized I needed to lock in to make my college application the best it could be. Even though I had already had an idea of how it would look and what I would include in it, I had to solidify and add more. I was also focused on school, while also making sure to have fun by attempting to attend most activities and live it up with the seniors. By the end of the school year, I knew what I was going to do over the summer to further improve my application, and what it would look like.
Phase 4: Culmination
The fourth phase is senior year. I am still shocked whenever I walk around the halls, realizing this is one of the last times I will be seeing this. It is truly crazy how fast time travels, but regardless, I made sure to make this year unforgettable and as enjoyable as possible. Still maintaining my good grades because of how schools still view all of your grades, and could rescind their offer. By the end of the year, I know where I’m going: The University of Michigan, which was one of my top schools.
As I look back on my years I am filled with no regret, but instead endless memories.
