Ruth Delmas: Senior Reflection
Ruth Delmas is a senior and offered this to talk about her ASMS story as the seniors finish their year;
I entered ASMS as a sophomore after lots of anticipation. I had my heart set on going after I started doing the AIMS summer camps in 6th grade. My first year was easy-going, I remember lots of walking downtown and runs to Kurabi. I totally wore my lanyard around my neck for the first few weeks: it felt like summer camp, honestly. Microbiology with Dr. Ortell was my biology elective, and I was so fascinated by it that I decided to study biology and pursue microbiology research. I was Alabama Youth Legislature which ended with a conference in Montgomery with our sponsor and other students. Soon after that, the school was evacuated because of COVID. Junior year was a blur of being on campus and being sent back home.
In my admittance interview, my interviewers told me ASMS is where I’d “find my people.” Absolutely true. We were annoying as incomings but over the last three years, I think we’ve mellowed out and found our niche. Every year I involved myself with Oculus, our school’s art and literary magazine, which is the way I describe it every time I talk about it at assembly. I was a reader, then art editor, and this year, Editor-in-Chief. It’s been very rewarding; I enjoy being so close to our school’s most established creative outlet. I’m currently in AP Studio Art working with film. I’ve also written for and worked with the Development Team -- you (or your parents) may have seen my work in the newsletter! I played tennis my sophomore and senior year, though most of our matches were rained out this season… I played our maiden lady football season and taught yoga classes briefly which was replaced by powerlifting. I’m currently a weight room officer hoping to introduce more students to the raw beauty of weightlifting.
My favorite class this year was Post 1945 with Dr. Palazzini. I would also recommend Flight Studies with Dr. Irby. If I could try to advise underclassmen, I’d tell them to get off campus. Go explore downtown, somewhere other than Serda’s, and see the beautiful neighborhoods around campus. Mobile is a perfect mix of culture and calm; I’m telling you to check it out before you graduate.
-Mekhi Stennis, ASMS Junior
Elbread Roh: Senior Reflection
Elbread Roh a senior from Prattville, AL. He is a very involved member of the ASMS community. Elbread is the SGA Secretary. He is the Science Olympiad President, Recycling Club Head, and a Peer Advisor at ASMS. In his free time, he is an animator and music producer. He had a few words to say as a Senior.
It's been quite an eventful three years at ASMS. I remember when I was the little fish in a massive pond, where I felt overwhelmed yet excited about my upcoming life at ASMS. How time flies ... I still recall being a sophomore and sometimes still can't believe I'm on my way out.
I've had to face some of the toughest of my life here. I failed a lot at ASMS. I probably failed more than I succeeded. These failures have however given me much strength and maturity, and I now end my three years being much wiser and understanding. Above it all, the success I did get was far greater than I could have ever imagined.
Sophomores, Juniors, even Seniors, keep on that fight. I believe my life is a testament that despite struggle, despite obstacles, we will always come out on top by using determination and commitment. Keep on that fight and keep moving forward.
-Mekhi Stennis, ASMS Junior
Becca McAuliffe: Senior Reflection
Because I have probably talked everyone’s ears off from all of the assembly announcements all the way to my articles in Firewire, I promise I’ll keep this one short. My three years at ASMS of course have been an enriching experience that has taught me many lessons that to this very moment I still take to heart. To be completely honest, though, I am slightly exhausted and am looking forward to (I think) a very well-deserved break, but I am also hesitant to leave. I’ve met many people throughout these three years who have done nothing but fill my life with joy. I am forever grateful and indebted to several of my teachers (especially my English teachers as that is my favorite subject), but I think it is because of all of these people and experiences that I also look forward to a new chapter.
The best advice I can give any of you is to (of course) keep working hard, but remind all of you that school is not everything. I know you have probably heard this hundreds of times, but as a student at ASMS I know the internal eye-rolling that occurs when someone tells this to you. But standing here as a senior who is actually able to see the other side of the world, I promise you that there is more to look forward to in life other than sitting in your room and stressing about grades and college applications. Part of me actually regrets the opportunities I have passed up just to study a little extra for a test that in hindsight really didn't mean anything for me and my career, but I do believe everything happens for a reason so let this be a lesson to both me and you. Just keep your head up and I promise you’ll be okay – you got this! :)
- Becca McAuliffe, ASMS Senior