During the transition period, every student is in the hallway crowding the entire school, but Alexis Garabedian still stands out and is unmistakable no matter how big the crowd is. With her bold looks of dyed hair, multiple piercings, and alternative fashion statements, this has always been Garabedian’s identity unapologetically: not concerning herself with the opinions of others or what they might think of her. It was not always like this; braving her hardships shaped her into who she is today.
“I was a shut-in, I was incredibly anxious and had an extreme fear of interacting with anyone, I had a rough period of insecurity but after it was a complete rebirth of myself,” Garabedian said.
Only after you have lost everything can you become anything. Senior Skyler King reflects on Garabedian’s evolution throughout their friendship.
“I’ve known her for about seven years, and literally everything about her has changed, most drastically her mindset. She went from being completely down in any situation, to completely up and lifting others,” King said.
This goes to show, no matter how hard the current situation you are in seems, there is always a way out of the hole.
“I had to build myself back up, doing a lot of journaling and getting the emotions out as soon as possible, refraining bad thoughts, and surrounding myself with people who don’t resent me,” Garabedian said.
Not just succeeding emotionally, but also in the classroom, Garabedian completed all her necessary classes to graduate, plus multiple honors electives including Honors Ethics of Culture in Film early enough in high school to only have a two class schedule her senior year.
Next fall, Garabedian will attend Virginia Commonwealth University with a goal to obtain a degree in psychology.
“I chose VCU because I love the city of Richmond, they have a great psychology program, the school culture is electric, plus the campus is absolutely beautiful,” Garabedian said.
It is no surprise to anyone who knows her that she chose a school with such vibrant culture and unique academic programs.
Whether it is breaking down every last detail of a film, helping others with their emotional battles through experience, or providing aid to others in a psychiatric hospital, Garabedian does it all with her unmistakable charm and presence that everyone around her can feel.
As her time at Clover Hill comes to an end, Garabedian leaves behind her story which is a message to anyone struggling mentally that no matter how hard your situation seems, there is always someone who can save you from it, and that person is you.
