“Taking an online course helped bring my overall GPA up to a 4.366.” – Gabe S.
“Gabe is definitely a super student. He and his family live in Ashe County in the town of West Jefferson, and when the hurricane hit, I contacted him to see if he was ok and to offer to exempt him from some of his work until he went back to school. Not only did Gabe not want me to exempt him but he was ahead of pace in his work. Recently, Gabe needed some help, and I tutored him over Zoom for about 90 minutes. Not only did he listen and work hard during our session but he also took notes. He was so polite and engaged. When the hurricane hit, Gabe spent time volunteering at distribution centers and churches. He unloaded supplies from trucks and planes for several days and distributed them to people in need. And the entire time he was still working on his NCVPS class. Gabe is also an accomplished wrestler, which is a family tradition. This student-athlete is an asset to his school, to NCVPS and to his community–truly a super student!” – Ms. Shara Packman, NCVPS Latin Instructor
Gabe’s Story
My name is Gabe Smith, and I am currently a Junior at Ashe County High School who has remained a straight A student since middle school. The only reason I say since middle school is because I was homeschooled until 7th grade when I went to Ashe County Middle School. I have always been an athlete and have participated in football, soccer, track, baseball, men’s volleyball, and wrestling. As of now, I focus solely on wrestling, and last year became a wrestling state qualifier. I believe that these two things have contributed to making me, me. However, the number one contributor to make me, me, is my continuously growing relationship with my Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ, the creator of the universe, and savior of the world.
Online Experience
I have always wanted to work in the medical field, and for the longest time, I wanted to be a doctor. Over the past couple years, I changed my focus to more of a Physical Therapy pathway. After I told my parents this, they said I needed to take some sort of foreign language that would benefit me in the medical field, but I didn’t want to take Spanish since I already took it while I was homeschooled, so I decided to take Latin. I have taken Latin I and Latin II.
Taking an online course has always had its ups and downs for me, but for the most part, it has been a pleasant experience, but one of the biggest surprises was finding out I was able to be exempted from taking some of the final exams.
My advice to other online students is TIME MANAGEMENT. Do not let yourself fall behind like I did this year because you will then be stuck playing catch-up for a while. However, if you do get behind, like me, don’t quit. I promise it will get better, but the process to get caught up honestly sucks, but it is worth it in the end.
Life Outside of School
In my free time, during spring, summer, and fall, I love being outdoors playing with friends and family. I love playing soccer, football, pickleball, volleyball, baseball, ping-pong, and all sorts of other games. My favorite outdoor activity, though, is Spikeball, especially at the beach. During the winter months, I don’t really get any free time due to wrestling, but when I do, I like to go play in the snow, watch movies, play video games, learn magic tricks, and play card games.
My favorite book is the Bible, but my favorite author is either James Dashner or Rick Riordan. I love these authors because they have each written multiple series, and each book is filled with action and adventure, and yet somehow through all the chaos of the book, keeps the storyline crystal clear.
Goals & Future Plans
This semester, I wanted to pass all my classes with an A, and so far all the studying and good tests are paying off because almost all my grades are now an A, and the semester is almost over.
My future plans are to attend college (don’t know where yet) and get my PT degree, come back to Ashe County and work at the hospital for a few years, and, if I can find some help, start my own PT clinic.
Personal Notes & Fun Facts
I live with my mother, father, and younger brother, and we currently have two dogs.
I can do magic tricks with cards. I can juggle, and I have wrestled for 11 years and counting.
My favorite snack is Nutella Biscuits.
I could not live without my Bible.
