Graduation is associated with nerves; college decisions, graduation parties, and preparing to move away brings anxiety to seniors. But Gaven Combs is ready, when asked how he was feeling about graduation, he said: “free.” 

Things for Combs changed his senior year. The rest of his high school experience he avoided extracurriculars and other school organizations. He has now been a part of the D&D club and Java UIL.  

“Java enhanced my arithmetic skills, while D&D gave me an outlet for imagination,” Combs said. “I realized the importance of being cultured in both – I desired skills that would help my future self.”

Combs hopes to take these skills into becoming an electrical engineer in his future, focusing on green energy projects. 

“This school led me to desire the cross-product of science and creativity,” he said. 

Even outside of his career, Combs will be constantly exploring. Whether he’s picking up a new hobby or checking out a new city, he is ready to adventure.  

“I see myself seeking new ways to live by,” Combs said. “I never want to settle down, the more I adapt to new environments, the more grounded I feel.” 

As for the next few months, he will begin the search for his “new ways” before starting his fall semester at UTSA.  

“It’s my first semester of my non-high school career, I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I am most excited about the adventurous aspects of being independent, controlling what I do and how I do it.” 

High school forces growth, not only in academics, but in everyday life. Combs views high school as a “tour,” leading students to understand their potential as they grow up.

“The most important thing this school has taught me is the importance of self actualization,” he said. 

Combs will be using this potential to complete a degree in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy.