Jack Albertson joined the Darlington community his fifth grade year and has shared his growth with his fellow peers effortlessly.

“Well, I came to Darlington in like the fifth grade from East Central Elementary and I guess at first it was kind of  hard a little bit just like making friends but once I found my friend group it’s just been really fun for like the past seven years,” Albertson said.

Albertson admits that his transition included maturing and learning to accept changes.

“I guess my main growth was my junior year [when] I actually started taking my academics seriously and actually started to like really try actually,” Albertson said. “My mom was pushing me hard freshman and sophomore year and I wouldn’t listen to her, it kind of irritated me, I guess it was my willingness to get over myself and actually listen to her and change my habits”.

Albertson is grateful for the opportunities to connect with new people through many different events on campus.

“I’ve always loved RUMPUS so much and everyone just coming together and it’s so fierce and competitive but at the same time it’s like the community’s never closer than it is then,” Albertson said.

Albertson is a part of the musical cast for the first time.

“I always felt like I kind of wanted to [audition] in my freshman, sophomore and junior year but I just didn’t do it and it’s a shame that I had to wait until my senior year to finally build up the courage to actually do it,“ Albertson said. “I guess just didn’t really want to get out of my comfort zone that kind of made me not do it and now that I am doing it I feel like it’s going to be really rewarding so far it has been even though it’s been like a week.”

After jumping over many hurdles of breaking out of his shell he realized the benefit of sharing his growth as a person.

“I would tell them to not be scared to get out of your comfort zone cause I know for some people including myself it’s hard to and I just kind of get a little anxious and worried but like at the end of the day if you’re not doing it and you’re closing yourself off to so many opportunities that could have such a positive influence on your life,” Albertson said.

Albertson gave his senior speech on Nov. 13 in the Chapel.

“What I talked about was obviously comedic humor speech but I was kind of doing that to keep people’s attention really and it was just me being me, I try to be realistic but, I mean I hope people can take actually my real life lesson because I know for me like being able to look at myself and try to grow and change like it’s been completely beneficial to me, it’s been great. I would hope that people would be able to take that,” Albertson said.