Suzanne Alexander is known at Bishop Carroll as a yearbook photographer and general school club enthusiast.

She’s also a member of the Bishop Carroll Youth for Justice club, the school spirit club (Casey Council), the girls’ rugby team, and the drama productions.

YAA: What’s it like being a yearbook photographer? I saw you get right up close during the Talent Show. Was that nerve-racking?
SA: It’s an absolute blast. It’s a great opportunity to attend school events, meet new people and practice my photography. Most of the time I love being able to get right up in the student and staff’s faces, but it can get a tad awkward, like at the talent show. The lighting in they used for the show was not ideal for my purposes as a photographer, so it was necessary to get as many shots as possible using different camera settings (flash, no flash, slow shutter speed, fast shutter speed, etc.) and to get really close to the performers to make sure I got good shots, but it was weird that everyone in there was watching me in addition to the person performing! I didn’t let that stop me though because I’ve learned that you can’t be shy if you want to get the shot. I have also found that working for the yearbook has encouraged me to attend many more school events than I otherwise wouldn’t have gone to, like this year I managed to make it to almost every football game!

YAA: You’re also on a lot of other clubs, how do you balance?
SA: It is for sure a challenge, but I am so grateful that I go to Bishop Carroll as opposed to a regular high school. For those who don’t know, Bishop Carroll is a high school that is entirely independant learning. We don’t have regular classes or any set schedules, which is great for people like me who love to do everything. I am able to do so much because I make my own schedule and decide what courses I work on when; I don’t necessarily have to spend my school time doing school work. I can go into rescource centers (library-like rooms with desks for students to work at and teachers there to help with any questions) and take candid photos for yearbook, help organize the pep ralley, or design costumes for out drama productions during school hours as long as I stay organized and do my homework in the evening or work my butt off in a month with less things to do in my other clubs. Sometimes I struggle keeping organized and managing my time, but my teacher advisor and other adults in the school are always there to help me out when I need it. I honestly couldn’t imagine being at another school, and if I was I wouldn’t be involved in nearly as much!