Alumni

Austin Buck '17 – Celebrating the Curious

High Meadows is designed to be a place that fosters curiosity, balance, and growth in every one of its students. One compelling example of this is alumni Austin Buck.
Austin is a graduate of Georgia Tech, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in maritime engineering at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, continuing his studies in an international environment and immersing himself in a new culture.

Austin is a passionate global traveler, and a firm believer in Mark Twain’s assertion that “travel is fatal to prejudice.” He has taken the time to develop fluency in two languages, and “survival level” in a handful of others. For him, this is about respect for others, something he feels High Meadows helped instill within him. “I don’t think it’s fair to go to someone else’s home and expect them to speak my language,” he explained.

Austin joined the High Meadows community in fifth grade, as a part of Mr. Hendry and Ms. Widby’s 4th and 5th grade class. “High Meadows took me in,” Austin shared. “From day one it challenged me, embraced my uniqueness, and rewarded my passion for learning. It gave me a strong friend group, and offered me teachers who invested real love and attention into their students.” Being surrounded by teachers who took the time to really engage with him, and peers who were as eager to learn as he was, created a space where Austin felt his curiosity was a valuable tool, rather than a hindrance or burden. According to Austin, this is one of the most valuable components of the High Meadows experience. He explains that “In other schools, you ask a question, teachers give you an answer, and that’s that. Here, they ask you questions back, and equip you with the tools and resources to find out the answer for yourself.” 
 


Austin says that a big part of what makes High Meadows so impactful is its teachers and staff. He shared that having teachers like Mr. Stephens and Ms. Lovatt taught him that learning was so much more than sitting quietly and being talked at. “I mean, sure, the grades are there, but the way they teach is what makes you learn. They engage with you the whole time. They make the material interesting, and they ask you questions, and they make you care. You almost don’t realize you’re learning. It’s really special.” This extends beyond just the classroom. He shared that one of the favorite parts of High Meadows was how it champions balance. “I remember in eighth grade once, it was just an absolutely beautiful day outside, and so Mr. Stephens decided to just take us out to the woods, and we sat in the pine straw and learned about the periodic table. You don’t get that just anywhere.” To him, this is exactly what sets High Meadows apart from other schools. It offers a beautiful balance between mind and soul.

Austin graduated from High Meadows with the tools equipped to take the next chapter of his life in his own hands. “I owe where I am today to them, honestly,” he explained. “After High Meadows, I felt like my future was mine to make.” And it was. As he navigates the world of offshore engineering in a foreign country, pursuing what he loves, he looks back on High Meadows with fondness and immense gratitude. 

“My only hope is that every kid can get the kind of opportunity I did.”

 Come see what your child can do with a High Meadows education. Schedule a visit today
 
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The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder, and connection to the natural environment. We empower each to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen.
Age 3 through Grade 8 | Authorized IB PYP World School
1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 | (770) 993-2940 | info@highmeadows.org