2016’s 20 Under 20: Alex Gittemeier, Hickman High School

Alex Gittemeier, 18, Hickman High School

College plans:

I am going to Missouri S&T for a degree in computer science.

Favorite club or extracurricular in high school:

My favorite club was Game Design Club (and I am biased because I helped start it), where a group of students worked together to make a video game. We never finished it, but regardless, I feel that the experience in working on a piece of software together was beneficial for the other participants.

Proudest accomplishment in high school:

My proudest accomplishment during high school is buying myself a car. I am not the most outgoing person in the world, so being able to find a seller and make the deal was an accomplishment itself.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

The only constructive thing you can do to your past is learn from it. Regrets don’t affect the past, but the lessons can improve your future.

Future goals:

Post-college, I want to start a career involving software development; this has been what I wanted to do for a very long time. I haven’t gotten anything more specific hammered out yet.

What you do for fun:

I like to make things. Apart from software development, I like to tinker with electronics, woodworking, and erector-set-style kits. I also do my fair share of Netflix watching, socializing, and eating, just like anyone else.

CBT’s 20 Under 20 celebrates 20 Columbia high school seniors who are ready to accomplish big things after graduating. Congratulations to the 2016 20 Under 20, and to all Columbia high school grads.