Thayer is unique because of the genuine sense of community you can find anywhere on campus. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but you’re destined to find someone who is interested in the same things you are. Also, there are so many opportunities available to students in all areas. Whether you’re passionate about law, the arts, athletics, or even board games, there’s a course or club for you. 

Next year I’ll attend George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where I’ll major in Political Science and double-minor in Social Justice and Chinese.  

Even though I’ve taken three AP courses, English II Honors my sophomore year was definitely my most challenging class. Ms. Reuter’s passion was apparent during every class. She pushed her students in their writing and their reading comprehension. Although I didn’t realize it at the moment, her course made me a better writer and student.

Most people are always so surprised when I tell them, but I have a twin brother! He attended Belmont Hill School for high school and will be a first-year student at Washington University in St. Louis in the fall!

Thayer has given me so many academic and extracurricular opportunities. The Academy has shown me that it’s not enough to be a straight-A student; you also need to be kind to others and make them feel seen. 

Mr. Odom inspires me. He was my first and only Black teacher during my Thayer career, and he has been such a strong support system for students of color on campus. He is always there to help us talk through anything and advocate for us in certain spaces. Mr. Odom deserves so much recognition for the time he’s invested in the boys basketball program, admissions, DEI, and ISOKAN. 

Ms. Kelley-Mudie also inspires me. I was honored to be in her Global Scholars section, and she is one of the most affirming, insightful, and caring teachers I’ve met. She constantly challenged me in Global Scholars and worked with me every step of the way to complete my two-day Capstone project. 

College Counseling has honestly been an amazing resource for me these last three years of my Upper School career. I love that, as a sophomore, I was introduced to college counselors and the college process. My college counselor, Ms. Woods, was extremely supportive; she was always there to respond to my questions and was genuinely interested in both my future and me as a person. When I told her I had been accepted into GWU, she was so excited, and I could tell that excitement was genuine. Along with Ms. Woods, Ms. Brennan Hall and Mr. Robey were incredibly helpful with college info sessions and just being friendly when I stopped by the Pulsifer College Counseling Center.  

My favorite meal from Cahall Dining Hall is, by FAR, the Mongolian beef with white rice dish. 

I’ve learned there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. If you can’t do something or are having trouble, I guarantee there will be teachers and students willing to help. I’ve also learned time management skills and the importance of putting your mental health first. Yes, we are students, but we are also people, and it’s not easy to learn, play a sport, and take part in extracurricular activities during a global pandemic; be kind to yourself, establish boundaries, and know when you need to take a break. 

My favorite Thayer memory is being part of the stage crew of Hello Dolly. Everyone was extremely kind, and I got to spend time with my friends backstage, which made everything that much more enjoyable.