What makes Thayer unique is the attention you get from teachers, friends, and everyone in the community. Whether it’s inside or outside of the classroom, you can always find teachers and friends cheering you on. From class discussions and academic competitions to dance concerts and volunteering, my teachers and peers never fail to surprise me with their presence and encouragement. In this community, you will always get support, and everyone will push you forward to become a better person.

I’ll attend Cornell University and plan to major in electrical and computer engineering.

Ms. Reuter’s freshman English class challenged me the most. As an international student who started studying abroad freshman year, I found it difficult to adjust my way of thinking and comprehend different kinds of literary terms in English. I used to spend an extra 20 to 30 minutes every day after school discussing grammar and literature questions with Ms. Reuter for almost a semester. She was always so helpful, and her class definitely prepared me for future Honors classes.

For 10 years before high school, I used to be one of the most talkative kids in my class.

The opportunities and perspectives that Thayer gave me are unparalleled. At Thayer, I can find a home for all my passions, from playing the piano in the instrumental ensemble to dancing to participating in Mathlete competitions to debating in Model UN. Thayer gave me the platform to continue everything I love and explore my previously unexplored interests. Thayer also taught me to never let a single factor determine who I am and be open to all the possibilities.

Shawshank Redemption. Two of my favorite quotes from that movie are “Hope is a good thing, and no good thing ever dies” and “Some birds are not meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright.”

Ms. Woods helped me so much along the college counseling process. We worked together to come up with a reasonable college list that fits my personality and passions. Whenever I had a question, whether it was about applying to a school or editing my college application essays, Ms. Woods always got back to me right away. She also encouraged me to believe in myself, which I think is the most important thing.

My mom inspires me. She is the most compassionate and powerful woman I know. She always brings unique insights to my life, lets me do what I love regardless of what others think, and inspires me to take an extra step. She also has the cutest and funniest GIFs, so texting her is a lot of fun.

When I first arrived at Thayer freshman year, my first class was French 2H with Mr. Rooney. Even though I had passed the placement exam before I came, as I stepped into that classroom, I understood absolutely nothing Mr. Rooney said. I went to him after class and told him I might need to drop, but he said he had taken a look at my placement exam and that I should be able to join the class. He asked me to try for another week. During that week, as I adjusted more to life and academic studies, I became more comfortable learning in French and felt more confident. My French skills increased a lot that year through oral presentations and writing assignments. 

Chicken patty. No doubt.

There was an activity my freshman year that asked everyone in the class to anonymously write some nice words to describe other people in the class. Teachers printed those words and handed them out to each person. I still have that piece of paper in my wallet today because it reminds me of all the wonderful and nice things in the world.