What makes Thayer unique is its consistent commitment to supporting students and its culture of “looking after one another.” Having been a student at Thayer since 6th grade, I’ve found that in my seven years here the faculty are always looking out for your best interest and your personal success. They are eager to find time to help you master your skills in the classroom and support you emotionally when high school takes a toll mentally. I admire the culture of “looking after one another” that emanates through Thayer as seen through all the holding of doors, the assemblies celebrating students, and the dedicated advisory time.

I intend to study political science at Columbia University. My work in OMEGA inspired me to pursue a life of social justice and leadership founded in equity and diversity. I hope to one day practice civil rights law.

Intro to Programming. I took the class to see if I was interested in the field of computer science and to simply try something new. I learned very quickly that it was not a field I was particularly “good” at or took an interest in, but I’m glad I stuck with it because it taught me that it’s never a waste of time to try something new even if you don’t end up liking it. It’s so important to put yourself in spaces where you can potentially foster a new passion!

I get nervous, and I don’t have it all figured out. I think a lot of my peers think that I’m fearless every time I speak to the school or step into roles of leadership, or that I have everything figured out all the time. Every time I hear those comments, I laugh aloud because this couldn’t be further from the truth! The phrase “fake it ‘till you make it” is so true and simply tapping into a mindset of self-confidence can take you so far!

Thayer, being such a small community in terms of numbers, has built my confidence as a student as well as helped me to develop my identity and character, so that when I enter a much larger community like college — where I may not be as easily recognized among a big sea of students — I will always remember who I am and the assets I bring to any community.

In the Heights!

I will never forget our Coffeehouse for the reading of our personal essays in AP English Language and Composition during junior year. I’m so grateful that Ms. Hayman gave us the space to share some of our deepest truths in the 218 classroom. I feel forever bonded to the group of students in that class.

My sister, Aimee Matos ‘20, who actually participated in these same Senior Profiles a few years back, is my biggest inspiration! She left such a strong legacy at Thayer from her performances on the stage, her running of TA Outfits of the Day, her role as a senior peer advisor, and, most importantly, her kindness. When I arrived in the Upper School, everyone already had faith in me because of the positive impression she left upon so many. That has motivated me to reflect that same spirit and always be remembered as someone who was kind.

My last theater performance, the closing night of Mamma Mia!. Since sixth grade, during every musical I sat in awe of the student performers and absolutely fell in love with every show. So on our final bow on the closing night of Mamma Mia!, it really hit me that I was at the very end of that chapter of my life. I will forever miss that production as well as that community at Thayer.

“Crazy in Love” by Beyonce and Jay-Z … classic.

My peers, teachers, college counselors, and mentors here at Thayer have supported me by pushing me to my greatest potential. With every achievement I’ve accomplished at Thayer as well as my acceptance into my dream university, there have been countless people who empowered me to strive for that greatness.

The Senior Walk. After three years of being the one who cheers on the seniors, I participated in the walk this spring and simply loved it. Either role is an amazing opportunity to embrace, in a spirit of community, students who will be leaving Thayer soon. And as a senior, as you walk past familiar faces of students and faculty, you remember all that went into you finally being able to wear “that” college sweatshirt. That reminder of who got you to where you are today grounded me in so much gratitude.