I think it really is the people and how much everybody loves the school that makes Thayer so unique. There’s always people hanging out on the Teardrop and in the buildings when we don’t actually have to be there, which just shows how much everybody really likes being at Thayer.

I intend to double-major in math and computer science at the University of Virginia. To me, math has always been the most interesting subject, and, beginning sophomore year, the computer science program at Thayer has made me love that, too.

My most challenging class at Thayer was Mr. Forrest’s Precalculus Honors that I took junior year. I’d walk into class every single day anxious that he was going to pull out a pop quiz.

Most people probably don’t know that I dyed some of my hair pink in fifth grade. It also took a lot longer to wash out than I had expected.

Thayer has made me a lot better at managing my time and asking for help when I need it. Because we have free periods during school, I’ve been able to learn how to use that time to either get work done or just to take a break in the middle of the day. Also, almost every teacher makes themselves available for extra help whenever they have free time. This has really helped me be comfortable going and getting help from a teacher, even for small questions.

10 Things I Hate About You! I love literally everything about it — the music, the characters, the story — and I think I’ve watched it over 15 times.

The first really hard class I took was Algebra II Honors freshman year. I remember after our very first test, I walked out with tears in my eyes and learned a couple days later that I’d gotten a C-. However, throughout the year, I actually understood what we were learning, all thanks to Mr. Keough’s extra-help sessions. Sometimes I’d go to them just to get out of study hall and be able to hang out with Mr. Keough and my friends from the class. Most of the time, though, I’d go into the session confused and come out actually understanding the material. Mr. Keough’s constant extra help my freshman year is a big reason why I find math so interesting and why I want to study it in college.

I really loved how thorough my college counselor was. I could send her multiple essays for just one supplemental question, and she would help me choose which one best fit the question and my application. She would also help me revise the final option to submit.

My best friends inspire me the most. Ever since eighth grade I’ve been so lucky to have most of my classes with at least one of them. They always try their hardest, which makes me want to as well, and they’re always there to support me when I need it. They are just such amazing people, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.

My favorite memory is each spring when it gets nice outside and my friends and I can just sit on the Teardrop. I love it because there’s always so many people outside playing Spikeball or just hanging out. It’s so fun to just be there with so much of the school. 

My walk-up song would probably be “I Love it” by Charli XCX and Icona Pop because I always get so excited when that song starts playing.

I really love how everybody at Thayer is so supportive of each other. It’s always been so easy to find somebody, whether that be another kid or a teacher, who wants to help when I’m confused. I’m especially thankful for the support of my female math and computer science teachers because they’ve never let me doubt my abilities even when I really struggle.

My favorite Thayer tradition is the last week of school for the seniors. It’s been so fun over the past four years seeing the different themes and the dogs and the activities on the Teardrop that the different graduating classes do. I’m going to miss how unified the school feels, especially on weeks like that or during Winter Wars.