Thayer is unique because of its extra-help culture. Coming from a public school, one of the biggest things that shocked me was how normalized extra help is. Teachers expect students to meet with them outside of class and are always extremely flexible to make sure no one is left behind. This fostered strong student-teacher relationships — another thing unique to Thayer.

I’ll study political science with a minor in mathematics at Boston College. I chose political science because I’ve always had an interest in current events and want to help uplift the communities around me. I chose to minor in mathematics because of the amazing math teachers I’ve had at Thayer who have helped me to love a subject I used to not enjoy.

Linear Algebra and Proof with Mr. Forrest.

I love to draw! After a long week, my favorite way to decompress is sketching.

Thayer has taught me to ask questions when I’m confused and to speak up on what I’m passionate about. When I first came to Thayer, I preferred to sit in the back of the classroom and not participate. However, each of my teachers pushed me out of my comfort zone and fostered a collaborative environment until I wasn’t afraid to join in.

The Sound of Music.

At the beginning of AP Calculus with Mr. Cedrone, I was terrified of raising my hand because I didn’t know anyone in my class and didn’t want to call attention to myself. Because of this, Mr. Cedrone made a point of calling on me for every single question in the first semester. He forced me to come to class prepared and always be ready for a cold call, a skill that’s stuck with me beyond his classroom.

I had a very unusual college search experience, one which resulted in having to write and edit 16 college applications over Winter Recess. Once, I sent Mrs. Woods a draft of my supplemental essays on Christmas Eve, not expecting a response until after the holiday had finished. To my surprise, I woke up on Christmas morning to her having thoroughly edited everything. Thanks, Mrs. Woods. I couldn’t have done it without you.

My classmates! Everyone I’ve met is hardworking, dedicated, and extremely nice. They push me to work harder and appreciate how far I’ve come.

Winning Winter Wars this February. Any student at Thayer knows that the Class of 2025 has an unusually bad record when it comes to Winter Wars (placing last multiple times). When the seniors finally won, the energy was electric! It’s a memory I’ll cherish for years to come.

“Crazy in Love” by Beyonce.

No one at Thayer ever doubts you if you have big goals or aspirations. Instead, they work their hardest to get you there. I’ll always be grateful for Thayer’s dedication to helping their students achieve what seems impossible.

The costume contest every Halloween — no one’s afraid to dress up! I’ll miss every connection I’ve made at Thayer most. From sitting with my friends on the Teardrop during a free period to meeting with a teacher for extra help, I’ve formed lifelong relationships with people who I’ll miss endlessly when I go to college.