I’ve attended Thayer since sixth grade, and what makes it unique is the community feel. At Thayer, life isn’t a competition. Your teachers and peers genuinely want you to succeed and will always be there to help you along your way. 

Next year I plan to attend Tulane University in New Orleans to study political science and music. 

I was really challenged by my AP Language and Composition class during my junior year. I love English, but this class was a deep dive into different texts and prose that I wasn’t used to. However, Ms. Hayman made the class something I wanted to keep coming back to. She taught me an important lesson in persistence, and I learned a tremendous amount about writing and analysis which have extended into all parts of my learning. 

I know all the best hide-and-seek spots in the Main building. 

Thayer has taught me about collaboration. It’s important to work as a team and not just rely on yourself. Collaboration can introduce you to new ideas you would have never come up with on your own.  

I am inspired by Ms. Gately. She has a tough job around campus, but she is always there to listen to her students and provide perspective even when she has had the longest day. She is also an incredible educator. I had her for AP Government this year, and while the subject could be challenging and at times polarizing, this was my favorite class. She created an atmosphere of respect but also a space for us to debate and fully investigate different ideas. 

In general, Thayer Academy teachers are extremely supportive. However, I remember in English class when we were working on the personal essay assignment; mine was very personal, and I was struggling with how to get my thoughts on paper. Three other girls and I had similar subject matter, so Ms. Hayman organized an out-of-class writing group. Not only did this group help me to write a well developed paper, but I also became extremely close with those girls, thanks to Ms. Hayman. 

I am an only child, so my Mom and I really had no idea what to expect when it came to the college process. The College Counseling center helped me find some direction in what I was looking for in a college. 

Nothing will ever beat Super Bowl lunch. Ever. 

It’s important to take life day by day. Sometimes you have a bad day, but hopefully you have more good days. During times like this spring, perspective is everything, and taking it day by day and searching for the good moments can get you through tough times. 

My favorite memory of Thayer would be a couple of days before my AP Government midterm. A few friends and I were studying in the Brickyard late, and it was just great to be together. While we were trying to stay focused, we ended up having great conversations about our time at Thayer. It has become one of my favorite memories at Thayer because, although we were at school at 8 p.m., no one wanted to leave. It was at that moment I realized what a second home Thayer had become for me. 

Thayer as a community is best defined as a place to grow. High school, in general, is definitely a time where tremendous growth occurs, but Thayer provides a supportive environment for that growth. There are so many activities, classes, and extracurriculars for you to discover your interests. Also, the people, teachers, and students want to support you in that growth and are always there for those hard conversations or just to chat.