Editor’s Note: This article was also published in the Benet Herald 2024 Graduation Edition.
How did you develop your strong work ethic?
I honestly just think that it’s a part of my personality. I was always brought up to never settle for anything less than my best effort. This combined with my perfectionism, oftentimes more of a curse than a blessing, allowed me to approach every assignment with the same reverence and effort.
Benet Academy is full of smart students, what did you do to set yourself apart?
I never let the numbers define me. I made sure to never focus on or source my motivation from my GPA or my grades.
Rather, I made sure that my work in each assignment was something I was proud of. Otherwise, I wasn’t really afforded a lot of time to work on homework during the school week, so I tried my best to work ahead as much as possible. This allowed me to use my weekdays to study without spending time on busywork.
What are your college plans? Where are you going, and what are you studying?
I will be attending Northwestern University in the fall, and I plan on pursuing a double major in Neuroscience and French!
What advice do you have for future Benet Academy students?
Find balance! It is so easy to lose yourself in your studies, but it is once you find a happy medium that you are truly able to thrive. Be mindful of your future without losing the value in the present moment. Also, just trust in the process – I know how overwhelming every aspect of high school can get, but just remember that there is a higher purpose. Trust yourself and never forget that everything will always work out!
If you could have a Benet Academy do over, what would you do differently?
I honestly don’t think I would do anything differently. Every experience, good or bad, has led me to where I am today, and I can be nothing but grateful for that.
Who would you like to thank for influencing, motivating, or supporting you?
I would like to thank my family, especially Mama, Tata, and Alex, for investing in my education, as well as pushing me to always put my best foot forward. I would not be even close to where I am today without your unconditional love and support. Thank you for giving me the world (and for also introducing me to the classic movie While You Were Sleeping)! Additionally, I would like to thank all of my friends and teammates who have made my high school experience so memorable. I am so incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such a loving and supportive community of people. Each and every one of you has spoiled me with your kindness and has shown me what true friendship is. Thank you for the gift of you!
Who are your role models?
Apart from the countless role models that I am lucky enough to be surrounded by in my life, I am really inspired by the writing of Dolly Alderton and the work of Emma Watson. I look up to these two women because they are able to be confident without losing sight of the dignity of the other. Their work, especially in discussing the role women play in society, has reminded me that confidence is never synonymous with arrogance, but is rather a steadfast belief in oneself and what one stands for. I constantly strive 1 embody their humility and grace.
What would you like the Benet Academy community to know about you? What would surprise people about you? Any hidden talents or aspirations?
This isn’t a talent, but I would love to use this question: talk about a cause that I am incredibly passionate about. Over the last three years, I’ve developed a strong relationship with Metropolitan Family Shelter Services, a non-profit organization supporting survivors of domestic violence. I’ve come to love volunteering at Treasure House, a local thrift store whose proceeds go to support the organization as well as my time spent teaching Pilates at the local MFSS shelter. MFSS provides everything from legal advocacy, childcare services, and mental health resources for those who have been let down by those they trust most, and it has become my passion to help them in any way possible amidst cuts in federal and state funding. It is truly a humbling and powerful thing to align myself with a cause that is much more prevalent than it appears. Please consider supporting MFSS in any way possible and also remember to always lead with empathy!
What is your favorite Benet Academy memory? What event or moment will you take away?
By far my favorite Benet Academy memory would be the Logos retreat. It was such an amazing opportunity to get to know those who you haven’t been able to have class with in your time at Benet. Everyone on the retreat is there for a reason, and it was an excellent reminder to me that I am never alone in my struggles. I highly recommend that everyone go on this retreat, and while I can’t say much about it, (trust me, I was annoyed that no one would tell me anything about it too) it is a great opportunity to reconnect with yourself before heading off to college.
