Zebra Tales
2022-23
Arjun '24
Hometown: Newtown, Pennsylvania
Groton activities: Debating Society, Circle Voice columnist, John Jay Society head, Young Republicans head, lacrosse
Most surprising when you first arrived at Groton: The pieces of history sprinkled throughout the Circle were an incredible sight to me when I first stepped on campus. I was especially in awe of the Schoolhouse’s collection of presidential letters, many of which are dated from well over a century ago.
Favorite class: My World and the West (world history) class has often been the highlight of my day. Although learning such a vast topic in less than a year can initially seem daunting, Ms. Lamont’s engaging discussions and her fascinating tidbits of historical insight have made for an awesome learning experience. The course also enabled me to gain a significantly more sophisticated and in-depth understanding of the world around me.
Most memorable Groton moment: My first morning Chapel felt surreal—everything from Mr. Moriarty's organ playing to the stained glass windows created a truly breathtaking scene.
Favorite Dining Hall food: Cheesecake! There’s no feeling quite like the elation of coming into the Dining Hall after a long day and seeing these simple but tasty confections resting on a platter.
Favorite place to study: It is in the cozy, quiet environment of the McCormick Library that I do some of my best work; plus, it’s also stocked with chess boards and countless magazine subscriptions if I ever need a study break!
List of 5 news stories.
-
A Busy, Bipartisan Winter
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so,” claims Hamlet, in Act II of what is arguably Shakespeare’s best-written work. I've learned to approach winters at Groton with this mentality: though the unforgiving chills of New England winters are a formidable foe, these months also bring some of the most cherished moments of the year.Read More -
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
I’ve long admired much of the Founding Fathers’ legacies – they were talented policymakers, brilliant orators, and shrewd statesmen. I will never, however, be able to reconcile with their decision in 1800 to snatch the American capital away from Philadelphia. With all due respect, their choice demonstrates exceedingly poor judgement, and taints my view of them. I simply cannot fathom a single arena in which Washington, D.C. surpasses Philly! I suppose the cherry blossoms are nice to look at in the spring, but I can only imagine how much more productive the government would be if lawmakers were breaking bread over a platter of sizzling cheesesteaks…Read More -
Arguably an Awesome Time
I fiddle with my tie briefly and reach for the bottle of water to soothe my voice, hoarse from hours on end of speaking. Darting my eyes across the ideas scribbled on the paper in front of me, I am bewildered by the prospect of converting this incoherent scramble into a logically sound, eight-minute speech within the next few seconds—the content of which I’ll probably never remember. Yet, somehow, I’m always able to pull it off. As the opposition finishes their speech, I make eye contact with my partner for a split second and give a reassuring nod before I stand up and button my suit.Read More -
A Moment for Reflection: Visiting Pearl Harbor
I am astonished that, eighty-one years later, the waters at Pearl Harbor continue to glisten with oil seeping from the sunken hull of the USS Arizona. Under the vigilant eye of the Missouri, she, alongside the Utah, rests at the bottom of the harbor with the thousands of crewmen lost on December 7th, 1941—when the U.S was “suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan,” as declared by President D. Franklin Roosevelt (Groton Form of 1900) in his “Day of Infamy” speech.Read More -
Courtside Seats & My Summer at the DA's Office
Read MoreThis summer I had the privilege of interning for Bucks County (PA) District Attorney Matt Weintraub. While
gaining a more nuanced understanding of law enforcement and legal operations, it was also a valuable
opportunity to connect with my local community and better understand its strengths and areas of
difficulty.
