Hometown: Lexington, MA

Groton activities: afterschool art, peer tutoring, peer counseling, diversity & inclusion prefect, The Grotonian, The Circle Voice, Acolyte head, Philosophy Club head 

Most surprising when you first arrived at Groton: I was most surprised by the teachers when I first arrived at Groton. Their passion not only about their subject but about helping their students discover that same passion for themselves was inspiring. When I came to Groton, I had a staunch dislike for mathematics, but through my Fifth Form math teacher’s encouragement, I began to recontextualize how I saw STEM within what I knew and loved best—the humanities. Now I can say that I am as much a student of STEM as I am a student of the humanities, and I believe I am not alone in this experience. At Groton, teachers make a point to emphasize the ultimate lesson, which is that learning is a lifelong endeavor and not a means to an end. 

Favorite class: The class I have enjoyed the most was my fourth form World History class with Mr. Spierer. Each day, we would begin our lesson with a current event that related in some way to 15th century mercantilism, or to the battle of Verdun, etc. I soon discovered just how interconnected history really was, and just how lively a seemingly boring textbook could become when it was taught by Mr. Spierer. I remember walking out of that class each time galvanized by the history I had just learned, often discussing it down the hall with my classmates on my way to lunch or wherever else. 

Most memorable Groton moment: By far and away, my most memorable moments at Groton have been those late-late night common room conversations. Every Groton student can relate to procrastinating work to kick back and watch a sports game with your roommate or simply sharing a few good laughs at the end of a hearty day. 

Favorite Dining Hall food: Key lime pie 

Favorite place to study: Physics room with the boys