Catherine: Ninth Grade

List of 8 items.

• What is your favorite subject?

  I like world history because I am able to write many analytical papers. I enjoy reading topics,  expressing my own opinion, and supporting and providing counter-arguments.

• Tell us about an Upper School assignment (or two) that you've enjoyed.

  One of my favorite projects this year was a presentation in French, titled “quand j'étais petite”, or “when I was little”. I really liked how I was able to practice a new grammar tense while also sharing a little bit about me to my class.
  
  Another one of my favorites was the “Chapel Talk” project in religion. I found this project to be particularly interesting just because of how in-depth I could take a single passage from the Bible. My passage was only about 12 lines, however, I was able to make it into an eight-minute “chapel talk”. I also liked how I could relate the lessons of the passage I chose to everyday life.

• Which course has challenged you the most?

  Going into freshman year, I had the impression that physics would be my hardest class. And while it has been a course that has challenged me, it also showed me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

• Are you in any clubs at SSSAS?

  I am in the Best Buddies Club. This is a club that partners kids (like me) with buddies who are special needs. I joined this club because I really enjoyed working with the special needs kids through the Special Olympics program in eighth grade.

• Tell us about a service project at SSSAS that has given you a new perspective.

  While in the Lower School, my class and I went to the local nursing home. Some of the residents were not well, but they were all very happy to see the students when we came to visit. As a fifth grader, I did not know what to expect. However, this visit gave me a new perspective on the elderly as I was thoroughly surprised to see just how happy and friendly they were despite all that they were going through.  

• What sports have you played in ninth grade?

  In my ninth grade year, I played field hockey, ran winter track, and played lacrosse. Lacrosse is my main sport, and out of the three I participated in this year, it was definitely my favorite. I really enjoyed track as well. It, being an individual sport really made me test myself. I was able to push myself, not just physically, but also mentally.

• What part of our mission speaks directly to you?

  Our school mission statement, “goodness as well as knowledge” really speaks to me. With everyone’s rigorous and demanding schedules it is important to remember that kindness matters. I find the above statement to be particularly great because the school puts the word goodness in front of the word knowledge. This is not a coincidence, as it is just that, one should be recognized for their character before they are recognized by their academic or athletic achievements.

• What life skills have you been taught at SSSAS?

  While at SSSAS, I have learned time management and responsibility. With my demanding schedule of athletics on top of academics, I had to learn very quickly how to better manage my time so I could do my best both on and off the athletic field. The Middle and Upper School teachers are here to guide you, not to hold your hand every step of the way. When challenged, it’s up to me to get the help I need. I believe these “life skills” will serve me well in college and beyond.