Name: Maya

Graduation Year: 2028

Middle School: The Dorris-Eaton School

Hometown: Piedmont

Campus Involvement: I’m involved in tennis, the Muslim Student Association, Puzzling & Tea, the South Asian Alliance, and the Coalition for Coexistence. I’m also in my second year as an ambassador, a part of the debate team and a mentor for the Partners program. Being involved in these different groups has helped me meet new people, build connections, and become a more active part of the school community.

Why did you choose College Prep? I chose College Prep for many reasons, but the main one was how diverse and welcoming the community felt. I never felt like I had to have a certain set of talents or fit into a specific type of person to belong. When I looked at the community as a whole, I saw so many different talents and strengths, but individually, every person was unique and special in their own way and in their own field. This sense of individuality, while still being part of such a welcoming community, ultimately led me to choose College Prep.

What is the biggest difference between middle school and high school? I think the biggest difference between middle school and high school is the amount of independence and responsibility you have. You have more freedom to make your own decisions and manage your time, but you never feel like you’re completely on your own. There is still a strong support system around you, which gives you the freedom to grow while knowing there are always people there to help.

What advice would you give to 8th graders applying to high school? My biggest advice to 8th graders thinking about high school is to not feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. High school is a new opportunity to grow, explore different interests, and step outside of your comfort zone, so be open to trying things you may not have considered before. Getting involved in clubs, sports, or activities that genuinely interest you can also help you meet new people, make great friends, and discover things you’re passionate about.

 

Most importantly, don’t lose sight of who you are. It can be easy to compare yourself to other people, especially when everyone seems to have different interests and goals, but there is no right timeline for figuring things out. Focus on what makes you feel excited and motivated, and give yourself the space to grow into the person you want to become.

What has been your favorite class so far (and why)? My favorite class so far has been chemistry because I love how much creativity and imagination it involves, especially when thinking about structures and how different things interact. We also do a lot of really cool demonstrations, like elephant toothpaste, which makes the class even more fun and engaging.