Maddy

Biggest difference between middle school and high school: I speak fondly of my middle school, but it was a very different place from Prep. It had no grades (just written reports), and except for math, only a few tests. College Prep was obviously a big shift for me. However, it turned out not to be a hard transition at all. I found that, in many ways, I was actually less stressed here than I was in middle school!

Why I chose College Prep: Honestly, I can say it wasn't just for the academics, though that was a huge factor. I chose College Prep because of how enjoyable the classes were when I visited, in addition to the fact I took a liking to its amazing arts programs.

Why I'm glad I chose College Prep: I can come right out and say that I was that awkward, nerdy kid in middle school who really didn't talk to very many people (Oh, the social aspects of middle school, how I do not miss thee!). When I came here, I found that I finally had other nerd companions where, instead of trying to hide my fantastic nerdy passions, I could finally share them and have others... umm...be companion nerds! It's one of the most satisfying things ever, actually -- and once you're here, I can assure you that you won't need to worry about 'fitting in' or all that other stuff you probably had to put up with in middle school.

Favorite place on campus: I love the gym deck! One can usually find me there, even if it's raining. I think it's how sunny and fantastic it is over there. Also, I think the freshman English room is a superbly fantastic place (as it's always warm/cool in there, depending on one's temperature needs).

Campus involvement: I'm in drama, and boy is it amazing. The rest of the cast was extremely welcoming and it helped me get to know a lot of amazing people -- in the first play of the year, watching the cast come together just as the show did as well is one of my favorite experiences here at College Prep. I also took Drawing & Design during my first year, and it was fantastic seeing all the finished works while hanging finished pieces for the art show. Really, the arts here are fantastic in that one gets to meet and bond with a lot of people as well as see masterpieces come out of it, which is completely exhilarating.

Favorite class: Tough call. I think History and English are tied for first place. History is great, and although we have to take copious notes, my teacher (Mr. Paige) made learning about the world both hilarious and incredibly interesting. In English, we always had food and a conversation that was relaxed, fun, yet still relevant to the topic at hand. Also, my teachers all have a sense of humor! What made both classes really great was that we were able to cut loose and joke around while still learning a great deal.

Favorite thing about College Prep: My favorite thing is just how happy and cozy the place is! I couldn't describe it any better than that, it's just the overall feeling that the school possesses. Also, knowing that one's companions are all there to support you during times of stress -- the camaraderie is amazing here!

Coolest (spring/summer/winter) break experience: Snow Trip! Well, it wasn't quite break, but it was one amazing time. I fell down a lot skiing, but it was still one of the best ski trips I've ever taken (and I just adore snow/winter, so that was a plus as well). The last day was just a lazy day for myself and the rest of my cabin group, and some others -- we just ran around, threw snowballs, and generally had a blast. 

Favorite character from a movie/book/television series: Rob Anybody, a diminutive, blue, kilt-wearing feegle from Terry Pratchett's Wee Free Men books. Feegles are somewhat reminiscent of angry Scottish Smurfs.