Meher

Graduation Year: 2017
Middle School: Dorris-Eaton
Home Town: Walnut Creek

Biggest difference between middle school and high school: The biggest difference between middle school and high school for me is trust. In previous years, one was constantly being monitored for wrongdoings. For example, no electronics were allowed because they could be potential distractions. In high school, students want to learn and no one is forcing anyone to do anything. Therefore, attending school daily becomes more of a new adventure everyday rather than a boring obligation.

Why I chose College Prep: I chose College Prep for what it is. A school, a family, a connected group of curious individuals, a community -- whatever it is was appealing to me. When I was in the waiting room for my interview, I was quite nervous. However, the second I saw my interviewer my stomach stopped doing gymnastics. She had a friendly smile on her face, and I was surprised because after all, this was a formal interview. Later on I realized it wasn't just about a list of questions to ask me on a sheet of paper, but she was truly trying to get to know me. I felt comfortable with this community. In addition to this, the stellar academics, arts, sports, etc. at CPS also didn't hurt :)

Why I'm glad I chose College Prep: I am so glad I chose College Prep because everything I had hoped for and heard about was a reality. I got more than what I was initially expecting, which was even crazier. The teachers are straight-out fantastic. I usually dislike these generalizations, but every single teacher I have is engaging, kind-hearted, and knowledgeable. Not to mention they all have quirky personalities. For example, my math teacher can make alien noises and my English teacher wore a colorful vest from Brazil! These may seem like trivial things, but sometimes it's all it takes to energize and add fun to a class.

Favorite place on campus: The vending machines. I found yogurt, seaweed, granola bars, and refreshing orange juice in the machines!

Campus involvement: I am taking beginning dance this year and have never danced before. Two weeks into this course, I already feel like a professional. My skill is definitely not professional, but the environment makes me feel like my presence is truly valued. I have signed up for a few interesting clubs and played soccer in the spring.

Favorite class: Physics. This really shocked me, because in middle school I did not like physics at all. In fact, science was my least favorite subject. This year, the multiple class projects help me understand the concepts while having fun instead of monotonously doing exercises in a textbook.

Favorite thing about College Prep: The students. The generosity and sincerity of my peers is heart-warming. One day, I forgot my phone at school. A classmate found it and gave it to the main office. Another classmate picked it up from the main office, charged it at home and brought it to me the next morning. I had nothing to worry about since my friends had my back.

Favorite College Prep memory: Although I have not been at College Prep very long, I have already formed some great memories. My favorite one would have to be when my cabin at freshmen retreat used a disco light phone app to have an impromptu dance party.

Coolest (spring/summer/winter) break experience: My favorite winter break experience was releasing baby turtles into the Pacific Ocean in Mexico. They had just hatched and were a species close to endangerment, so we gave them a head start on the long journey they had ahead of them. The baby turtles I helped will most likely end up living longer than I will. Whether I am helping the next generation of humans or sea creatures, I am glad to be a part of something this spectacular.

Favorite character from a movie/book/television series: Melanie Hamilton in Gone With the Wind. Physically, she is weak and quite delicate. Mentally, she is strong and has trained herself to be solely positive to benefit others. She focuses on the best personality traits of everyone and admires them.

Three unusual things about myself:

In Costa Rica, I hand fed bananas to wild spider monkeys.
On a trip to the Pantanal, I held a live piranha and accidentally dropped it into our boat!
I have an obsession with tree climbing.

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Meher

The College Preparatory School

mens conscia recti