“Friends’ commitment to the humanities and rigor in its curriculum taught me how to engage with literature, classical language, and history in ways most students today are not encouraged to. The freedom to explore humanities gave me the confidence to pursue a career as a writer and photographer, regardless of the other paths I could have taken.”
What is your fondest memory from your time at Friends Seminary?
My fondest memories at Friends Seminary were my time on the debate team. Senior year I captained the team with Julia Bloch ‘22, who is still a great friend of mine. My senior year was conducted over Zoom, and when I would run debate tournaments, I would often still be doing my makeup on the call while giving a pep talk to my team and setting up logistics, etc. I remember the freshmen girls asking about what products I was using intermediately with questions about the tournament. Those team Zoom calls were such a joyous place where debate really was both an academic activity and a community of friends.
When was the last time you were at Friends and what was the reason for your visit?
I can’t remember exactly when I was last at Friends; a couple years ago now. My brother, Jonah '26 must have had an event I was there for. I ran into Leana Phipps in the hallway, and we both cried a little when I told her that I’m an English major. I was struggling with dyslexia in her Middle School classroom, and I actually kind of hated English. But I loved her.
Briefly describe your transition from FS to Tufts, how do you feel you were prepared?
One of the things you often hear when you’re preparing for college is, “professors will not be so forgiving.” The truth I learned is that the relationships you form with teachers, bosses, mentors, and even parents are the ones you need to assert. I was a student who always ended up doing well, but sometimes handed in a paper late. Like many other students, I was dealing with a lot at home. Friends couples its demanding nature with an emphasis on community building that cultivated a necessity for authenticity among the students. It isn’t made to be shameful to struggle with your workload at Friends, as everyone knows how intense it can be. It’s not that you can just complain about being sad and get a pass on your work. Rather, your honesty is met with more honesty: Kate Olson is a perfect example. She taught me that if I can’t finish an essay on time, take a little longer, then hand in what you have. And if it’s awful, it doesn’t matter. It’s an essay. She’ll tell you it's bad, and it won’t matter. You will improve in your next week’s paper. The knowledge that I should just try again pushed me to form not only a strong work ethic, but a strong self of confidence surrounding my work. I produced so much work at Friends. I don’t remember which papers I thought wouldn’t succeed. I do remember knowing that I could walk into the English office and talk my paper through, demonstrating my abilities as a student through my actions as well as my assignments. In college, that confidence has allowed me to form relationships with professors when many other students don’t care to. And yes, when I am sad, I do get an extension on my paper. Truthfully, they are even more forgiving in college. And yes, classes at Friends are harder. I was prepared academically to the furthest extent, but on a deeper level, I was taught to be confident in my work no matter the grade. Friends showed me that the world is rough, so just assert yourself and your needs in it, rather than viewing your vulnerability as a weakness.
What are some of your favorite courses that you've taken at Tufts?
Feminist Science Fiction. Hitchcock. Chaucer (yes, seriously). Creative Writing: Poetry. Publishing Now: Zines and Artist Publications. But the opportunity to write an honors thesis in English my senior year has allowed me the most freedom to pursue my academic interests.
You will be graduating in May, what are your post graduate plans?
I will be attending an MFA Photography program while doing freelance writing and production work. I will be working on my photography book called Storyville Strippers that documents the burlesque and drag performance scene in New Orleans, as well as continuing my current studio projects.
As you reflect on your time as a Grade 12 student at Friends, what advice would you give to our current students looking to find a summer internship?
Obviously apply to everywhere you can, talk to advisors at school, and do all the traditional work. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for advice––or to shadow someone at work. I made sure to talk to all my friends’ parents, and my parents’ friends, who did work I was interested in. Having as many conversations as you can about your aspirations will not only clarify your ideas, but open up more opportunities.
Lastly, how do you keep in touch with the Friends Seminary community?
I am still very close with many friends of mine from Friends Seminary. We still read each other’s papers. We go to the same restaurants in the East Village to catch up over break. Over the years, the relationships have changed; some friendships grew apart, some friends I’ve reconnected with that I hadn’t been close with since 9th grade.
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