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Meet Liza N. ’24 from Western Ukraine. Hear from Liza, in her own words, about her journey from Novovolynsk to Troy, Computational Chemistry, and exploring the ski slopes of the Northeast. 

On Home…

I am from Novovolynsk, a small town located in Western Ukraine. My family is my parents and my elder brother, Roma. They are my greatest love and support, and I can not wait until spring break to go home and spend time together as we used to. 

On Emma…

I first learned about Emma through Ukraine Global Scholars - a non-profit organization that helps Ukrainian students apply to boarding schools and colleges all over the world. The first thing that captured my attention about Emma was the limitless power of girls. In my previous school, I was one of the small number of girls who decided to join the Robotics club or Physics team. But here, my life changed, as now I am surrounded by inspiring young women who are unstoppable in front of their goals. For me, a supportive community is what makes Emma special.

On Chemistry…

From the time I was little, I remember imagining myself as a scientist working in a lab. I dreamed of going to school and discovering the mystery of science, but it appeared that studying chemistry in my school was not that magical, but limited to relearning the book. I tried to find different ways to learn Chemistry through experiments. For that purpose, I organized a Crystal Appreciators Club, where my friends and I had fun growing different shapes of crystals. Studying at Emma opened new opportunities for me to discover the magic of Chemistry. The classes here are focused on experiential learning and understanding the process. Also, for my Signature project, I decided to study a new branch of science - Computational Chemistry*. I can say for sure that my experience at Emma will help me to accomplish my childhood dreams of becoming a scientist. 

*Computational chemistry is a branch of chemistry that uses computer simulation to assist in solving complex chemical problems.

On Ping-Pong and Skiing…

The whole last summer I spent playing Ping pong with my dad. I am happy that in Emma, I found many students that share this passion with me. Now, when we all play ping pong together, I feel so glad to relax after school and travel back home in my mind. 

Also, during Thanksgiving break, I went to the Killington World cup (ski) race and was so impressed by the competition that I decided to learn how to ski during the winter. I can not wait till the new semester to try my new hobby and have fun skiing with my friends. 

On Traditions…

It is my first year at Emma, but I have already enjoyed a lot of traditions. One of my favorites so far is Emmaween. It is so exciting to meet all the students and teachers in crazy costumes. Also, the whole day is full of fun - a special dinner, a Haunted house, and a lot of trick-or-treating!

Thanks, Liza, for sharing your passions and contributing to the Emma Willard School community in unique and significant ways. We look forward to seeing the impact you will have as you continue to serve and shape our world!

Our One of 360 series continues this month with Mehar S. ’24, a junior day student. Read on to learn more about Mehar’s Emma experience and her love of music and writing.

On Home…

Hi, I’m Mehar, a day student from East Greenbush, New York, a small, rather uneventful town. I have lived in East Greenbush my whole life with my amazing parents and adorable, mischievous two dogs. I’ve always gotten along well with my parents, partially because I think I am almost a 50/50 split of both of them. We always joke around and spend time together, and as an only child, they’re who I often go to for advice or when I’m bored. My dogs, Pari and Buffy, are 13 years apart and can’t seem to stop trying to jump on each other, but I love them both, and playing with or spending time with them after a long day is always nice.  

On Emma... 

When I was younger, my dad told me he wanted me to attend Emma, and once I entered middle school, I realized that I wanted to come to Emma, too. So when I got in and knew I was able to attend, the decision was simple for me. The community and atmosphere is unlike any other school I have been to, and the friends and teachers I have made relationships with are some of my strongest. I love the independence that this school offers, as well. I can take a walk in the Back 40 whenever I want or hang out with my friends in the Student Center. Even when I was a new freshman and struggling to find company in the midst of the pandemic, I never felt truly lonely. Walking on campus as the sun set over the buildings, vultures cawing in the distance, I felt at ease rather than feeling alone. I have participated in a range of classes covering different subjects, but I think some of my favorites are Advanced Studies Biology, Anatomy and Kinesiology, and Media Arts. I am very passionate about biological sciences, and I found that both of the above classes and teachers really nurtured my understanding of the topics while still making it enjoyable. I started taking photography more seriously after coming to Emma, and with the help of Ms. Valites, was able to really grow my passion and skill for digital photography and media arts, creating pieces I would have never imagined myself being able to make. 

On Music and Writing…

Some of the things I am most passionate about are music and writing. I started singing in the Gurdwara, or Sikh place of worship, when I was three years old and later picked up the harmonium and taus, two instruments, as well. At the Gurdwara, I sing musical hymns on the instruments, and I’ve always enjoyed participating in this. Recently, I have started learning a third instrument, the tabla, which is a percussion instrument that accompanies the others, and I have wanted to play for years. At Emma, I’m able to participate in the Emma Artists program as well, where I can gain advice from peers and perform on my instruments. Other than singing, listening to and finding new music in general is one of my favorite things, and I can often be found with my headphones on. 

I also enjoy reading and writing, especially poetry and creative writing. I started writing at a young age, and was supported by teachers in previous schools and Emma, where I have been able to gain help from teachers and even other students. 

Both of these activities really help me to destress and focus on something else when I’m overwhelmed, and I really value them in life.

On Ceramics…

One activity that I wish I could explore more would be ceramics. I remember playing with clay during preschool or digging in my yard for clay dirt and making bowls or other trinkets out of it, but I never got the chance to really learn how to make pottery. Emma has a ceramics class that my dad, who used to do pottery in the past, encouraged me to take part in, but I was unable to due to my schedule. However, in the future, I hope to learn how to make my own pottery on the wheel. For now, looking at the art displays of pinch-pots and bowls in the Slocum hallway will suffice.  

On Emma Traditions…

Though it’s hard to pick a favorite tradition at Emma, like most students I think mine would be Revels or May Day. The energy and excitement in the air leading up to Revels is always something that I look forward to, and finally being able to see the seniors’ parts, dress up, and hear the deafening screaming the night of is exhilarating. May Day, on the other hand, feels a bit more relaxed, but always puts a smile on my face to enjoy the warm weather as campus opens up and the flowers bloom again. Watching the ninth graders perform the Maypole dance and the other students bathing in the spring weather is something I love.
 

Thanks, Mehar, for sharing your passions and contributing to the Emma Willard School community in unique and significant ways. We look forward to seeing the impact you will have as you serve and shape our world!