On home…

I was born and grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York. I am an only child and don’t have any pets, but I used to have two bunnies named Lola and Blossom who (fun fact) ran away on Easter. 

My dad is a very outgoing, spontaneous person, and I definitely think growing up watching him interact with people (often strangers) and find common ground shaped who I am. He is also very multifaceted and explores all different kinds of hobbies and interests. My mom is incredibly thoughtful and very organized. She’s a very logical person, and so I think I really have the best of both worlds with my parents. They have been the most important influence in cultivating my work ethic, core values, and mindset towards life.

 

On Emma…

This is a hard question to answer because I owe so much to Emma. I definitely would not be the person I am today if I hadn’t come here. Having lived in the area my whole life, I had family friends who came to Emma, but didn’t really think about applying until 8th grade. The first time I officially visited campus, at an Envision Emma event, was after I received my acceptance. Besides seeing the spectacular campus, I felt instantly comfortable and at home, especially because Emma is an all-girls institution. 

A big part of our school’s culture is learning not to take things too seriously, in the best way possible. The community makes you feel supported, even the members who you might not know very well. It’s just welcoming for everyone, and this helped push me to take risks and explore opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise pursued. I discovered my interests in physics, choreography, and community involvement because I felt comfortable enough to try new things at Emma.

Aside from the history and traditions of our school, the people really do make the place. Being able to become friends with people with such different experiences and backgrounds from my own has broadened my worldview and taught me a lot. I have also had so many encouraging teachers and academic advisors who have shaped my growth. I feel like even when the school day is over, when I’m at Emma, I’m always learning.

 

On ballet…

I am most passionate about ballet. Every element of it—the movement, the music, the history, the costumes, the aesthetics—it's all so captivating. 

My mom told me that she registered me for “creative movement” when I was three because I was a very energetic kid. As a young girl, the stereotypical elements of ballet were what got me hooked. It all seemed very magical. As I’ve grown up with the art form, my understanding of ballet’s nuances and depth has also extended. I’ve started to pay more attention to details and technicality and begun learning about ballet’s history and the stories it tells.

I’m the biggest fan of the New York City Ballet (NYCB). Definitely one of my favorite topics to talk about. The company’s dancers and repertoire are sublime, and its history is fascinating. I actually got to dance with the NYCB at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center one summer, and my family has befriended Chun Wai Chan, one of the company’s principal dancers, so I’m very lucky to have gotten to converse with and learn from world-class dancers who are such hard workers and are so dedicated to their craft. I see a lot of that through my peers at Emma as well, in all of their passions.

I’m currently enrolled in the Emma Artists choreography program, which has helped me facilitate my growth as a dancer as well as a choreographer and performer. I choreographed my first work last year as a sophomore, and got to work with one of my friends, Iris C. ’27. Learning to create my own pieces has been challenging but rewarding. This year I’m hoping to extend my choreography beyond strict, technical classical ballet and into more fluid, natural movement. It’s very gratifying to just see where my mind takes me!

 

On sign language…

I’d love to learn sign language. My best friend Hannah from Saratoga’s mom is a sign language interpreter, and Hannah taught me the alphabet in American Sign Language (ASL). I think the way that people communicate is so cool, whether that be through art, or language, and in this case, it’s entirely through movement, which makes it even cooler.

 

On Revels and Ring Siblings…

Revels is great without fail, but I’ve always been a big fan of the Ring Sibling tradition. It has elements of friendship, surprise, and playfulness, while still being very historical and momentous. Ring Week and getting dressed up by my older ring sisters was so exciting, and it definitely felt like a rite of passage before Ring Dinner. I’m very lucky to have this special bond with three amazing seniors. Knowing each of them has taught me many life lessons–they’re awesome and effortlessly inspiring.