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Alumna Spotlight: Shreya Shekhar’s Journey from BISV to Berkeley Haas and Greylock

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BISV Alumna, Shreya Shekhar. Photo: Greylock Partners

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we take great pride in seeing our alumni go on to thrive at top universities and in their chosen careers. One shining example is Shreya Shekhar, a BISV alumna who has already made her mark as a partner at Greylock Partners, one of the world’s leading venture capital firms.

Recently, Shreya was featured in Berkeley Haas News, where she shared her journey from an AI-obsessed high school student to a leader investing in the next generation of artificial intelligence startups. In the article, Shreya reflects on how her curiosity about AI began right here at BISV, where she read Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom in her AP Lang class and explored the bigger questions about technology, humanity, and the future.

Her story highlights what makes the BISV experience unique: our students are challenged to think critically, explore bold ideas, and pursue passions that will shape their future long before they step foot on a college campus. Shreya’s path—earning dual degrees in electrical engineering & computer science and business at UC Berkeley, founding startups, and now guiding entrepreneurs as a VC partner—demonstrates the confidence, intellectual curiosity, and drive that BISV strives to nurture in every student.

We are proud to see Shreya carrying forward the spirit of BISV into her work at Berkeley and beyond. Her journey is a testament to the foundation our school provides in preparing students not just for college, but for leadership and innovation in the real world.

Read the full Berkeley Haas News feature on Shreya’s story here: Berkeley Haas News – Shreya Shekhar

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

The Alumni Voice: Sean P., Class of 2021

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Sean P. graduated from BASIS Independent McLean in 2021. He recently graduated from Brown University. In early July, he sat down for an interview with Dr. Hight, our Student Advancement Manager, to discuss his experience at Brown, his time at BASIS Independent McLean, and what’s next for him.

Dr. Hight: You recently graduated from Brown University. Congratulations! What was your favorite thing about college?

Sean: Oh my God… Nothing in high school could have really prepared me for what college is like. It’s so great. Like when they say it’s the best four years of her life, I really do think it is if you make the most of it. Over the past four years, being able to connect with various faculty through research or academics, and being able to meet so many different people from different backgrounds, whether that be through club sports or through clubs or even, meeting someone through another friend at an event. That was so much fun, just building your network and seeing what all these amazing people are pursuing and being able to celebrate their highs and all of that.

Dr. Hight: What did you like about Brown in particular?

Sean: I think the open curriculum suited me really well. Even though my undergrad major was very, very STEM-based, I was able to pursue so many of the other classes and disciplines that I was interested in just because we had no requirements. So I explored psychology very thoroughly. I explored architecture. I explored some history. That was really rewarding. And I got to meet people from other colleges because Brown is near Boston, and so we do like a lot of networking events with other schools in Boston, Harvard in particular. And there are the big games where Brown and Harvard go against each other.  It was just so, so much fun.

Dr. Hight: How was the transition from high school, academically?

Sean: I will say, and I’ve told this to other BIM faculty, that the BIM curriculum prepares you very well for the rigor that is to come in college. I was really nervous entering my first college class as a freshman, not knowing what to expect, but then I end up realizing that the workload and what was expected of me was pretty similar to what I already experienced in high school and so a lot of the adjusting in college was more social and being away from home rather than an academic adjustment.

Dr. Hight: Is there anything about your experience at BIM that you found particularly helpful when you got to college?

Sean: You know, it’s crazy to say this, but the CJ that we had. I think people found that really dumb in high school when I was there, but it’s crazy how organized you have to be in college. You are on your own. There’s no one telling you like what to do, when to do it. You’re getting thrown all these assignments and midterm dates and final dates that are all different by class, and you’re the one responsible for getting those done on time. Also, I think that the capstone classes that we get to take as seniors were really helpful for college. APs are great, and the content tested on the AP exams is very similar to what you’re going to get into a college introduction class, but those capstone classes were more reflective of the classes that I had in college. I think the assignments that I had in my capstone classes, whether that be writing a paper or in a science class presenting a poster, those are things that you would find in college as well. So having those assignments and having done them already in high school really helped prepare me for college.

Dr. Hight: If you had one piece of advice for BIM high school students before they go to college, what would it be?

Sean: I think the most important thing academically, socially, and even clubs as well, is just to be open-minded. Don’t lock yourself in a box and say I’m gonna go down this route or pursue this major. I didn’t really go into college thinking that I wanted to pursue psychology, and then I took a psychology class my freshman year and ended up taking five different psychology classes by the time I graduated, even though I wasn’t a psych major. With clubs, too, when you go to the activities fair, it’s really easy to kind of go to the clubs for things you’ve done before, but trying clubs you might not have your eye on in the beginning, learning what they’re about, going to the first meeting: it’s a great way to meet new people and to just try new things. And that’s the best part about college, I think: discovering a new subject you like or finding new people and becoming friends with them out of a shared new hobby.

Dr. Hight: Let’s take a walk down memory lane. When you think about your time at BASIS Independent McLean, what do you think of? Do you have any particular memories connected to the school?

Sean: I was at BIM when it was still relatively a new school, and so we were kind of adjusting and learning and going through that with everyone in my grade that was just such a memorable experience. I think the class size being small was really helpful. I think my class was like thirty or forty kids, and because it was so small, we kind of all went through it together. It kind of baffles me when I talk with my college friends and they say they’re no longer close with anyone from high school. For me, that’s the opposite case. I still talk every day to some kids from high school, and when I come back home, we study together, we work together, we do things together, and so it’s really that tight knit community that is fostered at BIM and makes me nostalgic about it.

Dr. Hight: Let’s look forward a bit. What are you up to next?

Sean: I’m going to London to get my master’s in public health at Imperial College London, so I’ll be in the heart of the city.

Dr. Hight: That sounds amazing! Why London?

Sean: When it came to schools that I could have chosen for my master’s, I applied to schools abroad, and the reason being was as a pre-med student, it’s really hard to study abroad during your time in undergrad. I ultimately decided to pursue my master’s abroad so I can grow my knowledge of the world and experience different cultures.

Dr. Hight: You’ll be in London, do you have a favorite Premier League team?

Sean: I’m a huge Arsenal fan.

Dr. Hight: Nice. I’m a Fulham fan… But back to you: what comes after the master’s degree? Do you have a vision for where you see yourself in ten years?

Sean: Ultimately, I want to practice medicine.With my master’s, I want to learn the skills that go into pursuing a successful clinical research study, like learning how to deal with public health studies and how to deal with them on a population-based level. I’m hoping that I learn about how other countries tackle health, how the US could also learn from that, and hopefully I have a global perspective on health that I can bring to my experience as a doctor. I plan to go to medical school in the US. In ten years, I’ll probably be in my residency, practicing whatever specialty I choose. Hopefully, I’ll already be designing my own clinical research studies so that by the time I become a physician, I can just kind of roll it out and can somehow contribute to science, because that’s the ultimate goal for me.

Dr. Hight: That sound amazing, Sean. Thank you so much for your time. It was great catching up with you. Good luck in London and keep us posted!

The Alumni Voice is a blog series that explores the post-high school experience for our BIM graduates. We believe that a lasting partnership with our alumni is integral to the continued success and growth of our community. Stay tuned for our next blog of the series, coming up soon!

Meet the Winner of the 2024 Fellows Scholarship for Excellence in Senior Projects! 

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To kick off a new year of Senior Projects, we are sharing a conversation with the inspiring winner of the 2024 Fellows Scholarship, a $10,000 prize awarded to one project per year. Max Polosky, a Class of 2024 graduate of BASIS Independent Silicon Valley (BISV) and current Northwestern University student, impressed our committee with his project titled “Industry-Standard Characterization of Coconut Shell Ash’s Viability as a Supplementary Cementitious Material to Reduce CO2 Emissions”

The Senior Project is an independent, student-led culmination of our high school experience. After three years of academic preparation, our seniors are ready to spend the last trimester of their high school careers applying the skills and knowledge they have gained to develop a project that is insightful, academically rigorous, and professional in nature. 

Our seniors start by designing a research question that is often centered on a subject they are passionate about or curious about. Then they embark on a journey to answer it, documenting and analyzing their findings as they go. They partner with both an internal and external advisor to support and guide their research. Students may choose to conduct their research in the form of internships or experimental research at university research labs, field work abroad, or research conducted remotely from home. From explorations into new-age technology to cutting-edge medical advancements to social justice, the Senior Project offers students the opportunity to channel their innate curiosity. This experience readies them for the type of self-direction and self-discipline expected in an undergraduate and graduate setting. 

Max sat down with Mr. Michael Mandeville, Curriculum Development Specialist for BASIS Independent Schools, to discuss his revolutionary project, his BISV experience, and the impact of his research. 

Mr. Mandeville: Welcome Max, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. And first off, I want to say congratulations again! And I heard that you found out about winning the Fellows Scholarship the same day that you found out you scored a 5 on AP Calculus. Is that right? 

Max P: Yep, it was a great day for me and my parents. 

Mr. Mandeville: Well, congratulations, that is fantastic. Reading your blog was really amazing, and one of the things that stood out to me was the inspiration of growing up internationally and seeing these big construction projects in the cities where you lived. You also mentioned having a head start on your Senior Project, because you’ve been interested in sustainable concrete for a few years now. With these inspirations spanning back to childhood, my first question is: Did you have other ideas for your Senior project, or did you go into senior year knowing that this was the project you wanted to focus on? 

Max P: I was always pretty interested in architecture and design. Since middle school, I’ve always enjoyed drawing buildings. So that got me interested in civil engineering and building materials. I had been doing some research about concrete since at least the summer before grade 12, and doing experiments whose results didn’t turn out exactly as I wanted them to– there were mysteries in the air. I did have some other ideas for things I could do, because there were interdisciplinary concepts I was interested in. But I learned a lot from the two chemistry Capstone courses I took in my senior year, and it related to my major, Environmental Science. By Trimester 3, I felt prepared for my project, so I definitely wanted to get back in there and continue working on what I had started. 

Mr. Mandeville: And you wrote about your involvement with the Aspiring Scholars Directed Research Program (ASDRP), which you joined in grade 10. How did that come about, and is that where you remember this project beginning for you? 

Max P: I would say that there are multiple ways to view the beginning of my project, but ASDRP was where I got into concrete specifically. I had been doing summer camps and various structured programs forever. And I felt like I wanted to do something more self-driven, more independent, instead of just, going to camp and doing what I was told to. Actually, that year I was accepted into one of the Stanford summer camps as well, along with ASDRP. And I don’t know if it was the correct decision, but it was the decision that I wanted to do research, you know, something more independent.  

I went in not really knowing what to expect, because I didn’t really have experience with this level of research, and I thought it was just a college thing. But they did a good job of introducing resources and advisors with different areas of interest. And, so then I found the person who would become my external Senior Project Advisor through that process. 

Mr. Mandeville: Do you have any advice for students who are interested in getting involved in something like that? 

Max P: There are really all kinds of options, of course, and I think I tried, or I participated in many of the different options. There are more and more of these different kinds of programs that connect you with industry professionals or professors who are willing to help high schoolers. I’ve also seen a lot of different high school and even middle school research journals. Of course, you have to apply to those. And then the other option, which I also did was doing independent research, which is more flexible because you can cater to your own interest, but it also depends on what you want to do. 

Of course, if you’re doing something like math or computer science-related, something that doesn’t need physical equipment as much, it’s probably easier to do that kind of thing remotely or at school. Doing a physical project like mine independently is a bit more difficult. I was cold calling, emailing a whole bunch of different organizations like professors at Santa Clara University, that kind of thing. Actually, I had a good number of replies. I was able to talk to some professors and learn some cool things, but couldn’t find anyone with the time and equipment to help. And then I ended up as a desperate attempt just visiting CEMEX, which has a facility like 15 minutes from our house, and we just kind of walked in there one day. It was kind of weird because they had trucks moving around, they were pouring stuff everywhere, and there was a sign that said “Restricted Area” so I wasn’t even sure if we could go in there. But my dad was like, “We have to at least try.” So, we went in and said we have this project that we want to do, and we need test equipment and someone to help out. And they actually connected us with the people I am still working with for my Senior Project. And it just kind of worked out like that. So, if you’re doing independent research, I guess there’s a lot more reaching out in that kind of thing, but a lot more flexibility as well. My recommendation is to be prepared for rejection, but also be prepared to learn a lot. Be flexible and eventually you find opportunities. 

Mr. Mandeville: And that leads me to my next question, because that’s another thing that stood out to me in your blog was the initiative that you took and the cold calling. That is an experience that I think even adults can struggle with, and I think that can be a major block for people, because you’re really putting yourself out there. And you mentioned hearing “No” a lot, or you’re finding a lot of dead ends out there. So, for students who may be facing a similar thing in their Senior Project, or any project, how did you deal with that? Was there ever a point where you thought, “Man, this is not working?”. 

Max P: The first thing that probably anyone would tell you about Senior Projects or research projects in general is to leave more time to start early, definitely. Don’t think, “Oh I have a whole senior year to do this.” It’s good to start thinking about it beforehand. Start taking stock of your interests early on, and then you can at least start getting in contact with people who have expertise and can advise you. Of course, everyone is busy, and also, they have their own things in their life, they’re working on, and they’re researching. So, of course, it’s going to be difficult. 

In that aspect, my dad really helped out a lot there, because he’s always really willing to go and talk to random people. That really encouraged me to also go out there and talk to people. No one’s going to be condescending and purposefully unhelpful or mean. So often, which actually happened to me with the CEMEX, is that people will suggest things and kind of get you on the right path over time. So, you may start out confused, not knowing where to look, but eventually, you’ll start to zero in on what you need to look for. So, you have to keep going at it. 

Listen to what the people you’re talking to are saying and see if there’s something that’s related. They’ll suggest things that are maybe similar if there’s nothing exactly the same as what you want at first. Nothing’s ever going to be as you want it. It’s important to have that flexibility to change your plan. As always, I guess that’s the name of the game in research, right? If everything went just really simply down the path, where would the fun be? 

Mr. Mandeville: And on the note of plans, did you have your BASIS Independent faculty Senior Project advisor in mind from the beginning? What was important to you in choosing the internal advisor for your project? 

Max P. Yes, I had a general idea that I wanted somebody with whom I had classes with before and had a connection with, ideally. Just because you know how that teacher operates, and they also know you and so it’s easier to get started with a collaboration, if you’ve already collaborated in the classroom environment before. 

So, I started there. And then the project being chemistry, and environmental based, I was looking in that region. I was lucky enough to be able to take two Capstones my senior year, Inorganic Chemistry with Dr. Bozidarevic (affectionally known at BISV as “Dr. B”), and also the Industrial Chemistry course with Dr. Davies. 

Dr. B and I interacted very closely in Inorganic Chemistry, because it was a class of six people that year. It turned out to be a really good thing, because, we already understood each other, we joked around every now and then. I think on my senior project presentation, I was introduced as the biggest complainer Dr. B ever had, but also someone who would turn up and get 100 on all the tests anyway. So, you know, we had this kind of banter and closeness from that class. I guess in general, just because of circumstance, a lot of the options will kind of get narrowed down already. And then it’s just going for whose specialty aligns. And actually Dr. B. did suggest that I talk to Dr. Davies every now and then just for some advice, because she had the industry experience with concrete already. So yeah, all the teachers have different kinds of expertise and backgrounds. And some of them might even have interests that you didn’t even know about. It’s just about asking them, just like looking at research in college, it’s okay to talk to different teachers. You don’t have to limit yourself to one immediately. Because of course, they also want a project that kind of fits with how they work. So, it’s never a bad thing to talk to different advisors and kind of weigh your options. 

Mr. Mandeville: That’s great. And in your project, you faced a lot of challenges. Was there an aspect that you found most challenging or most frustrating as you were going through it? 

Max P: Yeah, with concrete, it just takes time, because concrete turns hard, technically, after 24 hours, it’s hard to the touch. But the curing process literally never ends. The hydration and environmental interactions and chemical changes within the concrete mixture pretty much continue forever. And that’s a big thing in the concrete industry: a lifetime analysis of concrete and how it changes from one day, 10 days, two weeks, years, that kind of thing. And so that was a really big thing, I had to get my schedule written out really early on for when I was going to do the tests. And then when I could get the results from that test, and inform another different test I was going to do. Because the curing time of concrete from the standard, one to 28 days, or even 56 days, that’s half the senior project time of the third trimester. And so, just waiting for that was definitely a challenge. I remember, I was actually doing tests a day before the presentation, and making graphs and results to put on my presentation the night before. But that the long curing times also gave me a lot of time in between, so I could work on the more interdisciplinary aspects with doing my research online. So, it was a challenge, but it was also something I used to my advantage. 

Mr. Mandeville: And speaking of the time that it required, I’m curious to know—if you had a full year to work on it or more time to develop it. What aspect of the project would you have wanted to explore more? 

Max P: I guess, technically, I did get even more than a year to work on it. But, of course, there’s always time constraints. If I had more time, I’d like to look at my project over a longer period, because concrete does tend to change even more over time. I think this time, my tests were 28 days, but you know, 56 days and beyond, would be great. And also analyzing the carbon dioxide reabsorption of the of the concrete variation I made over months or even years, although I think there are ways to use like a special kind of carbonation chamber, kind of like a soda water machine to concentrate the carbon dioxide in the air, therefore, more quickly showing the reabsorption potential of the concrete. 

That would be something I would like to do. Because recently, I was looking at professors at my university, Northwestern, and seeing if there’s any related labs going on, related to concrete, and I was talking to one of the retired professors actually, and they were telling me about this work they were doing with biochar and carbon reabsorption. And how adding a little bit of certain materials can dramatically increase this carbon reabsorption, therefore, making the lifetime emissions of that concrete much lower. And biochar is burnt organic material, which is similar to what I was using. So, I would be interested to see if the carbon reabsorption would be affected by adding what I’m using as well. 

And then, another thing was that there are just a ton of different mysteries that popped up, especially near the end with the tests I was doing in the school lab, where there was unexpected, chemicals precipitating out when I was doing the acid tests, depending on the concentration and that kind of thing. And I hadn’t really had the time to analyze what was happening there. But, of course, there is potential there for being able to separate out the carbon from the useful chemicals we want. So that’s definitely an exciting thing to look at, especially because most of the different kind of biomaterial based supplementary cementitious materials that exist right now to replace cement require some sort of burning to reduce carbon content, and that limits their carbon effectiveness to a certain point. So being able to isolate the chemicals we want from the carbon without burning, of course, would be a super big innovation. So that’s something worth looking into as well. 

Mr. Mandeville: Reading your blog was very engaging—you have all of this technical knowledge, and yet you were able to relate it to familiar things and meet your audience where they were. Did that come naturally to you? Or was that something you worked with advisors as you wrote it? 

Max P: I guess it’s kind of an environmental science, environmental advocacy skill. I’ve been working with adults and children in the community for the last few years, with a nonprofit organization that I founded. Because of course, climate change, recycling, all these other things can be really complicated for someone who’s busy, or someone who’s young. And so it’s important to communicate these complex ideas, which are also very interdisciplinary. Making things concise and also easy to remember is one of the key jobs of doing environmental advocacy. 

I gave a lot of presentations, at various charity concerts, at my old elementary school, and you don’t really have forever to go into all the details. But getting the message across and getting some key data points across is the most important to do. And so, I’ve had a lot of experience distilling the essence of what I want to talk about, and so that came into form when I was making my presentation, just because, my environmental advocacy experience, and also having done so many of these kinds of presentations before about concrete as well. I’ve done at least two poster sessions, two online presentations, and also just spoke to a lot of people about it. From that I was kind of able to gauge what people understand more, what people don’t understand, and then go forward with that, and create something concise, but also meaningful. 

Mr. Mandeville: We talked about some of the challenges you face. Alternatively, what were your favorite aspects of it? Was there a favorite part of the project? 

I mean, of course I love my entire project, because it is my project. It’s kind of a part of me. But I guess, there were some special events that were within my project like getting to go to the various concrete facilities, cement facilities, to see the people and look at the tests being done. I remember, it was actually the summer before my senior project, but I remember my first time going to CEMEX quality control lab—kind of an industrial laboratory in Livermore, which was quite a long drive, but going there we deposited the coconut shell ash. 

They had a whole system already devised for testing this kind of thing, because the concrete industry has been around for so long, and it’s gained this really good efficiency. So, they had a whole team there. And the morning we went back, they got started at 7:30 AM helping to make the mixes. I think they made 36 different-sized cylinders plus some shrinkage mold tests. They made a whole bunch of those of three different variations of the concrete in, I want to say like half an hour, but they worked amazingly, as a team, getting all these different tests done on the fresh concrete while also making it. And also, following the rigorous procedures that the industry has. And it was really amazing to see how the industry actually works, and the efficiency that’s required, because I was also making my own concrete mixes later, during Senior Project at school. And it would take me two to three hours to do one ice cube tray worth of concrete. It really amazes me how good they are at what they do. And then of course, I also got to go to the Forterra Lab and they also had a bunch of cool things going on, because they’re more on the experimental side with the sustainable concrete. And they have a bunch of cool pictures on the walls of micro scale images of the types of concrete they’re making. And they also have a bunch of cool machinery. And because it was a smaller scale, I got to get involved, putting some small concrete cubes in one of their compression test machines. I guess I didn’t get to go many times, just because, you know, concrete takes a long time to cure, but it was always a treat, going to see how things actually work and how the professionals do it. 

Mr. Mandeville: Another thing that really stood out to me was how you highlighted so many interdisciplinary aspects of your project. You tied a lot of that to your experience at BISV. Could you give a few of those aspects?  You talked about the chemistry, the physics, the economics, the geography. 

Max P: Yes, so with BISV, I really enjoyed being able to take high-level, advanced courses in all these different aspects. And I think looking back on it, I really enjoyed having that course load. And also, having some of the choices between the different sciences and the different histories. I guess one thing that was especially on my mind while I was doing the interdisciplinary part of the project was Mr. Meyerowitz’s Colonial and Post-Colonial course. In that class, we talked a lot about the political balances that exist in the world in the past and present. And then also, during our debates, we were free to look at all different aspects of certain issues. I sometimes raised the environmental aspect, and it made it so there was more freedom to explore, like project-style, what you personally wanted to look at. 

And with that, I also got a lot of research experience in literature review regarding politics and economics. With those skills, I knew I wanted to use them in my project to look at the economic and geographic concepts. And I could have gone even more in-depth. But then that would probably be multiple different projects at that point. But that was definitely one thing I was keeping in mind. Of course, AP Environmental Science is also just a very interdisciplinary topic in general. There are all kinds of different things going on there, every unit, something new to look at that’s still connected to all the other units as well. So, you know, I was keeping all of these different things in mind. But I feel like in most of the classes I had, there were opportunities for projects where you could kind of tailor it to your own thing. So, I actually already had ideas in my mind from these classes, because I had actually done environmental related interdisciplinary work relating to the class content already. So, that made my job easier, connecting the different dots. 

Mr. Mandeville: I know that sometimes seniors are excited about a project and ultimately choose not to do a project out of a fear of failure—fear that it’s not going to turn out the way they want it to. What advice would you share with those students?  

Max P: I think I heard this a lot during my college application process, and people say this all the time. You know, as you’re going off to college, you kind of have to take the opportunities, you craft the experience. 

My project, you could view it as a “failure” because I didn’t create this all-new concrete that everyone wants. But even so, I think Senior Projects are more about the experience of higher academia, the culmination of knowledge. And so, it’s mostly a good chance to show off what you’ve learned and show off also your individual interests.  

There were so many different passions there. And everybody ended up getting super involved in their own project, of course, because it’s what they want to do. So, what I’d say is, failure is a part of learning. I failed a lot. But I’d say, failing is probably more fun than just succeeding. I mean, if everyone just succeeded all the time, there would be no learning. So, just sticking to it and also showing off what you know is really important for Senior Projects. And definitely thinking about it beforehand also helps alleviate those anxieties. 

Mr. Mandeville: Definitely. Max, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I really appreciate it. Is there anything else you want to share before we cut off? 

Max P: I guess I’ve got to stand up for concrete still. I think people should be more interested in these things in general, which may seem boring from the outside. I talked about this in my last blog post. Just these things that may not have fancy names like quantum or AI. Of course, those are important, but coming back to Earth and dealing with nitty-gritty issues that can help with environmental problems, especially in the short term to meet our climate goals, is really important. More research efforts should definitely be put into these areas. Integrating these with newer technologies like AI prediction is the way forward. It’s always interdisciplinary, combining things. That’s very important because everything’s connected at the end of the day. 

The Alumni Voice: Eric M., Class of 2021

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Eric M., a BIM 2021 graduate, is about to graduate from Duke University in May 2025. Double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, he is known for his amiable energy, humorous personality, and dedication towards his goals. As ambitious about his school academics as he normally is, outside of class, Eric can be found working on personal projects, exercising in the gym, or spending leisure time with friends. For Alumni Voice this month, we had the pleasure of learning some of his acute insights and lasting tips for high school and early college students.

Let’s start with the big one: How did your time at BIM prepare you for college?

Taking difficult classes and accumulating AP credits were crucial, as well as building discipline and a strong work ethic with the learning community at BIM. Classes at college are harder, but by a manageable amount. What is difficult is that they are around five times faster, which can be challenging to manage. Developing the ability to learn during high school is what really matters.

“Developing the ability to learn during high school is what really matters.”

I appreciated the fact that BIM faculty put a lot of attention on their students’ growth. Small class sizes net attention from teachers. As long as you put in the effort to let them know who you are, they are great go-to people for references.

Additionally, there were opportunities to do literally anything from resume-building to personal development by just asking the right person and proposing your request in the right way. At BIM, I have been able to set up projects, events, and executive positions for myself by working with the right staff and going through the logistics with them. Essentially, you can get the right support and propel yourself forward by knowing how to navigate the system.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your high school self and why?

Buy Nvidia stock!

No, I would not do anything different in high school even if I had advice from the future, because everything was part of the process. However, for current high school students, I would say that high school is a very important preparatory period before university, so be active in your community, be consistent, and build a strong resume and academic record. Also, be willing to learn and always be looking for ways to improve yourself personally or professionally. Don’t stop resume building.

At the end, there are no correct answers, so do whatever you think will advance yourself. I will not sugarcoat it—you really do just have to push through it.

Lastly, a few things that can’t be cleanly slotted with a clean transition:

  • Who you know is more important than what you know.
  • Nobody changes the world alone, but no one doesn’t change the world at all.
  • Learn to fit physical exercise into your schedule.

“…high school is a very important preparatory period before university, so be active in your community, be consistent, and build a strong resume and academic record.”

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to work in the Chicago suburbs. I currently don’t have long-term plans solidified as it is too soon and too volatile to know at this time, but I would like to go back to graduate school at some point. I might part-time for an MBA while working. But for now, I’d like to enjoy living and taking a break from school. (except I also just said I want to do more school!)

How did your college experience shape/influence what you want to do now?

I have always been STEM-oriented, and that’s what I chose to do in college. My college experience did not have a large impact on me since I knew what I wanted to do going in. However, a lot of people discover things that change their minds, so I would say, be confident in yourself—be cautiously ambitious.

Also, meeting new people is super important. Find people that make you better.

“…be cautiously ambitious.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share? Any people you want to greet?

Hi everyone :)

Thank you again, Eric, for your humorous and insightful talk on experience! It was a pleasure to interview you, and we wish you all the best in the next chapter of your life post-college!

The Alumni Voice is a blog series that explores the post-high school experience for our BIM graduates. We believe that a lasting partnership with our alumni is integral to the continued success and growth of our community. Stay tuned for our next blog of the series, coming up soon!

The Alumni Voice: Paloma M., Class of 2024

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Each year, teachers and staff at BASIS Independent McLean watch with pride as our graduating class spread their wings, ready to soar in the next chapter of their lives. This month, we are excited to launch a new blog series featuring our alumni, whose diverse experiences in college and beyond showcase what they’ve carved after leaving BIM. First up, we have Paloma M., Class of 2024, whose contributions as an active journalist of the student-run newspaper The BIM Bulletin left a lasting impact on the high school publications program.

Dr. Pittman, the lead teacher of the Journalism class and founding faculty advisor of The BIM Bulletin, provides her reflections on Paloma:

“For BIM Bulletin, Paloma reported stories about policies affecting students in high school and served as a managing editor, tirelessly reading each reporter’s contributions and offering feedback on their ideas. She also developed excellent skills in navigating the website platform, providing the newspaper staff with technical support.

“In order to establish the library for the Upper School, Paloma coordinated meetings with school leadership to discuss the mission, developed the circulation platform and the volunteer system, and spearheaded the collections and the catalogue system used to track book circulation.

“Paloma’s contributions were integral to the growth and development of these two institutions in the high school program.”

Building on her passion for reporting and writing, Paloma is now pursuing a double major in Journalism and Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Pennsylvania State University. Below, Paloma shares insights about her college experience and how her time at BIM influenced her journey after graduation.

What do you love most about your college (Penn State)?

The opportunities! There is just so much happening all the time that you can get involved in, especially at such a big school like Penn State. It feels like it doesn’t matter how niche your hobbies are, someone will want to do them with you, and everyone just wants to hang out and make connections!

How did your time at BIM prepare you for college life? Is there anything you wish you’d been better prepared for?

BIM helped me figure out what study strategies worked and how to manage my time earlier than many of my college classmates, and it was a lifesaver in many ways. While most freshmen around me struggled to manage their time during their first semester, I was breezing through it and signing up for clubs, making sure to explore what I wanted to do. I would say that being away from my old BIM friends was initially challenging. However, when I realized I needed to adapt to a new social circle, I quickly opened myself up to more opportunities to make friends.

What’s been the best part of living in your dorm or on your own? Share your experience!

I live in a double dorm with one other person. I would say, generally, living in a dorm is fun! All of my friends live with me, and it makes things like hanging out so much easier! Roommate troubles can be complicated, though, and my best advice when running into that is to just go with your gut.

Have you participated in any internships, research, or other professional activities? Tell us about them!

I’m involved in the Daily Collegian, Penn State’s independently run student paper, and TEDxPSU, Penn State’s TEDx event! I’m a news reporter for the Collegian, which means a lot of running around campus for random updates. However, it’s always fun to meet people and attend events I would otherwise not have access to! TEDxPSU is also fun since I do both media and speaker prep for them. In other words, I publish social media posts, and I have an assigned speaker whose speech I help develop. I love connecting with speakers who come with unique backgrounds, voices, and personalities and working side by side with students who have the same passions as me!

What advice would you give to current BIM students?

Go with the flow! College is about figuring things out, so stop worrying about being perfect and just let yourself explore whatever you feel comfortable with! Make new friends, join new clubs, figure out your passions, change your major twenty-five different times (true story: someone at Penn State did this), mess up and learn, and then mess up again because humans aren’t perfect, but we’ll always learn and evolve. Just go for it!

A special thank you to Paloma for sharing her insights into college life after BASIS Independent McLean!

The Alumni Voice is a blog series that explores the post-high school experience for our BIM graduates. We believe that a lasting partnership with our alumni is integral to the continued success and growth of our community. Stay tuned for our next blog of the series, coming up soon!

The Alumni Voice: Stephanie C., Class of 2020

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This month we had the chance to interview Stephanie C., a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduate from the class of 2020. During her four years at BISV, she actively engaged in extracurriculars including Leadership Club, Neuroscience Club, and Biology Olympiad. Stephanie is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania and majoring in Neuroscience. Here’s what she had to say about college life after high school:

In what ways did BISV prepare you for college?

The AP courses gave me a strong foundation to do well in my introduction to science college courses. The study habits I developed during high school were also very important for succeeding in my classes. The close teacher interactions that I had at BISV made it easier for me to approach my college professors, ask questions, and participate in class. The research experience I gained from my Senior Project has been very useful when joining university labs. I had the tools needed to succeed and I felt well-prepared going into college.

What professional activities have you engaged in outside the classroom (for example, internships, research, co-ops, etc.)?

This past summer, I was doing research at a Harvard Medical School lab in the Immunology department. My project worked with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mice, and we are trying to see if/how a specific inflammatory cytokine may be contributing to disease pathogenesis. I have also engaged in clinical volunteering in the Emergency Department of the Penn Presbyterian Hospital.

Describe your experience living on your own. (Have you gotten along with your roommates? How are the dorms? Have you moved off campus?)

The dorms at Penn are pretty nice. I have lived in a suite-style dorm for both my freshman and sophomore years. Having a kitchen made things very convenient and I enjoyed cooking for myself and having the independence of living alone. My building stands at 25 floors tall and I like to study while enjoying the view from the rooftop lounge. Next year, I will be living in an off-campus studio, but the building is still pretty close to campus. Most of my peers are also moving off campus for their third year.

What has been your most exciting experience/happiest memory from college life thus far?

College has been filled with thrilling moments, but the ones etched in my memory are the adventures shared with my close friends at Penn. I have enjoyed every moment, from traveling to different states like New York/Florida over break to celebrating birthdays, thrifting, and grabbing dinners together. I think during high school I was more focused on studying and extracurriculars and didn’t have as much time to plan fun things with friends or travel. However, during college, I am really happy with the opportunity to socialize more and create meaningful memories.

A special thank you to Stephanie for sharing her insight into college life after BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.

The Alumni Voice is a blog series that dives into college life after high school for our BISV graduates. We strive to create lasting partnerships with our alumni and strongly believe that “once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!” Stay tuned for the continuation of the series with graduate Caleb W., Class of 2019.

The Alumni Voice: Anna S., Class of 2021

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This month we had the chance to interview Anna S., a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduate from the class of 2021. While attending BISV, Anna found interest in cheerleading. As a cheerleader, she loved bringing energy and enthusiasm to our athletic events, rallying both the team and the spectators with her school spirit. Beyond her involvement in cheerleading, Anna was also a proud member of the Leadership Club, where she exhibited strong leadership skills and a passion for positively impacting her peers. Anna is currently attending Boston University (BS/MD Program) and majoring in Medical Science. Here’s what she had to say about college life after high school:

What are some of the things that you love/appreciate about your college?

One of the things that stands out to me is the vibrant college culture that is found on every corner of the campus. From spirited athletic events to engaging clubs and organizations, there is a sense of enthusiasm and pride among the students. There are many activities available, from cultural festivals to art exhibits and live performances, that keep me constantly engaged and inspired. I just love the sense of camaraderie that comes with living in a large college town.

The wide range of extracurricular activities that my college offers allows me to pursue my passions outside of the classroom. Equally important are the people I have encountered on campus, from professors who challenge and inspire me to fellow students who share my drive for academic excellence. The academic rigor at my college pushes me to strive for personal and intellectual growth. From the people to the events, Boston is filled with enthusiasm and character that I can never get tired of.

In what ways did BISV prepare you for college?

The BISV curriculum, with its rigorous academic standards and diverse range of subjects, equipped me with the necessary knowledge and skills I needed to excel in my college courses. The supportive environment fostered by teachers and staff truly made a difference. I enjoyed being able to approach my teachers not only as authority figures but also as mentors, seeking their guidance and support whenever needed. Also, the freedom to choose my curriculum path at BISV allowed me to explore my interests and dive deeper into subjects that captivated me. I can truly say that the academically challenging nature of the school pushed me to strive for excellence and instilled a strong work ethic in me that proved invaluable in my college years.

What professional activities have you engaged in outside the classroom (for example, internships, research, co-ops, etc.)?

Throughout the school year, my school workload leaves me with limited time to engage in extracurricular activities. However, I made the most of my summer breaks by participating in experiences outside of school. In one instance, I had the privilege of working as a student intern at UC San Francisco, where I gained firsthand exposure to the field of healthcare. This opportunity allowed me to further explore my passion for medical research and expand my knowledge in a real-world setting. In another notable endeavor, I served as a research assistant at the Boston University Medical Campus in 2021, contributing to ongoing projects and collaborating with professionals in the field. These experiences beyond the confines of the classroom not only enhanced my understanding of the medical field but also nurtured my personal growth and provided valuable insights that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors.

Describe your experience living on your own. (Have you gotten along with your roommates? How are the dorms? Have you moved off campus?)

Living on my own has taught me to be more responsible. I consider my room to be my sanctuary, and I make a conscious effort to maintain its cleanliness and tidiness. I am incredibly fortunate to have the most amazing roommate, who is sweet, kind, and caring, and I hope that everyone has the privilege of living with such an incredible person in their lifetime. While the freshman dorms may not be the nicest, they’re great for the first year of college life. Looking ahead, I have made the decision to continue residing on-campus throughout my entire undergraduate journey, as I value the convenience and sense of community it provides.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your high school self?

I would simply say, “Anything worth doing, it’s worth doing poorly.” This means that even if a task or endeavor cannot be executed perfectly or with exceptional skill, it is still worth pursuing. I’d like to stress to my younger self the importance of taking action and engaging in meaningful activities, even if the outcome may not be “ideal” or up to high standards. Living by this motto encourages me to overcome the fear of failure or perfectionism and to embrace the process of learning and growth.

A special thank you to Anna for sharing her insight into college life after BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.

The Alumni Voice is a blog series that dives into college life after high school for our BISV graduates. We strive to create lasting partnerships with our alumni and strongly believe that “once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!” Stay tuned for the continuation of the series with graduate Stephanie C., Class of 2020.

The Alumni Voice: Griffin T., Class of 2019

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This month we had the chance to interview Griffin T., a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduate from the class of 2019. While attending BISV, Griffin found interest in Theater and Drama, starring in many school musical productions. He enjoyed dancing hip-hop and had a passion for rock climbing. Griffin is currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison and majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. He still finds joy in rock climbing and has joined the Hoofers Mountaineering Organization at UW-Madison. He plans to compete in the USA Climbing Collegiate Series this summer! Since attending UW-Madison, Griffin has received admittance to a few Ph.D. programs for Materials Science and Engineering- including UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, Penn State, University of Chicago, and Cornell. Here’s what he had to say about college life after high school:

Have you changed your major or transferred to a different university since starting college? If so, what prompted that change? Was there anything challenging/surprising about the process?

Yes! I transferred from Kinesiology to Materials Science & Engineering. A pivotal experience at an art glass workshop inspired me to pursue a degree in MS&E because the science behind the glassblowing process fascinated me. I applied through the College of Engineering (which included a short essay and GPA requirement), and by my second year, I was on track to graduate with a MS&E degree. I felt confident that this was the way forward and I haven’t looked back since.

I would say that the major transfer process went as planned. I was confident that my grades, level of interest, and advice from my engineering advisor would put me through since I had already taken several core STEM courses and proved that I could survive the engineering rigor. The challenging part was knowing whether I would get along with my peers and if I would actually like the subject.

But after my first MS&E class, I realized that I hit the jackpot. Not only did I really like the subject, my classmates, and the small class sizes, I benefitted from the extra career flexibility of an engineering degree. Had I continued with Kinesiology, I would have been overspecialized and stuck in a narrow range of careers that didn’t align with my interests. Although I had a vague idea that an Engineering degree would be more useful than a Kinesiology degree, I didn’t realize how well I would fit into the MS&E program until I experienced it for myself.

Describe your experience living on your own. (Have you gotten along with your roommates? How are the dorms? Have you moved off campus?

Living on my own has been a mixed bag. While I have learned a lot – making food, keeping track of rent, and managing my schedule – the biggest challenge has been finding a stable roommate and living situation. Since starting college, I’ve changed roommates three times. It has not been ideal, but there were some good things that came out of it.

Every person I lived with had wildly different personalities. I learned how crucial it is to compromise and have open communication in order to achieve a great living situation. It also taught me to be more sensitive to others and respect different communication styles.

What has been challenging about college?

The biggest challenge has been finding a work-life balance, because my enthusiasm for my classes and extra responsibilities tend to overshadow my well-being. Last year, I tackled three extra responsibilities (tutoring, being chair of a student org, and being a research assistant) on top of my coursework. I burned out very quickly. Although I loved everything that I did, I didn’t have enough time and energy. Learning to reprioritize has been difficult for me because it means that I have to establish firm and sometimes unfavorable boundaries around the things that are important to me.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your high school self?

Ask more questions about yourself and others! I wish I asked more questions in high school. But because I didn’t, I impinged my personal growth and made some hasty decisions about choosing my major. I know that sometimes it can be difficult to know who, what, and how to ask, but the more you practice with different kinds of people, the better you will be at making informed decisions and having interesting conversations.

For example, if you’re curious about a particular college, ask an undergraduate student. In fact, ask multiple from the same college. When talking to students, find out what are their experiences. Are they well-informed about campus life? Some will have more insightful information about one subject than others, and some are only receptive to specific questions and approaches. Asking questions is a great way to figure this out, and can be extended to many, many other situations.

Anything else you would like to share about your post-high school life?

Attending college has given me the most enriching experiences of my life. I have learned so much personally and academically, and every day I grow closer to the person that I want to be. Four years ago, UW-Madison was my “safety school,” but now it has turned into something much greater because I have been able to capitalize on the resources around me and reflect on my learning experiences. No matter where you go, take what you get and make the most of it!

A special thank you to Griffin for sharing his insight into college life after BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.

The Alumni Voice is a blog series that dives into college life after high school for our BISV graduates. We strive to create lasting partnerships with our alumni and strongly believe that “once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!” Stay tuned for the continuation of the series with graduate Anna S., Class of 2021.

Photos in this blog were personally submitted by Griffin T. and used with his permission

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings.

The Alumni Voice: Vibha G., Class of 2019

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This month we had the chance to interview Vibha G., a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduate from the class of 2019. While attending BISV, Vibha was a phenomenal student who participated in many extracurricular activities such as the Leadership Club, Speech and Debate, and the National Honors Society. She tutored in chemistry and attended summer internships in chemistry research. Vibha is currently attending UCLA and majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. Here’s what she had to say about college life after high school:

What are some of the things that you love/appreciate about your college?

I absolutely love UCLA, and it’s been a dream so far! We have perfect weather, are located ~15 minutes from the beach, delicious dining hall food including farm-fresh avocado toast, and huge gamedays. I once camped out for twelve hours for one of our basketball games. It’s been so much fun going to a bigger school that still prioritizes academics and meeting friends that are passionate about what they do. UCLA has so many resources, and I’ve enjoyed exploring that – I feel like the “work hard, play hard” mentality holds very true here.

Being in LA is also so much fun – I’ve casually run into celebrities at brunch and film screenings happen so often in our Westwood theater right next to where I grocery shop. I love fashion, so it’s also been fun just casually going to the Fashion District, sample-sale shopping for designer brands, and wearing pink cowboy boots like it’s normal.

What have been your experiences with classes, professors, and other resources at your college?

When I came in, I instantly had a number of resources with my Regents Scholarship, including personal faculty mentorship from first the head of the Department of Chemistry, and then later the head of the Department of Microbiology when I transferred majors. I’ve had some larger classes, but overall I’ve loved them – I’ve gotten to take classes in fields I’m heavily interested in and explore other interests outside of my major, including Global Studies and French Cinema.

I’ve gotten to explore my other interests outside of class, where I’m extremely involved in research. I’ve had a great PI who’s heavily mentored me and has been so supportive (including baking a cake for my birthday), and I’ve gotten the opportunity to travel for research conferences and present my work.

Have you changed your major or transferred to a different university since starting college? If so, what prompted that change? Was there anything challenging/surprising about the process?

I switched majors from Chemistry to Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics! It was during the very beginning of my college experience, and it was surprisingly easy to switch and develop a new plan with my major counselor. I switched because I discovered my new major was an option and I was frankly much more interested in it than chemistry.

What professional activities have you engaged in outside the classroom (for example, internships, research, co-ops, etc.)?

Outside the classroom, I’ve engaged in a number of professional activities. Over the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was an EMT working with an ambulance company in downtown LA. Before that, I volunteered in the ER at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Hospital.

I’ve also gotten heavily involved in my research lab. I’ve been published once in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, and over the past year I’ve been working on an independent project studying pancreatic cancer and how to make it more susceptible to radiation therapy. I’ve gotten the chance to travel to New Orleans for the annual American Association of Cancer Research conference, where I was able to present and network with leaders in the cancer research field. I’ve also presented at UCLA’s Undergraduate Research Conference, and I’m planning to go to more conferences this year.

Besides all of this, I’ve gotten involved in clubs, and am the President of the International Institute’s main club, the Global Development Lab. When I was solely a member of the lab, I developed a capstone project with my partner over the course of a year attempting to curb maternal mortality in Assam, India. We won 1,000 dollars in seed funding to implement it, and we’ve partnered with nonprofit organizations to develop it. Now, I currently lead the lab, developing the curriculum and applying for grants to continue this process this past year and the next year.

Describe your experience living on your own. (Have you gotten along with your roommates? How are the dorms? Have you moved off campus?)

I have absolutely loved my roommates. Freshman year I lived in our worst dorms (but the most social ones) and I ended up meeting some of the best people that have stayed as some of my closest friends even after we moved out. (In my opinion, communal showers are something everyone has to go through at least once.) In my sophomore year, I was supposed to stay roommates with my freshman year roommates and live in a nicer dorm, but covid was at its peak, so I moved to an apartment with a different roommate, who is my current summer roommate.

Then, I subleased over the summer with a bunch of random girls that were rugby players that I had never met, and we became really, really good friends. This past year, I didn’t have roommates, which I was sad about, but I got my own room because I was an RA for our freshman dorm (the same one I lived in as a freshman!) It was honestly so fun having my freshman gossip with me and planning events for them, and I stayed friends with a lot of them after I stopped being their RA. I currently live in a summer sublet apartment with my sophomore-year roommate and one of our other close friends, and after the summer ends I’ll be moving into my sorority house soon.

I’ve lived in probably every different living situation UCLA offers, and I’ve honestly enjoyed all of them. I think the dorms are a true rite of passage for freshmen, and I loved my tiny-closet room. I’ve had the absolute best roommates ever – they’ve done everything from surprising me and taking me to Rodeo Drive for a birthday dinner, picking me up from campus when I’m tired, and going on random ice cream runs with me. My roommates have all been so amazing, and I highly suggest Facebook groups and going with random gut feelings.

A special thank you to Vibha for sharing her insight into college life after BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.

The Alumni Voice is a blog series that dives into college life after high school for our BISV graduates. We strive to create lasting partnerships with our alumni and strongly believe that “once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!” Stay tuned for the continuation of the series with graduate Griffin T., Class of 2019.

Photos in this blog were personally submitted by Vibha G. and used with her permission

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community?