Alumni

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.

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.

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.

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?