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.