Senior Interviews

The end of the 2024-2025 school year and beginning of summer also means saying goodbye to this year’s seniors. In this interview, some of your favorite seniors reflect over their favorite Lycée moments, share some insights on their high school experiences, and look toward the next exciting part of their journeys as they head off to college.

Abigail

What is your favorite Lycée memory?

Sitting in the car with my friends after coming back from lunch and blasting songs to sing karaoke. Although this wasn’t a daily occurrence for us, there are a few times that we did it that were really memorable and fun!

How do you think you’ve evolved over the course of your high school years?

  The biggest change I have seen in myself from 9th grade to now is that I feel more certain about my future. In 9th grade, I had no idea what I wanted to do in college or the direction I wanted my life to go, but as I went through high school, I became more sure of what I want to pursue as I continue my education and the type of person that I want to continue to grow to become.

What was your favorite club to be a member of at Lycée, and how do you think it impacted you?

  I am definitely biased, but I really love Model UN. I have been part of the club since 9th grade and it has really helped me to gain more confidence in public speaking and has given me so many amazing opportunities to meet new people and grow as a researcher. I have also made so many amazing memories with my friends, whether it was in committees together or even on the bus to and from school, it was always such a positive environment to be in.

Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?

  In 10 years, I would love to start working in the medical industry and begin to work with engineering medical equipment. I am not exactly sure where I will be, but I hope to feel fulfilled with my career and with the goal of helping others.

Did you have any college interviews, and how did you prepare for them?

  I only had one college interview this year, but it was a very positive experience and the person who did my interview was very sweet! I researched the school beforehand and any opportunities related to my major that I wanted to mention, but for the most part I was honest about my experiences in high school and how they will apply to my future and my choice in major.

As experienced professionals in the field, can you share any advice for incoming freshmen on life in high school?

  As an incoming freshman, it can feel really overwhelming to join high school, but I think that as a freshman, it is important to take any opportunity you can to try new things! Joining clubs or sports, participating in events, and taking new classes can seem scary at first, but they can help you to form connections with others and even discover your passions for new subjects!

If you could pick one word to sum up your Lycée high school experience, what would it be?

  My high school experience could be described as unpredictable as I feel like every year was unique and that I had so many new experiences that truly shaped who I am as a person today. Although some of these experiences did not seem good at the time, they were only small hiccups in the overarching story of high school that helped me to find who I am today.

Anna

What is your favorite Lycée memory?

One of my favorite Lycée memories is when, in Microecon this year, Mr. McGlothlin was in the middle of loudly and enthusiastically exclaiming “I sell drugs!” when, all of a sudden, a middle schooler from a different room came in with her mother looking for a backpack she had left. Everyone was laughing like crazy. It was such perfect timing. I also loved all the early morning and late night Greek and Latin classes with Mme. Clement.

How do you think you’ve evolved over the course of your high school years?

 I didn’t really feel passionate toward school in freshman year. I liked learning, but mainly on my own, and read a lot of books instead of studying for the Brevet. After I joined the international section, I became quite the “academic weapon” and took every class I could including Greek and Latin! Honestly, just having Mme. Clement as a teacher made me a better and more cultured person. 

What was your favorite club to be a member of at Lycée, and how do you think it impacted you?

Being a member of the ROAR since freshman year has definitely been my favorite club experience. I still remember the first couple articles that I wrote: how to do SFX makeup, a Licorice Pizza review, and composting in Los Angeles. I had so much fun back then, writing just for the pleasure of writing, and still continue to feel that same nostalgic way about it. I can’t wait to write for Trinity News and the Columbia Spectator next year!

Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?

In 10 years, I’ll be 29 years old, which doesn’t seem possible right now. I’ll definitely be done with law school and will hopefully have a PhD in the human rights field. I also wish to be fluent in Russian and Ukrainian and hope to have made a difference in at least one person’s life by then. I also want to be married to the person that I'll be with for my whole life at that age as well as being surrounded by incredible friends. I’ll probably be living in Ireland and have a bunch of dogs (specifically huskies and Irish wolfhounds). 

Did you have any college interviews, and how did you prepare for them?

Personally, I think I had way too many college interviews for one person. In total, I did six of them but I know people who didn't do any– so it really depends on what program you try to get into. The interview process for “elite” American universities like Georgetown, Harvard, or Princeton (just some that I did) are really chill, almost like a first date but with a school. My first interview was with Georgetown in November, and it went so well. The alum who interviewed me was the sweetest person ever, and we related a lot on the subject of literature, politics, French, and journalism. It kind of felt like I was being interviewed by a wiser version of myself. When I got in, I was a bit disappointed not to go because I know how happy she would have been about it. The Dual B.A interviews, on the other hand, actually matter A LOT in the admissions process and require lots of preparation. There are two steps: the application and then the interview. Both times that I did an interview, I was very scared and stressed. Whatever major you’re going into, be a pro in it. They (yes, multiple people) will grill you on anything and everything you mention in your essay. Also, try to pick a specific subject that you can talk a lot about if prompted. For example, I talked a lot about the invasion of Ukraine and why it drives me to want to pursue human rights law, Russian, and Polish in university. I did a lot of research before the interview so that I could elaborate if I needed to. You also want to know the pros and cons of both schools and be able to explain how switching between the two institutions relates to your unique trajectory. They like to see an international perspective , humility, and adaptability in applicants– so be your most open minded self and stay away from simply bragging. Show, don’t tell. 

If you could pick one word to sum up your Lycée high school experience, what would it be?

Startwritingaboutwhatmakesyoupassionateasearlyaspossible.

Zofia

What is the most unexpected thing that happened throughout your high school journey?

When I first started freshman year, I hated art. I was also made to believe that I sucked at art and so I never really put much effort into my art pieces. But, suddenly, in high school, I was encouraged to take my art seriously and to push myself to create. The most unexpected thing that happened in high school to me was my gradual growth as an artist, from drawings to paintings to stained glass.

What are you most excited for in the next phase of your life?

I’m most excited to learn new languages. Le Lycée has been a great opportunity to learn French as well as study Greek and Latin! However, I’m ready to branch out to other languages like Japanese!

If you had to give your freshman self any advice for navigating high school, what would it be?

I would advise myself to stop being stuck in a book! In sophomore year, I genuinely decided to do less AP classes because I didn’t want to cut down on my reading time. But, I know realistically that I should have pushed myself to take those classes instead.

How did you manage the college application process?

Honestly, I wasn’t too stressed throughout the process. I did procrastinate a lot, but it turned out okay! I think it was just because I didn’t choose a dream school, so I was fine with getting into any of my colleges, even the safeties.

Is there a teacher or staff member at Lycée that has had a positive impact on your high school experience?

I would definitely say that Madame Clement has influenced me the most in my high school years. I began to take Greek in Sophomore year, and ever since then, I have found that I had a strong passion for languages that was left untouched. Through her engaging teaching style and her encouraging personality, I became enamored with the language and pushed myself in my studies more than ever. That first year, I skipped the level of Greek and still got a 39/40 on the National Greek Exam, and I will forever appreciate her for pushing me to reach those heights.

Describe your high school experience in three words.

Whimsy, goose, and beseech.

Chloe Belga

What is your favorite Lycée memory?

Creating the country of D.U.N.G. with Anna and Jan and presenting it to Mme Renouard in AP Comparative Government—we couldn’t stop laughing.

How do you think you’ve evolved over the course of your high school years?

I’m definitely less of a perfectionist, managing stress much better than before, and a lot of it is thanks to my teachers and friends.

What was your favorite club to be a member of at Lycée, and how do you think it impacted you?

I’ve really loved being a part of the Poetry Club. It motivated me to write poetry more regularly and I think we motivated each other too. It felt a little like Dead Poets Society.

Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?

Working in research for classics, probably in the U.K., and maybe writing a novel. Maybe teaching. I’ll definitely have cats.

Did you have any college interviews, and how did you prepare for them?

Oh dear. I had quite a few. With most of them, the main thing you need to be able to answer is why this university. After the first one, I relaxed and it actually became pretty fun! Although I believe certain schools have more intense interviews, which is another story.

As experienced professionals in the field, can you share any advice for incoming freshmen on life in high school?

Join sports teams, join clubs, be involved, and it’s gonna be great! Joining things is the best way to meet people and feel a true sense of belonging.

If you could pick one word to sum up your Lycée high school experience, what would it be?

Whimsical.

Polaris

What is your favorite Lycée memory?

I’ve already said my absolute favorite Lycée memory a couple times but my favorite memory is when I was in 6th grade and my class was running our bazaar booth. It was the end of the day so we were starting to raffle off our big ticket items. One of them was this giant duck plushy. But see the thing is my little sister, Amelia won the duck plushy from the actual game while we were making this raffle and so everyone started arguing while Abigail and I just gave Amelia the plushy. And this thing was like twice her size. So she was waddling away holding this giant duck plushy, and it was hilarious. And she still has it to this day.

How do you think you’ve evolved over the course of your high school years?

I think I’ve grown more confident over the years. In 9th grade, I never really had friends. I wouldn’t say I was shy but the thought of talking to people scared me. It still does but I think I’ve learned to not always listen to the voice saying it is scary and just do it. I’ve gained friends by learning to speak up.

What was your favorite club to be a member of at Lycée, and how do you think it impacted you?

I think Social Awareness Involvement at Lycée has to be my favorite. When Dolce and Saliha were running it, it was great. It was nice being able to learn about new issues and just talk about serious topics without someone seeing you as just a kid. It helped me form opinions about the world and educate myself about current events I didn’t know. It helped make me as a person and I gained friends from it.

Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?

I never really know what to say to this type of question but I know I want to be doing research.

Did you have any college interviews, and how did you prepare for them?

I didn’t have college interviews.

As experienced professionals in the field, can you share any advice for incoming freshmen on life in high school?

Don’t overwork yourself. Nothing good comes from doing such. You just end up getting massive burnout and crashing into the ground. Pause for a second, breathe, and pace yourself. 

If you could pick one word to sum up your Lycée high school experience, what would it be?

Inconstant.

 Lucia 

What is the most unexpected thing that happened throughout your high school journey?

Before high school, I did not expect the sheer amount of connection and collaboration that I

would make throughout my journey. Specifically, I had never anticipated the role that Global

Outreach, one of the oldest Lycée clubs, would play in this period of my life. In my freshman

year, I could have never imagined that my first steps taken into the Community Room for the

club’s first meeting of the year would have such a profound effect on my spirit and my leadership

experience. Through volunteering and fundraising for various causes, our club has always set out

to help others, and through the interconnectedness of our members in achieving and constantly

striving toward this effort, I feel that each year, our goal is met. My experience with Global

Outreach has been transformational and meaningful, even if I had not initially expected it.

What are you most excited for in the next phase of your life?

This fall, I am incredibly excited to be entering my freshman year at New York University Tisch

School of the Arts, majoring in Film and Television, where I will study, learn, and practice the art

of filmmaking. In particular, I am thrilled to become a part of a community of artists with the

common goal of transmitting the universal principles of life into stories without bounds. Visual

storytelling has always played a significant role in my life, and I am infinitely grateful for the

opportunity to continue my education in a program where storytelling is the focus. I am nervous,

yet ready to take on this new experience where I will meet new people, hopefully forging

meaningful connections in the next phase of my life.

If you had to give your freshman self any advice for navigating high school, what would it be?

Trust your gut. If you don’t get it right the first time, take a breath, try again, and remember that

your version of “right” is vastly different from everybody else’s. Patience is a virtue!

How did you manage the college application process? 

With lots of coffee. Kidding (sort of)! Honestly, I found that in my case, applying to universities

in the Early Decision and Early Action application round provided me with a lot of relief as I

received my college decisions earlier in the year rather than later, saving me a lot of stress

combined with added schoolwork. However, this isn’t everybody’s path, and that is okay too!

Generally, I found that procrastination was a blocker in the college application process, as it feels

so much better to get your supplemental writing and additional application requirements peer

reviewed and finished earlier, just so you don’t wait until the week before your application is due

and feel unsatisfied with the work you did due to a lack of time management.

Is there a teacher or staff member at Lycée that has had a positive impact on your high school

experience?

Mrs. Carver. She is truly such a guiding force for her students in class and out of class. When I

first got to know Mrs. Carver through her supervising Global Outreach, I had not yet had her as a

teacher, but could not help but observe the care, attention, and empathy she demonstrated for

those around her. My eyes opened in senior year when I first had her as a teacher, as I quickly

found that I was able to absorb the material she taught and apply it to my writing in meaningful

and impactful ways due to her teaching style which was always done with intention and

kindness. I’m going to miss AP English Lit.

Describe your high school experience in three words.

Life is poetry.

Eva 

What is your favorite Lycée memory?

Being a part of the drama club. Theatre has strengthened my existing friendships and allowed me

to create new ones. From being a crazy man believing himself to be Theodore Roosevelt in

Arsenic and Old Lace to a sparkly, glittery Dynamo in Mamma Mia!, I've adored every character

I’ve gotten to play on stage.

How do you think you’ve evolved over the course of your high school years?

At the start of freshman year, I was incredibly shy around everyone. However, throughout the

past four years, the various clubs and events that I’ve taken part of (Drama, Model UN, the

Concours d’Eloquence, etc) have helped me become more outgoing and more confident in my

public speaking skills. High school has helped me find my voice.

What was your favorite club to be a member of at Lycée, and how do you think it

impacted you?

Global Outreach was my favorite club to be a part of. I’ve been a member of the club since my

freshman year. I loved this club because I got to volunteer alongside my friends all while making

a positive impact on our community. And waking up early to see the sunrise at the Malibu

Marathon at the beach was magical! This club also allowed me to connect to my student peers

from all grade levels.

Where do you envision yourself 10 years from now?

In ten years, I'll be working in the field of environmental science as a lawyer or policymaker. I

hope to be a part of the movement to mitigate human impact on the environment by reforming

the fast fashion industry to minimize clothing waste, advocating for legislation on limiting fossil

fuel emissions, or educating individuals on leading more sustainable lifestyles. Aside from that, I

hope I’ll have written (and maybe published) a book or two.

Did you have any college interviews, and how did you prepare for them?

I didn’t have any interviews!

As experienced professionals in the field, can you share any advice for incoming freshmen

on life in high school?

The jump from middle school to high school is pretty big. Just three months after eighth grade,

you’re plunged into a whole new world with AP classes and extracurriculars all while facing

constant pressure from your parents and teachers about college. It’s stressful. But don’t freak

out– you’ll have all the resources you need to succeed. Don’t overload yourself with too many

classes, or you’ll find yourself running on far too few hours of sleep to be a functioning human

being. Also, don’t procrastinate.

If you could pick one word to sum up your Lycée high school experience, what would it be?

Perseverance.

Therina

What is the most unexpected thing that happened throughout your high school

journey?

Starting to take ancient Greek in my Junior year of high school was the most

unexpected thing to happen during high school. I was not expecting much to come of it, since

joining something so suddenly didn’t seem like it would have much of an impact. Within these

past two years, I feel that I have become more a critical and sophisticated thinker when solving

problems. Beyond that, I’ve found myself loving classics and I intend to keep it up for as long

as I can.

What are you most excited for in the next phase of your life?

To become more independent. I’d really like to try and experience new things as I grow older. I also feel that part of it is exploring who you are on a deeper level, which has become really important for me. With adult responsibilities and having to manage myself, I know that I’ll grow a lot and I’m

really excited to see who I’ll become!

If you had to give your freshman self any advice for navigating high school, what

would it be?

It’s crucial to manage your time wisely so that there is time for other fun

activities, rather than the other way around. Be responsible for your work and try to stay

organized most of the time. Besides that, it’s also really important to have fun. Talk to new

people, make friends whenever you can, try new experiences, and always try to leave your

comfort zone every now and then.

How did you manage the college application process?

First, stay organized and on top of deadlines. More specifically, I put college application deadlines in a calendar to make sure that I didn’t miss anything. I also created a working document for supplemental essays for each college. Second, complete all of your schoolwork on time. It is especially important to maintain good grades in the first semester of senior year. With stress from college apps, grades should be the least of your worries, so stay on top of your work. Third, use the resources that are available to you. Stay away from College TikTok and away from college stats and extracurricular videos–comparison is the thief of joy and it won’t actually help much. Without Ms. Romero (our school’s college counselor) and Mrs. Carver (my AP English Literature teacher & college essay pro!!), I would have been completely lost within the process–college applications,

nancial aid, personal statement, essays, etc. They are there to help you! On top of all of that,

start early. You don’t have to start in the middle of summer, but it shouldn’t be the middle of

October and you haven’t started anything yet, or it will be really rough. Overall, stay organized,

punctual, and always ask for help!

Is there a teacher or staff member at Lycée that has had a positive impact on your high school experience?

There are honestly too many amazing teachers that have changed my high school experience for

the better. Thank you to all of the people who believed in me and made me more confident in

myself and my abilities. Throughout high school, I felt that I’ve really been able to grow into

the person I am today. All of that change was really for the better.

Describe your high school experience in three words.

Growth, busy, and bittersweet.

*Questions drawn from/inspired by https://meminto.com/blog/20-questions-to-ask-seniors-in-high-school-for-yearbook/