Senior Spotlight: Anna

Why did you choose/decide to go to Bennett Day School?

The school I used to attend wasn’t project-based like Bennett, but it was an alternative school. When I started looking for high schools, I was drawn to Bennett because of the fact that it was also alternative (and the project-based curriculum seemed interesting).

What are your plans after you graduate?

In the future, I hope to work as a researcher at a natural history museum. But for now, I’m planning on attending the University of Michigan after graduating from Bennett, where I’m going to major in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity. Go Blue!!!

How do you feel Bennett has prepared you for what comes next?

I think Bennett has really helped me get ready for life after graduation by helping me develop skills that I’ll need in the future. Thanks to the project-based approach to learning, I’ve been able to improve my public speaking and communication skills, which I really appreciate. Additionally, I’ve had the freedom to try out new things and explore ideas during my time at Bennett, which has helped me become a much more curious person.

What’s your favorite project-based learning (PBL) memory?

I think my favorite PBL memory was the entirety of my space PBL (T2 of my junior year). From learning about the ethics of space travel + physics to being able to go to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, I found what we were learning to be extremely fascinating. Additionally, our final project, which was to design a lunar settlement for a competition, was challenging but rewarding and fun as well (plus, I was one of 5 students that was selected to go to the international version of the competition which is an added bonus).

Tell us about your internship experience(s) at Bennett.

I was fortunate enough to be able to work in a lab both years. Last year, I wasn’t able to work in the lab since I wasn’t 18, so I shadowed scientists and put together a research project using papers and reviews that I read. This year, since I was old enough, I was able to work with a team in the lab, where I focused on staining and imaging slides.

What advice would you give rising seniors?

My biggest advice is to just try stuff. Whether it be a class at school, a new hobby, or some sort of summer program, if something seems interesting, go for it!! You don’t know what you’ll end up falling in love with.