Intellectual Engagement: AP Calculus AB
The intellectual engagement SSP pillar requires that students participate in one activity of at least 5 hours per week that contributes to their intellectual and academic development.
To fulfill this pillar, I continued my AP Calculus course with Mr. Randall and prepared for the AP Calculus Exam. The class met on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and focused on review of the chapters and concepts we studied in the fall and winter. I used a combination of Canvas resources and College Board practice questions to study for the exam, and appreciated having the freedom to study and review at my own pace.
Health & Wellness: Varsity Baseball
The health & wellness pillar requires an activity of at least 5 hours per week that involves athletic engagement and physical effort.
To fulfill my health & wellness pillar, I spent the spring on the varsity baseball team. This year was my first time playing baseball since sophomore year and my first season with the varsity group. My experience with the baseball team was quite different than my experience playing basketball -- baseball is a more relaxed, social, sport and I appreciated being outside to enjoy the spring weather. Moreover, it was refreshing to play baseball again and to compete with my good friends and teammates. Easily the highlight of my spring was having the opportunity to play a game at Fenway Park!
Community Engagement: Meals on Wheels Driving
The community engagement SSP pillar requires that students devote at least 5 hours a week to volunteering and contributing to a community in their life.
I spent my Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as a Meals on Wheels Driver for Minuteman Senior Service, a nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors in the Greater Boston area. I drove around East Arlington delivering lunches and dinners to local seniors and checking in on their wellbeing. I found a great deal of joy in the conversations and connections I was able to create with the people on my route, and had a great time working with my fellow drivers and the team at the Arlington Senior Center.
New Experience: Political Campaigning Internship
The SSP new experience pillar also involves a commitment of 5 hours or more, this time requiring a student to pursue a new goal, skill, or experience.
My new experience was a political campaigning internship with Ali Zaidi and Megan Kenslea, two Boston-based political contractors. My independent work often included tasks like writing bios for event guests, gathering past donation records for fundraising efforts, and helping Megan and Ali with campaign outreach. I was also able to attend a number of events, meeting people like Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.