"There was a moment where I was speaking with my advisor about what it means to be an artist. We had originally planned to discuss different lighting techniques, but eventually started breaking down the role of art in film. We talked about the technical versus artistic sides of film, and what it means to be and become an artist. It was a conversation I was not expecting, but one I am so thankful to have had it, and to continue to have with him.”
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF CSW'S ACADEMIC PROGRAM?
CSW truly embraces the feeling that comes from trying new things and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. At the same time, it allows its students to dive deeply into subjects they are passionate about.
OF ALL THE CLASSES YOU'VE TAKEN HERE, WHICH HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITES?
Film Scoring
This class was one of my favorite classes of all time. I absolutely love film scores, and I also love to compose music. This class satiated my hunger to express my love for film scores, while also helping me improve my technical skills with scoring.
This class was one of my favorite classes of all time. I absolutely love film scores, and I also love to compose music. This class satiated my hunger to express my love for film scores, while also helping me improve my technical skills with scoring.
BioConnections
The environment was wonderful; it encouraged confusion, rewarded self advocacy, and it valued team work. The final project was incredibly fun, as it was interactive in getting data from not just classmates, but from people across the entire community. I seriously loved this class.
The environment was wonderful; it encouraged confusion, rewarded self advocacy, and it valued team work. The final project was incredibly fun, as it was interactive in getting data from not just classmates, but from people across the entire community. I seriously loved this class.
STEAM
This python coding class was so much fun. I have always had an interest in coding, and have tried it a few times on other platforms. This was my first time using “professional” coding software, which was such a thrilling experience. The classroom was both relaxed and rigorous. Each day we went through a slideshow of new coding content, then spent the rest of the class time coding individually. I loved the problem-solving element of the class, especially in combination with the teamwork.
This python coding class was so much fun. I have always had an interest in coding, and have tried it a few times on other platforms. This was my first time using “professional” coding software, which was such a thrilling experience. The classroom was both relaxed and rigorous. Each day we went through a slideshow of new coding content, then spent the rest of the class time coding individually. I loved the problem-solving element of the class, especially in combination with the teamwork.
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Being born in the U.S., I have not often felt connected deeply to my Chinese identity besides my family. For this reason, it’s been amazing to be able to attend a day school and have friends and classmates from China and other countries around the world. Having someone look at me and recognize the Chinese side of my identity by speaking to me in Mandarin meant the world to me, and was something I had never expected to experience.
- I took a poetry class sophomore year, and there was one poem that we read in class that really had me stumped. I brought up my confusion in class, upon which my teacher took us step-by-step through the poem, asking our interpretations of it. She led us through these steps slowly and thoughtfully, careful to not simply lay out the answer for us. By the end, when I understood each element of the poem and its meaning, my mind was blown. I had never expected poetry to have such depth, yet there I was, my jaw genuinely hanging open. It forever changed my relationship with poetry and writing in general.
HOW HAS YOUR TIME AT CSW SHAPED YOU AS A PERSON?
CSW has shaped me into someone who both advocates for himself, and values asking for help. It has taught me that my learning is in my own hands, and that it is important to put my skills to use and grow them. It has also taught me to strongly explore other fields of learning, even if I am hesitant. It has broadened my experiences as a learner, and opened me up to different perspectives, ideas, and people in life.
Day Student from Arlington, MA
Favorite Spot on Campus: When the weather is warm, my favorite spot on CSW campus is easily the quad or the beach. The campus is so beautiful, which makes it so nice to sit with my friends to relax or work outside. When the weather gets a bit colder, my favorite spot on campus would be anywhere in the Cheek/Mugar buildings, which have the cafeteria and music wing, or the Fit, which has the gymnasium.
Favorite Dining Hall Menu Item: Chicken fingers and french fries is always a good one.
Favorite D Block: Soccer! I was hesitant to join the team at first, as it had been a long time since I had played, but once I joined, I very quickly realized how great of an experience it was being on the team. I had totally forgotten how much fun I had playing soccer and going to games, and playing helped me get to know other people at the school.
Course Snapshot:
Writing Foundations Workshop
Writing Foundations Workshop
Mandarin
Film Scoring
Global Dissent
Digital Animation
Chinese Literature
Music Theory
Overview of U.S. History
Language of Film
Dance, Media, and Technology
Elementary Functions
Modern Middle East
U.S. Black Studies
Physics: Mechanics
3D Character Design
Clubs and Activities:
Asian Heritage Affinity
Film Club (leader)
Social Justice Day planning committee
Mixed Heritage
Diversity/IDEA Committee
Varsity Soccer
Varsity Tennis
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.