What are you involved in at CA?
Athletically, I am a part of the boys varsity lacrosse and soccer teams. Additionally, aside from being a head tour guide, I am a co-head of Christianity Club and a student ambassador for the Positivity and Light Society (PALS), CA’s service program. I am also a part of UMOJA (Black affinity group) and MOCA (men of color affinity group).
Why did you choose CA?
CA is built on the core values of community, trust, love, and care. People at CA genuinely look out for one another, and that’s something you can feel the moment you walk in. One of the first things that surprised me was how students and teachers are all on a first-name basis. Even something as simple as that says so much about the kind of environment CA creates. It makes students feel like teachers are not just authority figures, but trusted adults who are willing to listen and build real relationships. The connection doesn’t stop at “teacher and student”—it goes beyond that. There’s a sense of mutual respect and understanding that makes people feel comfortable being themselves. That’s one of the biggest things that drew me to CA.
What is your favorite activity at CA and why?
I would say Spikeball, or really any activity that happens on the quad and with a group of people. I say this because of the memories and friendships that are built and strengthened during those moments. For example, if a group of friends needs one more person for a Spikeball game, chances are they’ll ask the first person who walks by, no matter their grade or how well they know them. Something as simple as joining a game can become the start of a new friendship. Those small moments are what make the community at CA feel so connected and welcoming.
Share a moment where you knew you belonged at CA:
My 9th grade year, while trying out for the soccer team, I was nervous. Honestly, I was terrified that I would mess up, ruin a good play, or let everyone down. Because of that, whenever someone looked at me to pass the ball, I would point to someone else just so I wouldn’t have to receive it. Later, a senior noticed what I was doing. Instead of avoiding me, he purposely passed me the ball, even when the entire team was open. He kept doing it despite my messing up the first few times and having bad touches on the ball. After the first day ended, he came up to me and said, “Why are you so scared to make a mistake? That’s how you learn. You fail, you fall, you get hurt, but then you get back up, adjust, and learn from it. Be confident. Trust yourself. Even if you don’t succeed, you still grow. So take the risk, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” That moment stuck with me because it showed me that despite my flaws or fears, people here want to see me grow, and instead of judging me for mistakes, they encourage me to keep trying.
