Gabrielle
Graduation Year: 2015
Hometown: Zurich, Switzerland
Interests/Activities: Cross country, XC skiing, MUN, History Club, Conservation Biology, Maths
Why did you choose OHS?
Hailing from the Caribbean, OHS enabled me to receive a rigorous education, taught by passionate professors from a remote island location. For my first two years at OHS, I resided in St. Barth, a small island in the French West Indies. Full-time OHS albeit time consuming, was an overall wonderful experience. After moving to Switzerland, I continued my Latin career as a single-course student.
What are classes like at OHS?
Coming from St. Barth, I wouldn't have been able to take courses comparable to the level of Methodology of Science: Biology with the legendary Dr. Hoshi and Dr. Weil or Textual Analysis and Argumentation with Dr. Kerr. It is true, the courses are difficult; but the density of information that I have retained from OHS classes is outstanding. I was lucky enough to have the greatest Latin teacher of all time, Magistra Balsley, for all of my four years. I love watching her lectures on Roman history and listening to her read dactylic hexameter as she makes it engaging and exciting!
What is student life like at OHS?
OHS is home to a variety of characters. The diversity of our geographical locations is only the beginning. From ballerinas, conductors, and fencers to authors, the OHS is home to every possible interest, and most likely a club celebrating it! As a former Student Government member, Pixel Cluster leader, and Latin Club consul, I also was able to improve my leadership skills and interact with fellow pixels with similar interests.
How has OHS helped you realize your goals?
The flexible schedule of OHS has really helped me pursue my running training. Having less structured time during the day allows me to train at a much higher mileage. Recently, I trained and ultimately broke the half marathon national record. This year, I also performed physics research at the University of Zurich for the International Young Physicists' Tournament. Having my Latin class later in the evening made it possible for me to pursue this extracurricular.
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