What is life like as a Beaver student? We interviewed several students across all grades—from middle school to senior year—to get a peek into the Beaver student experience. Below you’ll hear from Allie Chisholm—a rising Beaver sophomore. Allie shares her thoughts on freshman year, growing to love new subjects, and more!
Congrats on finishing freshman year! What does your upcoming year look like?
Thank you! There are a couple of classes that I’m excited about this year. I’ll be taking chemistry, biology, and a 2D art class. This is my first time taking biology and chemistry, so I am a little nervous but excited because I’ve heard great things. I haven’t taken a drawing class yet at Beaver but I loved Intro to Visual Arts so I think this will be great. I’ll also be volunteering through the Hiatt Center this year which I’m looking forward to.
The first day of 9th grade can be intimidating. What were some things you were nervous about? How did you overcome them?
The first day of 9th grade was a little scary! I was new to Beaver so I was nervous about making friends and finding my classes. The community at Beaver was truly so welcoming, and in each place I went, a person was willing and ready to help me. Beaver also set up a couple of bonding activities for our class that first week of school which made the transition a lot easier. I will also add that the preseason for volleyball allowed me to meet other kids, and seeing familiar faces on the first day made me feel more comfortable.
What did you like about freshman year?
I really enjoyed the activities that the student council planned. My favorite was the end-of-year barbecue put on by the 9th and 10th grade student council. There was a huge waterslide, a s’mores pit, and fun games. . . Beaver Accelerator was also one of the highlights. I was part of the Engineering Empathy group and we were asked to use our engineering skills to modify toys for differently-abled kids. My team built a modified car for a little girl with cerebral palsy and watching how happy it made her and her parents was an incredible feeling.
I was surprised to find that I loved my Physics class the most. I’d never taken Physics and was not a huge science lover going in, but I liked the projects we did and getting to use new tools in the Design Center, like the laser cutter and the woodcutter.
What’s a project you enjoyed working on?
During the spring term, I took Intro to Photography. At the end of the term, we had to use the skills that we learned over the course and create a final project. I ended up applying what I learned in Photoshop to make a photo series about my sisters and relationships with siblings.
What’s your favorite place on campus?
My friends and I love to spend time on the C-level couches. There are so many comfortable seating options, but there are also tables that we like to work on during free blocks.
What’s your favorite Beaver lunch?
The best part of Beaver Lunch is the variety. There’s something different offered every day, but if I don’t like the main option, I’ll just go to the salad bar or the pasta bar. And they have the best lemonade.
Hear from more Beaver students…