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 Nikolas Reuning ’27—a rising senior. Nikolas discussed the wide variety of topics he has explored at Beaver—ranging from Cuban Jazz to Neuroscience—and how Beaver has helped him grow as a musician, athlete, and learner.
You’re a senior next year, congrats! What does your upcoming year look like?
In my final year at Beaver, I am currently taking three science and three math classes. This is the first year I have taken more than two math and science classes, due to how my credits have worked out. I am super excited for both because they focus on specific areas that I am interested in, like anatomy & physiology, organic chemistry, and financial algebra. I will also be part of the Cuban Jazz Ensemble. I have been excited to join this group since my freshman year, and this year I received a spot in this amazing ensemble.
When did you start at Beaver, and how do you think you’ve grown since then?
I started at Beaver when I was in 7th grade. I came from a public school, and the Beaver system was very new to me. The project and rubric-based classes were different from anything I had experienced, and at first, I was not sure how to best use my free time during the day. Since then, I’ve become much more confident and independent.
What activities at Beaver have helped you find community and feel a sense of belonging?
Throughout my time at Beaver, I have been part of numerous sports teams (mainly fencing and ultimate frisbee) along with several advanced instrumental ensembles and student-led clubs (like AAPI and Card Club). While these activities differ in many ways, they all share the same quality that makes Beaver special: they value collaboration and connection above all else. This quality, instilled in all activities at Beaver, creates a strong sense of belonging and fosters the creation of various communities.
What’s a project that you have worked on that you really enjoyed?
This past spring trimester, I took Mr. Micari’s Biochemistry class. From the start of the course, we were introduced to a trimester-long research project in which we investigated the biochemistry of a topic of our choice and presented our findings. I chose to look into the biochemistry behind ACL tears and recovery. I loved this project because it allowed me to dive deep into a topic that I’m excited to learn more about.
Beaver has taught me to take initiative, embrace new challenges, and grow from them.
Nikolas Reuning '27
What has been your favorite class?
My favorite class was the neuroscience course I took in the fall of my junior year. It was taught by Dr. Livingston, and as the name suggests, it focused on the workings of the brain. Throughout the trimester, I learned a great deal about various neurological illnesses and gained valuable note-taking skills. I appreciated how each day either elaborated on the topic we had covered the previous day or introduced an interesting new concept to enhance our knowledge.
What’s a class or a project you didn’t expect to enjoy as much as you did?
In my sophomore year, I took the required English course, American Identity. Before the trimester started, I felt a bit hesitant about the topic and expected the class would mostly strengthen my writing skills. However, with our class of six students, I came to really enjoy what we were learning and learned quite a bit about my own identity while getting a lot of one-on-one feedback from Ms. Robertson, which improved my writing skills more than I expected.
Tell me about a teacher who has made an impact on your experience.
My history teacher, Mr. Henry, has played a big role in shaping my Beaver experience. I have had him for my last four history courses, and I love his teaching style. It is as informative and challenging as it is entertaining and enjoyable. The games we play in class, while fun and often hectic, directly connect to our topic and give us new perspectives that help us learn. Mr. Henry has always encouraged me to seek advice on my assignments sooner rather than later, and over the years I have become more comfortable doing so, thanks to his guidance on using office hours wisely.
Beaver students have the opportunity to make decisions on their classes, afternoon activities, Student Directed Projects, and more. Can you share a bit about some of the decisions you’ve made that have impacted your experience?
Throughout high school, students choose their classes, but beginning in junior year, electives provide the freedom to explore specific interests. Some of my favorites were Literature & Film, Governments of the World, and Neuroscience because I was genuinely interested in the material and surrounded by classmates who were equally engaged. During the winter of my junior year, I completed a Student Directed Project on the relationship between music and the brain. With guidance from my advisor, Dr. Livingston, I developed the project and presented it to science faculty and friends. It strengthened my ability to organize my work, take initiative, and manage a long-term project independently.
Time for some rapid-fire questions!
Favorite class: Music
Favorite lunch: Chicken wings
Favorite spot on campus: The R-Level
Favorite afternoon activity: Ultimate Frisbee
Favorite Upper School event: Dam Day
Favorite free block activity: Hacky sack on Lower Field
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