WEBVTT 00:00:00.792 --> 00:00:04.004 I think the biggest thing that I've gained from Foxcroft is confidence. 00:00:04.004 --> 00:00:06.923 Foxcroft has really helped me hone my time management skills. 00:00:06.923 --> 00:00:09.884 Public speaking is a huge thing I've learned. 00:00:09.884 --> 00:00:13.430 At Foxcroft, I learned I can advocate for myself and my needs. 00:00:13.430 --> 00:00:16.808 I am so grateful for my experiences 00:00:16.808 --> 00:00:20.478 and for being a part of an amazing group of women. 00:00:25.692 --> 00:00:29.487 When I was in elementary school, I remember walking past this poster every day that said, 00:00:29.487 --> 00:00:31.740 “Character is what you do and no one is watching.” 00:00:31.740 --> 00:00:35.118 So when I got to Foxcroft, I was really curious about the Honor Council, 00:00:35.118 --> 00:00:37.120 I'd never heard of something like that before. 00:00:37.120 --> 00:00:40.540 And I remember looking up to the current Chair when I was a freshman 00:00:40.540 --> 00:00:44.669 and thinking that she was so cool and I was so inspired by her and wanted to be like her. 00:00:44.669 --> 00:00:47.047 And so that's where that leadership seed was planted. 00:00:47.047 --> 00:00:50.008 And freshman year I ran for a sophomore class position 00:00:50.008 --> 00:00:52.177 and I've been involved ever since. 00:00:52.177 --> 00:00:54.095 Academics have always been important to me. 00:00:54.095 --> 00:00:57.682 Growing up, I went to a large public school where I could easily get lost in the crowd. 00:00:57.682 --> 00:01:02.145 Foxcroft has fostered a very personalized academic environment for every student. 00:01:02.145 --> 00:01:05.398 Here I'm taking classes in topics I'm genuinely interested in 00:01:05.398 --> 00:01:08.068 with teachers I know care about me. 00:01:08.818 --> 00:01:11.988 My academic studies are important to me because with each new class I take 00:01:11.988 --> 00:01:15.658 I get to broaden my unique perspective and understanding of the world around me. 00:01:15.658 --> 00:01:18.286 I follow my passions. I ask questions. 00:01:18.286 --> 00:01:22.499 I find things that fascinate me, even in subjects that aren't my favorite. 00:01:22.499 --> 00:01:27.003 Before coming to Foxcroft, I went to a really large public high school 00:01:27.003 --> 00:01:30.882 and unless you were one of the popular kids, which spoiler alert – I wasn't, 00:01:30.882 --> 00:01:33.468 your needs weren't really a priority to anyone. 00:01:33.468 --> 00:01:35.637 Then I moved to Foxcroft. 00:01:35.637 --> 00:01:41.309 Being Vice Head of School is important because making people's voices heard is really important to me. 00:01:41.309 --> 00:01:46.064 Before Foxcroft, I really didn't put myself out there and if I did, I was definitely nervous. 00:01:46.064 --> 00:01:49.567 Foxcroft gave me a safe environment to push the bounds of my comfort zone. 00:01:49.567 --> 00:01:52.737 As I gained more confidence, I began to try more and more things 00:01:52.737 --> 00:01:54.614 and seek out all kinds of new opportunities. 00:01:54.614 --> 00:01:57.575 Foxcroft has shown me that everyone can be a leader. 00:01:57.575 --> 00:02:02.330 One of the primary reasons I chose to attend Foxcroft was to be challenged more academically 00:02:02.330 --> 00:02:05.834 and to be able to concentrate my studies both in STEM and in theater. 00:02:05.834 --> 00:02:08.378 And I've been successful in both of these areas. 00:02:08.378 --> 00:02:12.173 Each and every one of my classes here has been a perfect combination of 00:02:12.173 --> 00:02:14.634 discussion, collaboration, and study. 00:02:14.634 --> 00:02:20.181 And I've grown more as both a learner and a person than I ever thought possible. 00:02:20.181 --> 00:02:22.809 As a parent of two recent graduates, 00:02:22.809 --> 00:02:26.062 I so value their experience 00:02:26.062 --> 00:02:29.315 that has instilled a lifelong love of learning. 00:02:29.315 --> 00:02:33.903 And I'm so grateful to their teachers for providing that to them. 00:02:33.903 --> 00:02:38.575 Foxcroft has provided me with countless learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. 00:02:38.575 --> 00:02:41.911 Because of my involvement in the school in many different aspects 00:02:41.911 --> 00:02:45.165 – clubs, sports, Fox/Hound, and dorm life – 00:02:45.165 --> 00:02:48.376 I feel that I've become a very well-rounded person. 00:02:48.376 --> 00:02:52.005 When I came to Foxcroft, I got out of my shell a lot more 00:02:52.005 --> 00:02:55.967 and I realized that I enjoyed speaking up for myself and for my peers. 00:02:55.967 --> 00:03:01.055 My old girl really helped me adjust to life here, and she was the previous Vice Head of School, 00:03:01.055 --> 00:03:03.766 so I kind of wanted to follow in her footsteps. 00:03:03.766 --> 00:03:08.188 I feel more comfortable speaking in classes now and just in general settings. 00:03:08.188 --> 00:03:11.107 Foxcroft really helped me get out of my shell 00:03:11.107 --> 00:03:13.526 and now I feel comfortable enough to the point 00:03:13.526 --> 00:03:16.070 where I am able to be a Student Vice Head of School. 00:03:16.070 --> 00:03:20.825 For my daughters, I am so thankful for their experiences. 00:03:20.825 --> 00:03:23.369 I think they have come out of Foxcroft 00:03:23.369 --> 00:03:27.540 intellectually curious and brave and 00:03:27.540 --> 00:03:31.586 able to advocate for themselves in any situation, 00:03:31.586 --> 00:03:37.884 and I think it's just made them really strong young women and active members of their community. 00:03:37.884 --> 00:03:41.346 Because of Foxcroft, I know that I'll continue to have big aspirations 00:03:41.346 --> 00:03:44.182 and keep using my voice to advocate for myself and others. 00:03:44.182 --> 00:03:47.727 I would attribute progress to not only the initiative that I've taken, 00:03:47.727 --> 00:03:50.605 but also the confidence that my teachers have helped me build 00:03:50.605 --> 00:03:53.024 and the opportunities that they've supplied for me. 00:03:53.024 --> 00:03:56.236 So after graduating Foxcroft, I feel prepared to be an active member 00:03:56.236 --> 00:04:01.032 in my college's community while pursuing my collegiate academic career. 00:04:01.032 --> 00:04:06.162 When I was pushed academically, I learned that I needed to advocate for myself. 00:04:06.162 --> 00:04:11.876 It was a process, but I'm so happy that I learned it here in the grace and support of this community. 00:04:11.876 --> 00:04:16.422 When I go on to college and in my career, I'll keep seeking out these new opportunities 00:04:16.422 --> 00:04:19.926 because this school shown me that I'm capable of whatever I set my mind to.