A Day in the Life

Humanities. In English, Ms. Gheewala has us throw a softball around to control the flow of the discussion. After, she shows us a heat map of who’s been contributing to the discussion, who hasn’t as much, and then what she calls our golden moments—things...

Humanities. Mr. Dalton always makes history an interesting class. Instead of lectures, for example, we get to do things like listen to podcasts on a real-world ethical scenario and analyze it on our own.

World Language. I’m in AP Spanish this year, which is great. Spanish was my first language, so this gives me the opportunity to learn grammar and more vocabulary.

Humanities. English is my favorite class because literature is so intertwined with other subjects, especially history and philosophy. When we read The Plague by Camus, we had a great discussion and talked a lot about dignity.

Music. I play trumpet in the concert band. The people there are hilarious to be around. It’s a chance to get away from the stress that school can bring. Last year, I got to play in the orchestra for “Chicago The Musical.” It was...

Visual Arts. I took photography as my art elective. I’ve learned how to use Photoshop and about finding new angles within your frame and looking at your own photography from a different lens.

Science. LJCDS offers neuroscience—which no other school does. I wanted to take neuroscience because I have an older brother with autism and a younger sister with learning disabilities. I’ve always wondered what made their brains different. I’m really enjoying this course.

Design and Innovation. In Design and Innovation, I used the 3D printer to make shelves for my locker, which are really useful. I like woodworking, designing and those sorts of things.

Torrey Mindful Learning. We’re learning about executive functioning skills and how we learn best. It’s interesting.

Biology. My favorite class is biology. In lab, we did an experiment on cellular respiration, which we studied—and now got to see in action. We put beads into vials of water and potassium hydroxide and then pumped in oxygen to see how much they...

Design and Innovation. My favorite class is Design and Innovation. I personally enjoy the free-flowing creativity and the combination of art, design, and innovation. I’m so invested in learning about every tool and material in the room: 3D printer, laser cutter, milling machine, plus...

Service-Learning. I serve on the Community Service Board. We do a lot of fundraising and organize volunteers. The field hockey team just did a fundraiser for leukemia; volleyball did Dig for the Cure for breast cancer. We also have the Giving Tree every year....

Flex. I’m in the Economics and Investment Club, where we’re investing actual money. Each student can pitch a stock to the rest of the group with a presentation, and then we vote on it. If we vote yes, it gets added to our portfolio.

Flex. Model UN gives me the chance to learn about things from all different regions and practice my writing and public speaking skills. In January, I participated in The Hague International Model United Nations.

Flex. At Future Doctors and Scientists, we went over how to use a micropipette, which is the basis of all medical labs. We practiced adjusting the micropipette to a certain amount of volume, pushing the water out onto wax paper and then sucking it...

Flex. My brother has autism, so I created a club called Sib Strong, which is for students who have siblings with disabilities. Though the group is small, we find it beneficial to learn from and lean on each other.

Athletics. I run cross country, which I love. I love just how motivating the coaches and my teammates are. I find myself consistently improving each week and running more miles than I ever thought I could.

Service-Learning. Through Country Day, I’ve volunteered with Lucky Ducklings Foundation, distributing food and water to unhoused members in San Diego.

Athletics. I love fencing. You have to really think about what your next move is going to be. And the thing about me is that when I want to do something, I usually just do it. So in fencing, I have to take a...

Football. I play football, which I really enjoy. It’s a community—coaches and peers—that’s filled with love for each other and the sport. I also like that I can still play in the band. My friend, Isaac, and I stash our instruments under the bench,...

Mock Trial. I’ve been part of the Mock Trial team for two years. It’s a ton of work and also a lot of fun. Our team placed in the top 10 in this year’s competition, and I was named as an outstanding prosecution witness.