“The FAA always offered something special and cool opportunities to help us learn things in a more engaging way, rather than just sitting in a classroom.”
Attended FAA: 5th Grade to 8th Grade
Current School: Rowan University – Pursuing Mechanical Engineering Degree
Q: Tell me about your background, interests, and educational journey thus far.
I lived in Geneva until I was 10 before finally moving to America. I started in fifth grade and continued through eighth grade. I’ve always been passionate about anything that has an engine and wheels. I’ve also always loved listening to and making music. When I was a student at the FAA, I had numerous enjoyable experiences learning about topics that interested me. I was even able to explore my passion for automobiles thanks to the Exit project. In music, we created our own instrumentals and lyrics to produce songs for our end-of-the-year movie.
Q: What was your favorite thing about the FAA?
My favorite thing about the FAA was definitely the teachers and the support they gave to students. I also loved the students and life at school. The support I got from teachers at the FAA is the best support I’ve ever gotten from any school I’ve ever been to. Teachers were all nice and understanding, explained assignments very well, and were always there for me when I needed help. I think what made the classes better was the projects they made us do. Unlike some other schools, teachers at the FAA often assigned us projects that were out of the ordinary, such as a musical or an art gallery project. It made learning so much better. What made it special was the environment, whether it was students, teachers, or activities. I also loved how the school prepared me for high school.
The FAA always offered something special and cool opportunities to help us learn things in a more engaging way, rather than just sitting in a classroom.
Q: How did your time at the FAA prepare you for the challenges of high school and college?
The FAA was ideal for preparing me for high school and college, particularly through the work assigned. Independence is definitely a valuable skill I developed by attending the FAA. Even though the teachers were always there to help us when needed, they managed to strike a perfect balance between supporting each student and allowing them to work independently and make choices.
I also learned to speak English very quickly, thanks to the FAA, which is definitely the most important thing I needed to do well in high school. Teachers and students had been supportive ever since I became a student at the FAA. Whenever I had a question about a word or phrase, both teachers and students helped me find the answer. I always had the help I needed.
Q: Did you find that growing up with a bilingual education affected your worldview, your development, or your life in any particular ways?
Growing up with a bilingual education was one of the greatest advantages for me, as I had the opportunity to learn another language at a very young age while also gaining insight into another culture. Being bilingual mainly helped me understand another culture, beyond French culture. I even think in English now.
Being bilingual also helped me develop my brain in a different way. Learning about both cultures is what helped me fit into a public American high school. Starting at the FAA was the best preparation for what I would encounter in high school, whether it was for work or just human interactions.
Q: Have you got any specific memories, projects, or anecdotes that you treasure from your time at the FAA? Are there any teachers who stand out in your memory?
I also had many teachers who left a lasting impression, like Mr. Brasseur (music), Mme. Venturelli (French and dance), Ms. Meena (math in English), Ms. Karam (English), Cathy (science in English), and Mr. Catelin (science in French). But one teacher who truly stood out was Loïc Tourais. He taught gym, math, and science, and was my absolute favorite. I’ll never forget the time during March Madness when he called me onto the court, told me to hold the ball over my head, and dunked over me. I was so proud that he chose me for that; it’s a memory I’ll always cherish.
My teachers really helped me realize I could do more than I thought I could and that I could push myself to my limits. One major project we undertook was the musical. It was one of the best projects I’ve ever done in my life. It taught me many creativity-related skills, all while having a lot of fun.
Q: What are you studying or planning to study in college?
I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Rowan University.
