Lyceum Kennedy-French Private School

I attended the Lyceum Kennedy- French Private School from Pre-Kindergarden to 4th grade where I was taught entirely in French (English was taught as a second language). My parents encouraged me to continue my studies there for as long as possible, despite the financial burden at the time. I cannot put a price as to how valuable being fluent in French is. Being born in France and visiting the country several times (most recently in Spring 2011), I have been able to assimilate myself in the culture easily and had it not been for my elementary school years in this French Private School, my aptitude in French would not have been possible. 

Manhattan East Middle School 

I attended Manhattan East Middle School in Harlem on 100th street and 1st avenue. Living in the Bronx, I had to take a school bus early in the morning and likewise in the afternoon. Our school was on the 5th floor of a building exclusively. I had a great time there during my three years. Being a part of such a diverse community definitely impacted my upbringing. I was part of our well known Jazz band, playing the trumpet, placing 2nd in a North East competition. I was also the captain of my basketball team during 7th and 8th grade. I was supposed to move to Phoenix, Arizona after middle school but I was accepted to the Bronx High School of Science at which point my parents made a decision to stay in New York. I believe they made the right one, as Bronx Science ended up being an amazing four years (see below). 

The Bronx High School of Science 

Going from a school of 250 to 3000 was a very interesting transition (one that made it easy to easily adapt to college). 26,000 students applied to my high school and I was one of the fortunate 800 that was accepted. I had a thrilling experience during my four years, being on the crew, debate, and basketball team. I took many AP classes and was a part of various things that can simply not be replicated in other high schools. As a three year member of the Student Government and specifically it's President during my senior year, I ran a class of 18 students every day and then met with the administration. Apart from advocating for students and changing school policy, I organized school events and charity efforts (my last contribution was raising $10,000 for Haiti earthquake efforts). I was also a tour guide of our school's Holocaust Museum, the only such museum in a high school in the country. The college process was very straightforward as a result of Bronx Science getting me prepared for the next level. From then to now I've wanted to be a doctor and Stony Brook University, because of it's rich Science department, proximity to New York City, and many other positive attributes, was a clear choice for me.