b'In what ways did Ormes extracurricular activities or clubsand the teachers and staff were very compassionate as help shape your personal and leadership skills, and how dowell (shout out to Mr. Goodspeed and nurse Wendy!). Ive you believe those experiences have benefited you? learned to surround myself with good people with whom My fondest memory in regard to Ormes extracurricularI feel at home, and I believe this will give me strength to activities have to be the Orme Games and Fine Arts Festivalcontinue my journey at Davidson College and beyond. week. Those times taught me the importance of teamwork and honestly, having fun!How would you compare the size and dynamics of Ormes I was also pushed to go out of my comfort zone, whichstudent body to that of Davidson College? Do you feel that taught me the value of temporary discomfort for immenseOrme adequately prepared you for the transition to a larger self-growth and meaningful experiences. These definitelyacademic community?helped me feel more self-confident, which I think its aDavidson College has a larger student body size, but its crucial trait for leadership.still relatively a small, close-knit community just like Orme. And just like at Orme, I found many amazing peers from Did Orme provide any resources or support systems thatall over the country and the world. Everyone is unique and were particularly helpful during the college applicationtalented in their own way, and Ive been introduced to so process? How did these resources contribute to your suc- many worldviews and cultures. cessful admission to Davidson College? My years at Orme equipped me with intercultural intel-Im very grateful for my college counselors, Mr. Playe andligence and skills that prepared me well for the transition. Ms. Hux. They were a great help to my college researchI still have many more things to learn, but thanks to Orme and essay writing process and also incredibly caring of myI have the open mindset and critical thinking skills to wel-well-being during that stressful time. Thanks to them I feltcome new perspectives.confident during my admission process and knew all the steps and strategies needed for successful admission toWhat advice would you give to current Orme students who Davidson College.aspire to attend Davidson College or similar institutions? Are there any specific steps or strategies you recommend How did Ormes community and campus environ- for a successful transition?ment contribute to your personal growth and socialI think the most important factor in college research is fit. development? Liberal Arts institutions like Davidson College would be a Ormes diverse and close-knit community taught megreat fit if you like small-class size, professors dedicated to to be a compassionate and unassuming person. I learnedteaching, close-knit community, etc. Also, when applying that everyone has their own story and is living their life onto more selective colleges, its important that you make their own terms, so its important to be open-minded andyour application shine and unique, so know your strengths empathetic.and highlight them (e.g. sports, writing, academic interest, Living at Orme thousands of miles away from homeetc). forced me to be a mature, disciplined, and self-responsibleFor a successful transition, I think youd most likely find young adult. I think that journey, though rocky at times,yourself adapting more quickly than most of your peers really enabled me to grow to be the person I am today that Ithanks to your experience at Orme. Just remember to keep couldnt be if it werent for Orme.an open mind, join activities and events that interest you, and dont be afraid to ask for help! Were there any challenges or obstacles you faced during your time at Orme, and how did you overcome them? HowHow do you plan to carry forward the values and lessons do you believe these experiences prepared you to navigateyou learned at Orme during your time at Davidson College? challenges at Davidson College? Are there any particular aspects of Ormes culture or ethos I think one of the most obvious challenges is navigatingthat you hope to continue embodying in your college life and academics all by myself at such a young age, re- journey? Davidson College, like Orme, has an Honor Code that sulting in some mental and emotional struggles that I often had to overcome alone. My advisor, Kate, and my friendsstudents must abide by. I find myself constantly encouraged were amazing for listening and assisting me how they could,and reminded to live with honor and integrity, values that undoubtedly will serve me well in life. I remember Dr. Rupp, my last MY YEARS AT ORME EQUIPPED ME WITHEnglish teacher, once stressed to INTERCULTURAL INTELLIGENCE AND SKILLSmy class how having and showing gratitude for my life, despite any THAT PREPARED ME WELL FOR THE TRANSITION.present hardship, will make me hap-pier and more successful, and I have I STILL HAVE MANY MORE THINGS TO LEARN, BUTdiscovered that it is true. I wish to THANKS TO ORME I HAVE THE OPEN MINDSET ANDalways remind myself to be grateful of all that has come and is happen-CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS TO WELCOME NEWing, every person, every opportunity, every challenge in this new chapter PERSPECTIVES. of my life!35 THE ORME BULLETIN'