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By Catherine Calamé
This fall, a group of diverse, broadly defined, and talented new students join Hotchkiss as freshly-minted Bearcats. From a lifeguard to a published writer to a breakdancer to several nonprofit founders — as well as a student who sees actual bearcats daily! — these newcomers are bringing ingenuity and enthusiasm to campus.
By the numbers, an unprecedented 41 percent of this year's incoming students self-identify as students of color, and we have expanded our commitment to accessibility and affordability. Our new Bearcats hail from 27 states and 16 countries. They include low-income students, first-generation applicants, and families from across the U.S. and around the world. They are artists, musicians, writers, engineers, and athletes, to name just some of their passions, and Hotchkiss is thrilled to have them.
Let us make a few introductions!
MADDIE FROM JAKARTA, INDONESIA
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
I started a social enterprise called Petite Souris to support an organization that prevents childhood stunting in Indonesia. I hope to break the poverty cycle in Indonesia by educating and empowering mothers. This will allow them to make the necessary choices to prevent childhood stunting because just one generation of well-nourished children will improve Indonesia’s economy.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, or let us know what you like to do for fun.
Bearcats (binturong) are often spotted roaming around my housing complex in Indonesia. I have even heard them walking on the roof and scratching on the walls. Sometimes, I learn random things for fun, like speed rapping, memorizing flags of the world, and solving Rubik’s cubes.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
Experiencing independence and the traditions at boarding school are what I am most excited about. I am equally as thrilled to live in a dorm and to form bonds with new people through sharing my Indonesian culture with others.
CARTER FROM DECATUR, GA
How did you spend your summer?
I was selected for an international leadership development program called Ivy Leader. The first seven days we spent at Dartmouth College attending private lectures on journaling, creative writing, and South African history. For the remaining 20 days, we traveled to South Africa for a deeper orientation into the culture, history, and traditions. We also completed service work by teaching at a primary school, and then went on safari to observe wildlife and better understand conservation, survival skills, and communal living.
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
I support Books for Africa. Every year I collect hundreds of books and volunteer at their large distribution center in Atlanta. We collect, sort, and ship books, computers, tablets, and library enhancement materials to every country in Africa in collaboration with worldwide donors, publishers, and African partners.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
Becoming part of a new community of passionate learners and explorers. I am super excited about deep engagement with teachers and access to the facilities and resources at Hotchkiss.
PAHAL FROM GURGAON, HARYANA, INDIA
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
In 2020, I co-founded the student-run global technology-focused registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called STEAM Bloom (steambloom.com) to plant seeds of quality artificial intelligence (and other STEM fields) education and create awareness about AI ethics and AI alignment for students from underrepresented communities. We provide them with access to world-class resources and hosting outreach events for free. To date, we have impacted 2,000+ students from 25+ countries.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, or let us know what you like to do for fun.
I enjoy singing, writing poems, drawing, and photography.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
I am looking forward to making a lot of friends and being a part of an inclusive community.
VICTORIA FROM BRONXVILLE, NY
How did you spend your summer?
I spent my summer with time for myself, writing my novel, learning a new instrument (the guitar!), trying to keep up with my piano practicing schedule, and preparing for summer camps! They included a writing camp where I stayed on a tall ship for a week and wrote/read literature, and a conducting camp where I conducted the Montclair orchestra. For the final concert I played with the orchestra as well as conducted.
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
I am the editor in the Back to Bach newspaper, which records the spreading of classical music for children around the world with little or no exposure to it with performances by formed groups in different areas.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
I am looking forward to experiencing the strong and warm sense of community that Hotchkiss exudes.
ALLAHU FROM MAPUTO CITY, MOZAMBIQUE
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
Last year, nearly 62,000 people were displaced in Cabo Delgado due to terrorist attacks. To respond, I volunteered for the Plataforma Makobo’s Initiative and coded an interactive map displaying a network of volunteer and public health organizations.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself, or let us know what you like to do for fun.
Every week I receive a visit from a person I’ve never met, a person who technically doesn’t exist. Let me explain. When I started drawing, I came across In My Silence by Jono Dry. Art has taught me the freedom to express my feelings and thoughts, to let go of the need to always do things right, and to just enjoy the present moment. And in this world where everything else moves too fast, that’s exactly what I need.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
I’m currently working on building a virtual platform that connects students with mental health conditions with teachers to support them academically and combat the stigmatization in countries like Mozambique, and contribute to the lower prevalence of mental illness and higher rates of access to care for youth in states like Connecticut. I’m looking forward to continuing my project at Hotchkiss and exploring new areas like engineering and robotics.
EMILY FROM HOBOKEN, NJ
How did you spend your summer?
I participated in a one-month summer STEM program at NYU Tandon Engineering College, where I worked on smart cities and entrepreneurship. In August, I was part of the Bridge summer program and got to know my new peers!
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
I have worked with the Hoboken Public Library for more than a year since I created a math tutoring program for grammar school students as a part of an official children’s program.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I am invited to participate in the Math Prize for Girls competition at MIT this October. I am one of the top five female students in New Jersey for AMC10B and a recipient of the Two Sigma Certificate of Excellence.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
As a STEM addict, I am looking forward to working in the EFX Lab with Mr. Boone. I want to be a part of the Robotics Team, as I was the founder of the Robotics Club at my middle school. I am looking forward to learning photography and squash. I also want to continue sailing at Hotchkiss.
QUINN FROM MADISON, CT
How did you spend your summer?
This summer I worked two jobs and lifeguarded in my free time. I also played soccer all summer and visited the beach.
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
I am in support of the protests after Roe v. Wade was overturned. I am devastated for the women who have just lost the fundamental right to control what happens to their own bodies. I post on various social media platforms in hopes of raising awareness, and I hope to further develop that activism in the future.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
A fun fact about me is that I did contortion and hand balancing for three years. I can still do some of the tricks!
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Hotchkiss community! I’ve always dreamed of being in a diverse, accepting, and supportive environment, and I can’t wait for that dream to come true!
JUNIPER FROM TULSA, OK
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
I know that I want to dedicate my career to helping our world, whether that’s working to prevent plastic pollution or global warming, helping protect endangered species or resources that are running out fast, or fighting the systems that discriminate against low-income communities. I’m often overwhelmed by how many problems humanity is facing, and during my time at Hotchkiss, I hope to find an issue to narrow in on.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have lived in four states (almost five, if you count Connecticut) and two countries. In my free time, I like to make pie, bake bread, and read!
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
I’m definitely excited by the academic challenges offered at Hotchkiss. I’m also looking forward to being part of a more diverse student body, experiencing the boarding aspect of boarding school, and trying new sports, clubs, and activities. I’m especially excited to be able to take both piano and orchestra at Hotchkiss. I’ll be able to take two piano lessons a week, something that will hopefully help me grow in the instrument!
NABIHA FROM NEW YORK, NY
How did you spend your summer?
I started my summer with some conferences about AAPI issues regarding the StopAsianHate movement. I also attended meetings for the NYC Commission on Human Rights Council, which I’m a member of, along with going to many TEAK classes, including debate. Debate is something I am very passionate about as well; I have awards from state championship tournaments, too!
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
The abortion rights movement (pro-choice movement); After Roe v. Wade was overturned, the states now hold power to regulate abortion in a way they couldn’t before. In certain states, millions of women have already lost and will lose the abortion right that they had before. Our country has always been making sure men had rights, but when it comes to women’s abortion rights, that is something our country wants to control.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
I am looking forward to gaining more independence and resilience, which I know Hotchkiss will help me with. I am excited to start living in a new environment and meet new people! I am a very social person as well, so I am looking forward to making new friends.
RIVER FROM POLSON, MT
How did you spend your summer?
I spent my summer honing my social media marketing skills and tried to improve my skills in Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Besides working on digital stuff, I also just tried to have fun during my summer vacation.
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
I donated to Feeding America this summer as a part of an awareness campaign.
Let us know what you like to do for fun.
For fun, I like to jet ski, play games with friends, and listen to music while playing with my dogs.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
I look forward to meeting diverse and ambitious people at Hotchkiss. As a whole, I’m looking forward to having eye-opening experiences during my stay at Hotchkiss.
ARIELLE FROM NEW YORK, NY
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
I support more restrictions on gun use. School shootings are a completely avoidable plague on our world. If everyone calls for change, future generations won’t have to worry about their safety in places like school, where they are supposed to feel safe.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I am a citizen in both the U.S. and Mexico.
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
I am looking forward to meeting new people and joining teams and extracurriculars.
Jackson from Pittsfield, MA
Tell us about a project, organization, or cause that you are supporting.
An organization I am currently supporting is the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). I have been a member of this organization for more than two years. They actively do a lot to help try and make communities all over the country places of equality and free of prejudice.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I used to do competitive breakdancing!
What are you looking most forward to at Hotchkiss?
At Hotchkiss I am most looking forward to meeting new people, joining the Hotchkiss community and everything it has to offer, along with being a member of the football and basketball teams.
