When I clicked “submit” on the SAS application form two years ago, I could not have dreamed of the doors it would open to me. From a life-changing scholar program to an acceptance to one of my dream universities, my every accomplishment was made possible by the support from SAS faculty and classmates, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself. While SAS students are incredibly diverse in personality, interests, and culture, we share a drive for excellence, self-improvement, and fun along the way. (If this sounds like you, we would love to welcome you!)
SAS offers abundant opportunities, more than enough to fulfill every student. From traveling for state-level Poetry Out Loud to competitive Mock Trial and Model UN, I discovered activities absent from my previous school, providing an avenue for my curiosity about oratory and law. I delved deeper into the interests I’d already explored, coordinating three clubs as co-president. Running for SGA, I learned all my classmates’ names, faces, and personalities and made invaluable friends and connections. As we laughed at our campaign videos together, I realized my stress at SAS was comparably much lower because of our camaraderie, free of internal competition.
In fact, my peers are a source of daily inspiration, always taking the initiative to pursue their goals and motivating me to challenge myself. While launching my service project, LEAP, I was astonished by the number of classmates who signed up to volunteer after school. From October to May, my team joined me at the elementary school twice every week to provide tutoring. Such community engagement and readiness to explore new activities are deeply rooted in SAS culture. Many of my classmates have founded projects of their own; in the Wolfson campus alone, we had 15 Silver Knight nominees this year! Whether you’re an aspiring leader or team player, the student body at SAS is ready to support you.
However, what truly sets SAS apart is the incredible faculty. Not only are the teachers exceptional educators with a deep passion for their subjects, but they are also our most caring mentors and champions. They have written recommendation letters for me on short notice, traveled during their summer break to support my leadership training, driven us to district events, and even paid for student activities out of their own pockets. During their office hours, they provide a safe space for us to ask questions, chat about mutual interests, and be vulnerable during difficult times. In class, they engage, challenge, and encourage us in the most accessible ways, from our history teacher’s dramatic reenactments in costume to our counselor’s newsletter that shares all relevant information and scholarship applications. Their care and dedication demonstrate how deeply they invest in our academic and personal success. After two years, the faculty has become my family outside of home, always having my back.
Before coming to SAS, I dreamed of becoming a community leader and attending a prestigious university, but my goals seemed distant and unachievable. Coming from a school with fewer class offerings and limited interest in clubs and community service, I did not know where to begin. SAS introduced me to inspiring seniors who exemplified the potential paths I could take and provided the resources for me to pave mine.
I can confidently say that SAS has transformed the trajectory of my life. I cannot imagine what my life would have been if I’d made a different decision. Without Mr. Lindsay’s encouragement to apply for programs and scholarships, I would have missed invaluable experiences as a service project leader and Silver Knight. Without my senior mentors’ advice and teachers’ dedicated support, I may not have matriculated at the university of my dreams. From navigating the college application process to balancing my studies and extracurriculars, I always had our counselor’s guidance to fall back on. Moreover, SAS thoroughly prepared me for college: my dual enrollment classes broadened my mind and helped me focus my academic interests, and our morning college hours gave me experience in time management, course mapping for a degree, and other crucial skills. Without these insights, my first year at university would be much more daunting.
The experiences, network, and knowledge I gained at SAS will stay with me forever. SAS Wolfson has given me the most precious memories of my life, for which I will always be grateful.
Amy Zhou
SAS Wolfson Campus, Class of 2025
Princeton University, Class of 2029
