We are counting down to the end of the 2020-2021 school year, and it is a particularly bittersweet time for our 8th grade students as they prepare to graduate. To help celebrate and recognize our ILS Class of 2021, we have again launched our “Meet Us Monday” blog series to introduce you to the members of this year’s graduating class.
Each week, we will be sharing interviews that we have done with each of our 8th grade students, in which they share more about their favorite ILS memories and traditions, words of wisdom they’ve received over the years, and other reflections from their years here with us at ILS. We hope that you will enjoy these reflections, and join with us in congratulating and celebrating these students!
Meet Us Monday: Margot, ILS Class of 2021
1. How long have you attended ILS?
“I’ve attended ILS for three years now. I started in 6th grade, so this is my third year. It’s been really fun. We have a small class and our teachers really help us. ”
2. To what house do you belong, and how have you developed as a person by being involved in it?
“So I belong to Ambrose. I think all the house competitions have helped me be more confident. They help me learn how to be part of a team. Ambrose is full of uplifting and funny members. Although we don’t often win, we at least have fun. Maude and Eva are our captains, and as an 8th grader, I have a pretty big say in what happens in our house.
When I lived in England, all of the schools I went to had houses. My first school had houses named after ancient civilizations, and the other school I went to had them named after gems. So it’s interesting! I’ve had experiences with houses before and didn’t expect to have that in America too. ”
3. What was your favorite House competition?
“We did ultimate frisbee before which was really fun. I also really enjoy the scavenger hunts we’ve done. We have to work as a team and all the activities are really fun. You get to build relationships with your house members and run around campus. ”
4. What is your favorite ILS memory? (Or, which ILS tradition will you remember the most?)
“My favorite memory was probably when we went to Science Camp. Sam broke his glasses in the creek once and we had to rescue them – or maybe it was Sam. The whole drive to camp is fun too- we stopped at Wawa which was adventurous. Just going on a trip with the Upper School is so wonderful!
My favorite tradition is pizza Friday each month. Unfortunately we haven’t done it this year due to Covid, but I’ll never forget Pizza Fridays. I love pizza and I don’t have to pack my lunch. It’s a great tradition! ”
5. What subject have you studied that has most inspired you, and how? What subject have you studied that most challenged you to grow or change?
“Probably literature is my favorite class. The books are so interesting and the discussions really stick in your mind. It’s hard to describe but it makes you think about things you wouldn’t think about on your own – the conversations are deep. Right now we’re reading Fahrenheit 451 – it’s very descriptive and has lots of metaphors but we’ve only just begun it. I think it’s going to ask a lot of questions about what’s moral – burning books, giving people sleeping pills. Why would a government do that? It’s really weird actually. Miss Davis is a really intriguing teacher and has lots of thoughtful topics to bring up in class.
Probably math is my most challenging class. I’ve grasped many parts of it; at first I didn’t like math at all but now I’m starting to feel more confident and actually enjoy the subject. Tutoring has been helpful and gives me extra time to review the tough concepts. If you’re struggling with math…. It’s challenging at points, but you CAN do it and you WILL understand the concepts if you work on them. ”
6. Where have you applied to High School?
“I’ve applied and been accepted to Bishop Ireton! TC Williams is so big, and Bishop Ireton is a bit smaller, but still big enough to have lots of clubs. I’m really interested in soccer so hoping to try out for that. ”
7. What will you miss the most about ILS?
“The teachers and community. It’s a really nice community where you can just talk to people. A small community like Immanuel helps you make friends and talk to people. We also help each other when someone is struggling. A place like Immanuel builds confidence! ”
8. How has a teacher impacted your life personally in a way you will never forget?
“Probably Miss Davis the First (Carissa Davis). She has really good ideas that help me be the person I am today. She’s a really good role model. I know this already, but it was good to hear her say this: life isn’t about money and you should be with the people you love. We were reading the Christmas Carol when she said that – Scrooge was rich but miserable and even though Tim had nothing and was super poor, he was really blessed. ”