Senior Profile: Olivia P. ’26

As we count down to the end of the school year, we asked some of our seniors to tell us about their interests at Friends and how their experience has prepared them for the next step.

Olivia P. ’26

Up Next: Washington University in St. Louis | Major: Architecture

Activities at Friends: Asian Student Union, Friends Feminism Club (Club head), UNICEF Club (Club head), Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Badminton

Special Programs/Awards/Honors: Cum Laude Society, Honor Roll (2023-2026), ACTR Olympiada of Spoken Russian Gold Medal, ACTR National Russian Essay Contest Gold Medal, SLAVA (National Slavic Honorary Society) Inductee

What is/has been your favorite subject at Friends and why?

I have really liked Wind Ensemble for the past nine years because it has been a constant throughout my school year. It is really nice to be able to pause my school day and take time to play music. I also appreciate how we can try new instruments. Wind Ensemble started in fourth grade, but I started playing the flute in first grade outside of school. I was really grateful that the music department encouraged my curiosity and let me learn the trombone when I first joined. Mr. Zagurski is also a great band director and cares about all of us. He is super supportive and really pushes us to grow as musicians.

How do you think Friends has prepared you for your next step in life?

Friends has prepared me for my next step in life because the teachers encourage us to think critically and ask questions. This helps me understand the content at a deeper level. I have also learned how to work collaboratively with my peers. I can see the joy in working with others because of all the unique perspectives my classmates bring to the table. 

I am grateful for how many different activities and interests I was able to pursue at Friends. I learned to take chances and go for whatever I seem interested in. I was able to take courses that really varied in subject, such as computer science, music theory, and studio art. I also took classes that I might not have initially been drawn to through the English and history electives. I understand the beauty in both pushing yourself to try new things and adapting to being put in unfamiliar waters.