Can you believe it's already June? I certainly can't! I've wrapped up my finals already in a few of my classes, and am excited that next week could potentially be my last second semester finals--provided that I qualify for senior exam privilege next year. 

I feel like I've been part of the SMA community for years, so it's hard for me to believe that I've only been attending the school for around a year and a half, after transferring in last year. This year, I've made lots of new friends whom I love spending time with, enjoyed my classes (although I'll admit, I would trade anything to avoid another chemistry test!), and I feel like I've found my place through joining new activities. As the year comes to a close and I begin to plot out my summer filled with college visits, and my Senior year of college applications, I'm so glad to look back on this year and think about the fun times and opportunities I've had as a SMA Junior.

Next year, I will be helping on a different Ambassadors Committee, so this is sadly my last blog. I've loved being a blogger this past year, and I hope that I've been able to give some insight into the busy, exciting, and active life of a SMA girl! Incoming freshmen, or even current students: I'd love to meet you or get to learn about your time at St. Mary's. Don't hesitate to stop me in Senior hall (soon to be adorned with a Lion King mural), or stop by and talk during a Photography Club meeting or Mock Trial practice. Have a great summer, and I'll see you next year! 

The sun is out and I'm ready for summer! With AP tests wrapped up and teachers starting to discuss finals, the end of school seems near. I'm so glad to have just wrapped up a difficult week of testing, but sad that it means some of my favorite classes are reaching their end. Still, summer is my favorite time of year so I'm excited to be moving toward warm weather and sleeping in!

Last week I attended the St. Mary's Academy Awards. It was great to see my classmates get recognition for their work, and I was especially inspired by the Seniors receiving cords (for things like service, athletics, and the arts) which they will wear for graduation, which is only a few weeks away! I'm so excited for all of the senior class, but I'm going to miss them.

Last week I also found out that I was accepted to an all expense paid camp to learn Swahili, held at the University of Oregon. I love learning new languages, so I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to learn a language not typically taught until college. What are your plans this summer? 

The week before last I participated with the SMA team at the Model United Nations at the University of Oregon.  My role as an diplomat from Ethiopia on the human rights committee was eye opening, as I had to discuss issues from the point of view of Ethiopia, a country where many humans rights violations occur. It was interesting hearing the debates and meeting other students, from schools all over Oregon. SMA's MUN program is unique in that as a school, we submit more resolutions, 5 a piece, than almost any other school that participates. A resolution is a proposition of actions to be taken to address an issue, from the point of view of ones country. For example, I wrote a resolution from Ethiopia's point of view discussing what restrictions should be placed on freedom of assembly.

This past Wednesday was Poverty Awareness Day at St. Mary's. For P.A.D., the school turns over control to the students, to run workshops on poverty related issues. This year, the theme was healthcare, and as a committee co-chair I helped plan, organize and run a workshop on Outside In. Outside In is a great organization working in Portland to help those who are having a hard time, and they have two amazing medical vans--basically doctors offices on wheels. One of these giant camper vans was able to come to SMA, and students who attended our workshop were able to tour the van, and learn about how Outside In operates, as well as about issues the homeless face in Portland.

For the next 7 weeks it's tests, tests, tests. I'm taking the SAT in two weeks, the AP Language and Composition test the week after, and the AP Government and AP US History tests the week after that! Then, after a few week break, it's the SAT Subject tests, Finals, and the ACT. Thankfully, most of the Junior class is going through the same process right now too, so we can prepare and study together! Don't be too concerned if  you see a SMA Junior walking around bleary eyed and muttering random facts about the Cold War or the branches of government...we're not crazy, just prepping for our exams!

My favorite part about this time of year is seeing the Seniors wearing their college gear, and learning about where my Senior friends have decided to attend next year. The SMA class of 2014 is going some amazing places, and I'm so impressed by all they have achieved. I can't wait until next spring, when it's me receiving word about college acceptances!  

I hope you all had a great spring break, I spent mine in Southern California, which was not as warm as expected but still had nicer weather than Portland! Over the week, I toured UCSD, Pomona, Claremont McKenna, Occidental and USC, and visited the campuses of USD and UCLA. I ran into several St. Mary's girls at the colleges, and even had some fellow Ambassadors in my Pomona and Occidental tour groups. I really appreciated the opportunity to see the schools, and I am now planning to apply to some of them.

As much as it may sound like it, my trip wasn't all college visits. I still managed to squeeze in some shopping, see some family in San Diego, and even see a few celebrities! The day I visited the University of Southern California a pilot was filming for a new show, that stars Viola Davis and Alfie Enoch, who played Dean Thomas in Harry Potter. As a huge Harry Potter fan I was thrilled to get a picture with him. Additionally, I ended up eating in the same restaurant as Miley Cyrus, and I was even able to take a selfie with her!  

All in all it was a great break, and I wish I had another week to sleep in! This week back at school has been very busy, with the quarter ending tomorrow. I've been running back in forth between clubs getting forms signed, and working on finishing up some projects that are due before the quarter ends. It's crazy to think that in just a few months I'll be wrapping up my junior year! Until then I expect to be very busy, with some major events on the horizon including a Model United Nations conference, AP testing, and taking the SAT.

I hope you all had great breaks, and that those of you recently back in school have had an easier time adjusting to getting up early than I have! 

March

I can't believe it's already March. This week has been particularly difficult for me, due to daylight savings time. I'm not a morning person by any means, so loosing an hour has been messing with my schedule! However, I'm eagerly counting down the days until my birthday (next week!) and spring break the week after that. Over the break I'm going to California for a bunch of college tours, which I'm excited for. However, before then, we have our Mock Trial State Competition!

This Friday and Saturday I will be spending part of the day at the Federal Courthouse, competing with the rest of the SMA varsity team against the best teams in the state. Last year, the St. Mary's team won state, and was able to go on to nationals. Earlier this month both St. Mary's team competed at the Multnomah Regional competition, and despite some challenges in our first round, our team was able to progress and make the cut for this weeks competition. I've had so much fun getting to know my team members, and I'm very proud of all we've accomplished in the last few months. I hope the many, many hours we've spent practicing and working pay off, and that we compete to our best ability. Mock Trial has certainly been one of my favorite activities this year, and I highly recommend that anyone who is interested take the class (after school first semester), and then try out for the team.

I hope you all have a great Spring break, and that any current SMA students reading this and going on Sophomore Retreat or Junior Encounter later this week have fun! 

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day. I spent mine with some friends at Grant's Winter Formal. Now, back at school after the three day weekend, forecasting, choosing classes to take in the coming year, is the primary topic I hear being discussed in the halls and within classes. I personally really enjoy forecasting and looking ahead, and I'm especially excited because I will be deciding on my Senior year schedule! Currently I'm configuring different lists of classes and weighing the pros and cons of each, and trying to figure out a number of AP classes that will be challenging but not overwhelming.
Last week was Doernbecher week at SMA, a week of fundraising for Doernbecher Children's Hospital. My favorite aspects of Doernbecher week are the themed dress up days and the lunchtime activities. This year, the event was Portlandia themed, so days included "Fred and Carrie Day" (aka Twin day) and Keep Portland Weird Day (an excuse to wear hipster or weird clothes). During the week, lunchtime activities can be attended to gain points for your class, since part of the week is a competition among classes. I especially enjoyed attending the dodgeball games between different grades, and the final showdown between a student team and a faculty team. The staff won! In the end, the Seniors won the week, and us Juniors came in third. Next year, when I'm a senior, I plan on doing everything I can to help us win!

...and we're back! After a week of finals it was great to have the weekend off, even though I personally had to take the SAT and do some Mock Trial and Model United Nations work this weekend. Grades are due for teachers tomorrow, and so far it seems like the hard work my friends and I put into studying has paid off.

I'm excited about the new start of second semester, and for the two new classes I am beginning this week, Speech and Social Justice. Speech is one of the required classes at SMA, and I've heard good things about it. Social Justice is the second semester Junior religion course, replacing Ethics. I'm interested in learning about the service portion of Social Justice, and finding an organization to help out at.  

Will any of you be at interviews this thursday, the 30th? If so I may see you there! 

Happy dead week! Although this week, the week before finals, is supposed to be about review, I still have a couple quizzes and presentations to do before the weekend. Then, beginning on Tuesday I have finals, two per day. I plan on studying all weekend with some friends in order to prepare. I don’t like test taking, but I do like that during finals we get out early every day, and that the following Monday we don’t have school! 

Since back from winter break I have been busy with classes, clubs, Mock Trial, and other activities. Last week, I helped out at the Scoop, an event for potential new St. Mary’s students. I worked in the spa room, painting manicures and giving out temporary SMA tattoos. I met some great 8^thgraders, who I hope to see at SMA next fall. 

 Good luck to all future SMA students on their applications and to all current students on their finals!

One more week to go till winter break! Despite the late starts with snow (kind of) and ice last week, things don’t slow down much at SMA right before the holidays. Last week I participated in my first mini-mock trial at Multnomah County Courthouse, which was great. I’ve been taking the mock trial class after school since the beginning of the year, and I really liked seeing how all of my teams work and preparation came together.

This week during TA we are putting together our Christmas baskets. Every year each TA is matched up with a family in need, for whom we compile presents and grocery type items, which we then deliver to the family the day before getting out for break. It's a fun and communal way to give back to our community, one that I'm glad SMA has in place.

I’ve heard that these two weeks before winter break are the worst of the year for juniors, and I believe it! I've been incredibly busy writing multiple research papers, completing several other large projects, memorizing speeches and taking tons of tests. I'm so excited for the break, and it will be nice to come back to school in January well rested and prepared to finish up the semester. Wishing you all a happy holiday!

While November is infamous as "no school November" this month is still incredibly busy! I'm looking forward to this weekend, and getting through all the tests and projects I have due in the next few days. Right now I'm fully immersed in my AP English class' study of the Scarlet Letter, my honors chemistry class' study of anions and cations, and studying various Supreme Court cases in my AP government class.

In my last post I mentioned the Food For Thought luncheon. The event occurred last week, and it was a great experience. Jane McGonigal gave a very interesting talk that was similar to her TED talk, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to hear her speak live. The student speaker was equally impressive, and her speech brought all the attendees to their feet. Opportunities like this are one of the reasons I love being an ambassador, as is having shadows. I've had two shadows so far this year and both have been super sweet, and I hope to see them at SMA next year. I know shadowing really helped me choose St. Mary's, so it's interesting experiencing the other side of the day as the one being shadowed. I strongly recommend scheduling a time to shadow if you haven't already!

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!  

November

Happy November! November is one of my favorite months, and I'm looking forward to having a four day weekend this week. This Friday we have a half day, and my friend Holly (another ambassador blogger) and I are going to a reading by Tavi Gevinson, the creator of Rookie, an amazing website, and now book series.

Next week I will be helping out at Food For Thought, a St. Mary's fundraiser luncheon. This year the guest speaker is Jane McGonigal, a New York Times best selling author known for creating amazing games meant to improve people's lives. I highly recommend watching her TED talk, and attending the event.

Next week is also exciting because part of my class will be at Junior Encounter, a retreat at Camp Collins. I am not attending the November encounter, but I am looking forward to hearing my friends' stories about it, as I've heard it is a great experience.

I can't believe it's the end of first quarter! This year is going by so quickly. I am loving my classes, especially AP US History and French. I feel like I'm learning more this year than ever before, and that my hard work in my classes is paying off. This year has also been exciting because I have joined new activities, including Mock Trial. SMA's team went to nationals last year, and I'm so glad I get to be part of such a passionate group of girls who really enjoy the activity. I've also enjoyed my new status as a member of NAHS, the National Art Honor Society. This past week we met to carve pumpkins, which was super fun!

This past weekend I helped out at St. Mary's Open House, one of the biggest events hosted at SMA each year. I had a great time giving tours, sharing my love of the school, and interacting with girls who might be future Blues. Did any of you attend? If so I hope you enjoyed the day as much as all of us ambassadors did, and that you got some good pictures at the photo booth!

I hope you all had a Happy Halloween, and go check out some pictures of the SMA staff all dressed up on the school's Facebook page!

October!

Things are ramping up here at St. Mary’s! This week we have testing, the PSAT for juniors, as well as the PLAN for sophomores and the EXPLORE for freshmen. I’m not only busy with homework and studying for my PSAT and SAT this year, but also fitting in as many college visits as I can. We’re fortunate that a number of colleges visit SMA so that we can hear about schools in a very intimate setting, versus the larger citywide college talks which attract huge amounts of people.

It’s not all hard work though! Last week was the Blues Bridge Walk, St. Mary’s student fundraiser, which cumulates in a 3 mile walk. Luckily it wasn’t raining, and it was an opportunity to relax a bit and socialize with friends while fitting in some exercise. Leading up to the walk was Spirit Week, which was secret agent themed. A highlight was definitely “undercover brother” day, when students dressed like boys, and some male teachers dressed as women. The week ended with an awesome skit filled assembly, and although my class, the juniors, placed last in spirit week overall, our grade’s skit came in second place!  

Back to School at SMA!

Despite the fact that I haven't even been in school for 2 full weeks, it feels like I've never left! The first day of classes was especially interesting for me, since this is my first real back to school experience at SMA. I attended another Portland high school my freshman year, and missed the start of sophomore year at St. Mary's because I was living abroad, so I've missed out on opportunities at SMA like joining first semester activities, and participating in back to school traditions like the welcome assembly, so I'm extra excited to see how this year unfolds! 

The first day was a whirlwind of reading syllabuses, teachers mispronouncing names despite their best efforts, and writing down the first assignments for the year. One thing I love about SMA is that the school gives you great opportunities to challenge yourself, for example, I am able to take 3 AP classes and 1 honors class this year, an option I wouldn't have had the chance to try at my old school. So far I'm really enjoying my schedule, even though the homework can be a little daunting! It's nice to know that all around me girls are taking challenging classes as well, and doing amazing extra circulars and activities. 

Hi Everyone!

Hi everyone! I can't believe I'm already back in school. This summer was great; I traveled, hung out with friends, went to concerts, worked, and of course, did my summer homework for my AP classes! While I'll miss sleeping in and the lazy days of summer, it's nice to be back in the SMA community, and I'm excited about my course load this year. 

It's only the second week of school but I can tell already that it is the year of the iPad at SMA, since the school just began its 1:1 student iPad program! I'm excited to see how my teachers utilize the new technology, and I loved seeing the teacher iPad dance at the welcome back assembly! If you happen to be by the SMA campus, see if you can spot the statue out front that has its own iPad, or if you're interested check out the infamous teachers' dance on the SMA Facebook page, or by clicking Here.