Anaka Landrigan

Extra Curricula
Science Olympiad/ Science Team, Orienteering, Club Med, New Student Guide and Freshmen Mentor, NHS, Club 4

Favorite Class at CRLS
I love science because it can be applied to everything in life. It is a tool that can be used to explore concepts and ideas that have never been conceived of before. It explains why things are the way they are, but also allows for boundless curiosity. It can be moulded to each individual’s passions and helps us to explore the universe we live in, in a way that can help us to make sense of different phenomena. Furthermore, I love the way science brings together a whole spectrum of people. Having a community dedicated to solving problems and conducting experiments is so exciting to me.

CRLS has given me so many amazing opportunities to explore science from classroom experiences, to making new friends with similar passions, to out of school internships. I am so lucky to have been able to be a part of this community.

Favorite Teacher
I enjoyed getting work with all of the CRLS staff but Dr. Abrams, Dr. Kaczmarek, Ms. Newton, and Mr. Hernandez are a few staff that had a profound impact on my high school experience.

Dr. Abrams and Dr. K have continually fueled passion for science as well as, pushed me in the direction of resources and internships that allowed me to explore new branches of science that I would not otherwise have experienced. They are both such wonderful compassionate teachers who work tirelessly to provide the best experiences for their students. I admire them both immensely and am forever grateful for their support.

Ms. Newton was my AP physics teacher as well as the advisor for the Science Olympiad/ Science Team. Even though physics is, in my opinion, the least enjoyable branch of science, Ms. Newton always found new and innovative ways to demonstrate the concepts that made physics a bit less painful. Besides that, she was the best science team advisor you could ever ask for. She has dedicated countless hours of her time to organizing mentors for the team, getting supplies, staying after so we could use her room, and transporting contraptions to and from competitions, and of course, supplying snacks.

And finally, Mr. Hernández. What I appreciated most about his classes was the distinct connection to the real world and the desire that he had to impact the lives of students and to inspire them to make an impact on society. I am grateful to have been in a classroom environment that was as welcoming and inspirational as his.

What are some of the out-of-school time (OST) programs that you participated in between grades 6 - 12?
Science Research Mentoring Program, Glocal Challenge, Broad Summer Scholars Program

How did being enrolled in any OST program(s) contribute to your success in and out of high school?
These programs allowed me to have experiences with people and gain mentors and friends I would not have otherwise. They helped me become more confident in my abilities and to figure out what I love to do. I am so grateful to have participated in these programs and made such strong relationships with people who support each other so fiercely. I know I will treasure the moments for the rest of my life.

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
What I liked most about CRLS was the ability for each student to express themselves and be supported. I think that CRLS is unique in the way it works with students, and while of course it is not perfect, I felt as though I could choose my own path (academically and otherwise) while still receiving the support I needed. From the option of taking additional extension courses at Harvard and starting new clubs or initiatives, to getting funding for trips abroad, and having meetings with administration to express feelings and ideas there is always someone to listen to you and support available when you reach for it.

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why? 
There’s a tutoring center filled with community volunteers and students ready to help! From core subjects to AP or SAT prep there are so many people there who are eager to help you. There are also personal tutors to help you write scholarship and college essays and people designated to help with financial aid. Seriously, I got my FAFSA done in 30 minutes even with having divorced parents.

Advice to Incoming Freshmen
Please please please take advantage of the resources available to you. CRLS has one of the most opportunity-rich communities out there and you get to be a part of it! You can find a program, internship, class, or person interested in just about anything you're interested in and if you can’t, you can create it. Now is the time where you can begin to shape yourself into who you want to become in the future, make plans, come up with goals and aspirations and set your mind to it. There are people there to help you be it friends, mentors, staff, or other. Also! Take your academics seriously, find a group of people who uplift you, challenge your ways of thinking, and push you to be the best version of yourself. Take those challenging courses (there is a tutoring center and a homework room filled with helpful people and I promise it is not as scary as it sounds), start that club, be the person you want to be.

One more thing, don’t get too swept up in the future (planning is helpful but stressing isn't, almost no one knows what they want to do in the future no matter what they say), enjoy the time you have as much as you can, find things that bring you joy and pursue them. Now, take a deep breath, you got this! 

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