Jade Buckwalter

Jade Buckwalter
Elementary School: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School
College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Major: Computer Science and Math
Career Aspiration: Undecided


Favorite subject at CRLS
Math

Why is it your favorite subject?
I came into CRLS knowing that I liked math; this led me to take as many math classes as I could, and my positive experiences in these classes has led me to leave CRLS with a far stronger passion for math. Many of my math teachers have taught beyond the curriculum, utilized helpful visuals and interactives in their teaching, and have always been eager to answer my questions.

Favorite CRLS Staff Person
Ms. Watson, Dr. Lam, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Scott

What makes that staff person so special?

Ms. Watson was a wonderful teacher to TA for; I learned so much from her throughout the semester, I can tell she cares a lot about her students (and TAs), and I can always count on her to engage me in an interesting conversation. Dr. Lam, whom I was lucky enough to have for both AP Comparative Government and AP World History, is very knowledgeable and passionate about everything she teaches. Along with her unforgettable sense of humor, I appreciate her straightforward and objective approach to teaching, where she presented us with sources representing a variety of perspectives and encouraged us to draw our own conclusions from there. Mr. Patterson taught calculus in such an engaging way, often through interactive explorations, which allowed me to better understand and appreciate how seemingly distinct concepts in math are brought together through calculus. Last but not least, Mr. Scott has challenged me to grow both as a writer and as a critical thinker, and has always provided thorough feedback on my writing.

Extracurricular activities, clubs, school-related activities

CRLS Course Connect, Math Club, Aspine Club, Chamber Music Collaboration, Falcon Band, Band Land Brass Band, Peer Tutoring

What were some of the out-of-school time (O.S.T) programs that you participated in anytime between grades 6-12?
N/A

How did being enrolled in any O.S.T. program(s) contribute to your success both in and out of high school? 
N/A

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
I really enjoyed the clubs I was involved in during my time at CRLS, and the sense of community fostered in each of those clubs. Because there are so many clubs, there truly is something for everyone, and I’m glad I was able to engage with my interests in both STEM and music through clubs. 

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
CRLS offers a variety of non-traditional academic opportunities, including teaching assistantships, senior theses, and internships. I had a wonderful experience as a TA for Ms. Watson’s calculus class last semester; I especially enjoyed all of my time spent helping students one-on-one or in small groups as they began to understand and apply the concepts they had just learned. Through this, I was able to further solidify my understanding of calculus and develop meaningful connections with many of the students in the class. Being a TA also provides a nice balance to your schedule, and it is something I would definitely recommend.

What advice would you give incoming freshmen about CRLS?
Follow your passions. Take classes and join clubs that you are interested in, and don’t ever feel like you should do something just because you think it will look good on college applications. There is no single right way to get into college, and you will enjoy yourself so much more if you devote time to what you are most passionate about.

Also, spend some time looking through the course catalog and make a four-year schedule plan. If there are particular classes you want to take, make sure you are aware of the relevant course sequences. However, it’s good to be flexible in your planning, as your interests may change over time.


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