Isabella Leith

Favorite subject at CRLS
Biology

Why is it your favorite subject?
I have always known that I was interested in science, but never felt that something clicked for me quite like biology. Learning about the systems of life not only fascinates me, but also pushes me to challenge myself to explore my own curiosity beyond the classroom. I have no doubt that I want to pursue biology in the future. Whether it be genetics, ecology, or evolutionary biology, this is a field that has so much potential to do good in the world, and makes me excited to further my scientific education.

Favorite CRLS Staff Person
Benjamin Cohen
 
What makes that staff person so special?
Mr. Cohen has been a shining light in my CPS experience. He is patient, thoughtful, and passionate about his work, and has an incredible way of making each and every student feel seen. Although Mr. Cohen was never my teacher, he was my advisor and someone to turn to if I ever felt as though I was struggling. From online CM as a freshman to college applications as a senior, Mr. Cohen has been a constant source of support and kindness. As I begin a new chapter of my life and reflect upon the positive impact Mr. Cohen has had, I sincerely hope that every high school student has an opportunity to cross paths with a mentor like him.

Extracurricular activities, clubs, school-related activities
Varsity soccer, A cappella, Student government, Theater

What were some of the out-of-school time (O.S.T) programs that you participated in anytime between grades 6-12?
GrubStreet, Cambridge Youth Soccer

How did being enrolled in any O.S.T. program(s) contribute to your success both in and out of high school? 
I participated in two summer programs at GrubStreet, a non-profit writing center in Boston. The programs are focused on helping young writers develop their creative voice, and they helped me think outside the box both in terms of how to construct pieces of writing, and how to understand the parts of my identity that prompt me to write in the first place. Cambridge Youth Soccer, while being completely different from GrubStreet, has also allowed me to reflect upon who I am and who I want to be. I started playing in CYS programs when I was six years old, and have continued to be involved through high school. I now serve as a Kickstart coach, where I am able to give back to the CYS community by coaching young soccer players. CYS has helped me evolve as a teammate, an athlete, and a hard worker.

What did you like most about CRLS? Why?
My favorite thing about CRLS is the soccer community. When I was a freshman and taking all my classes on Zoom, the only place where I had the opportunity for interaction outside my house was at soccer practice. That first year I met some of my biggest role models, people who shaped my ideal of what it means to be a leader and a teammate. As I got older, I took on more responsibility on the team, both on and off the field. I met some of my best friends, pushed myself both mentally and physically, and grew into the role of a leader myself. I am so proud not only of my own accomplishments as an athlete, but also of how far our girls soccer team has come. I feel privileged to have watched the team grow, and to have watched my teammates become the incredible people they are now. Being a part of CRLS soccer is something I will never forget.  

What is something people unfamiliar with CRLS should know about the school? Why?
For someone that is unfamiliar with CRLS, it is important to know how many opportunities there are. Rindge is special in the way that it has something for everyone, from its thriving arts department to its extensive STEM opportunities to its abundance of sports teams. It is a school where students have the chance to use their voices to do incredible things, and a place where personal expression and identity is celebrated. I have felt so fortunate to be a part of a community where I can be heavily involved in sports, but also explore performing and visual arts as well as participating in social justice projects. If there is one thing to be known about Cambridge Rindge and Latin, it is that there are so many beautiful people and spaces here, and we often forget how lucky we are for that. 

What advice would you give incoming freshmen about CRLS?
I would tell incoming freshmen to find the people who make them happy and spend time with those people. What I will miss the most about CRLS are all the people I have met who have changed me and helped me become who I am. It can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of high school early on, but the most valuable piece of advice I can give is that you will have a much better four years by being yourself than by following a crowd that you don't feel a part of. It is so important to find your people early on because high school flies by, and once you meet the people you love, you won't want to let go of them. 

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