Meet MERYLAND
Boarding or Day Student: Boarding Student
Hometown while attending FVS: Watts, California
Current City: Berkeley, California
Dorm: Gannett | Ballantine
Graduation Year: 2024
College(s) attended and major/minor(s): University of California, Berkeley, Business (major), Chinese (minor)
Activities (inside and outside of school) while at FVS: Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Boxing, Residential Assistant, Admissions Ambassador, Mandarin Club, 5 LA New Beginning
Unimpressed with the shortcomings of her local education system, Meryland made the bold decision to enroll as a boarding student at Fountain Valley School of Colorado, eager to discover the paths available beyond her hometown in California. Her experience shaped her journey to UC Berkeley, where she majors in Business with a minor in Chinese. It also helped her set ambitious goals such as competing in the 2028 Olympics.
which outstanding qualities drew you most to Colorado and Fountain Valley School?
Fountain Valley’s commitment to ensuring students' happiness really stood out to me. The first time I stepped foot on campus I felt the energy of a family. Having easy access to faculty and staff really made a difference for me. I was nervous to live by myself, but was surrounded by amazing people, and a safe and peaceful environment, and granted the opportunity to attend many trips that allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone. In the end, these opportunities helped me develop goals for the future and find new things to enjoy!
What surprised you most about Fountain Valley School?
What surprised me the most is how strong the relationships between students and faculty can be. Those relationships made my learning experience so much fun and I was blessed to have teachers that motivated me when I felt like I could not succeed. Extra help is crucial, but believe it or not, asking for help is always the best way to go. Fountain Valley School gives you the opportunities to reach out when you need help or to chat with someone.
Tell us about your Senior Capstone project.
My Capstone project, Dreams and Goals, was inspired by the opportunity Fountain Valley gave me to attend school here. When I began the application process to attend FVS, I was rethinking it because I didn’t have the best educational system in my city. However, being able to come back from FVS and share new experiences with my community really inspired me to help kids and show them that there is more out there.
in what ways has FVS supported your love for boxing? Tell us about the boxing program you run where you live and about your dreams of one day competing in the Olympics.
I had many teachers show their unconditional love and support toward my goal in boxing, to attend the 2028 Olympics. 5 LA New Beginnings is a program I developed designed for families who have kids ages five and younger. I teach boxing and virtual classes for the community of South Central to help families and provide resources for kids to strive.
What is the most important lesson you learned while on the Prairie?
I learned how to live in the moment and appreciate life while being unplugged. Nowadays, we all take our phones everywhere and are on them 24/7, but if you ever go out onto the Prairie it’s nice to appreciate your surroundings and feel the fresh breeze that hits your face as you walk and watch the sunrise or sunset.
What advice would you give to potential FVS students?
I would tell potential FVS students to take every opportunity they can, whether it makes them uncomfortable or not because at the end of the day, those are the memories that stick with us the most and make us who you are. Time flies by and there will be some days where they won’t have the best time, but it gets better and they will always have a shoulder to lean on at FVS.
When it comes to learning beyond four walls, how did FVS expand your horizons?
FVS expanded my horizons by having classes that were way more than just teaching. They were discussion based, which was super nice because I felt heard and engaged with my classmates and teachers.