What is your favorite FVS memory or story?

My favorite FVS memory was exploring mathematics. I was fortunate to take all of my math classes with the same teacher, and she brought energy and enthusiasm that made even the most challenging concepts enjoyable and accessible. She challenged me to embrace my curiosity and delve into advanced topics beyond the classroom. I credit much of my passion in this field to the exceptional math experience I had under her mentorship. I will always be grateful to her for shaping not just my understanding of math, but also my confidence in pursuing it wholeheartedly. I went on to earn a degree in a field rooted in applied mathematics, which eventually led to a career that deals mostly with numbers and utilizes problem-solving skills cultivated through training in mathematics.

How would life be different had you not attended Fountain Valley School?

One of the things I deeply value about FVS is its emphasis on a well-rounded education—students are encouraged to explore a little bit of everything. If I had not attended FVS, I believe my perspective of the world would be significantly different, and not for the better. Without the foundations I gained at FVS, I wouldn’t have the same understanding or appreciation for subjects like history and literature, which have helped me connect ideas across disciplines and see the world through a broader lens. 

Describe your experience as an international student living in Colorado and on campus at Fountain Valley. What were your favorite aspects of the FVS community?

My favorite aspect of the FVS community is how inclusive, welcoming, and diverse it is. People celebrate, respect, and strive to understand differences in cultural backgrounds. Anyone here can be proud of where they come from and their heritage. As an international student, I never felt like I was treated differently by my peers. People were genuinely curious about my background and wanted to learn about the other side of the world.

What characteristics of the FVS academic environment helped shape your learning style and academic interests?

At its core, the education at FVS exposed me to different fields and disciplines. It also granted me a large amount of freedom to deeply explore and pursue my intellectual curiosity.

How do student-teacher relationships with faculty extend far beyond the classroom at FVS? What makes them so unique?

Your teacher in the classroom could also be your coach for an afternoon sport, or even your dorm parent who takes care of you beyond academics and extracurriculars. Students interact with faculty on a much deeper level than in a traditional public high school (even though I never attended one in the U.S., this is based on impressions I obtained from other people and watching TV shows).

If given the chance, would you suggest Fountain Valley School to new high schoolers? What factors would you highlight?

To a new high schooler: At FVS, you'll have the chance to explore a little bit of everything while discovering and diving deeply into what truly excites you when you find it. Along the way, you'll build meaningful relationships with both faculty and peers—connections that will endure far beyond your high school years. And of course, you'll get to enjoy the beautiful state of Colorado during all four seasons.

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