We have very talented seniors here at PV, so let’s find out more about one of them. Allison will be attending Harvard in the fall majoring in government.

Why did you choose Harvard?

Well, because it’s Harvard. I wasn’t going to apply because no one really thinks that they are going to get into Harvard. But I did, and it all worked out. It’s a very big honor to get into that school.

What are some of your hobbies?

I dance, that’s the biggest thing. I have been dancing for the past fifteen years and thirteen of those years have been in competition. I do everything really: jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, and a little bit of tap. I have been in choir for all four years and I’ve been in chamber for the past two years, as a soprano. I have loved being in this big choir family. I love to write, so I write a lot in my free time. I am also one of the three head delegates of the Model United Nations Club here at our school.

What are some of the careers that you are considering? 

All I know right now is that I am probably going to major in government. I’ve always wanted to major in International Relations and the closest thing that Harvard has is government. I’ve been taking a lot of international relations focused classes. But beyond that I’m not really sure, I have to see what courses I like in college, and what appeals to me. I could do law school and eventually become a lawyer. And then maybe, a potential career in government, like an actual elected position sort of thing. However, I’m not sure.

What do you think of yourself?

I’m pretty happy with myself and  I know that I have some things I have to work on, but overall I’m pretty happy. I hope that I keep being happy and that I can be comfortable with myself.

What would you say to someone younger than you who is worried about college?

I feel like a lot of people do things, especially at this age with high school, with the goal of getting into college which is so misguided in my opinion because I feel like if you do that you’re cheating yourself out of a lot of things. You should do things that you’re passionate about, things that you like to do. If you are passionate about something and you are involved, colleges will see that. You shouldn’t do anything with the purpose of something else, do it because you love doing it.

What makes you different, Allie?

I am very passionate about things, that is probably the biggest thing. I am really passionate about anything I put my mind to, whether that be with dancing, or singing, or Model UN.

What motivates you?

Like I said, I am passionate about things, and I would feel as though I was cheating myself if I do anything less than my best. If I’m doing a project, I would never want to put less than 110% into it because in the end when I get a finished product, I’m going to look at it and think, “I could have done this so much better.” Why would I hurt myself and cheat myself when I could have done this differently? And it’s not even a grade thing, it’s more of a personal thing. I just don’t want to cheat myself, ever.

What can we see from you in the future?

Who knows? Hopefully, I’ll be working in the field that I choose and hopefully I’ll be happy. Whether or not that means you hear from me or see me, who knows, but I’m excited to go to college and see where it all takes me.