NOVA taught me to think critically, to be curious, and to love learning. Most of my classes in high school for the first two years were either easier than, or repeats of, what I had already learned at NOVA and once I started reaching higher levels of math and science, the principles I learned at NOVA had me fully prepared to learn the new information with confidence.

When I talk to other people my age, most can agree that middle school was probably the lowest or worst part of their lives. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend NOVA because I feel the opposite. Even as an anxious, hormonal kid, surrounded by other anxious kids, I felt safe to experiment and try to be myself and grow as a child that felt so emotionally stunted after life in public elementary school. I think without attending NOVA I would have had a much harder time finding friends and growing up in high school and beyond. I'm extremely grateful for the experience NOVA gave me, and I think it's an experience all children should get the privilege of experiencing.

I am now a Game Audio Programmer, working at Larian Studios on Baldur's Gate 3.