CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: ODA seniors

Now at the close of their high school careers, some Out-of-Door Academy seniors share what they have learned at ODA and pass on their wisdom to incoming freshman.

Westanna Carleton, Boston University
What’s the most important thing you learned at ODA?
As long as you believe in and enjoy what you’re doing, shoot for the moon. I feel completely comfortable going out into the world beyond Sarasota, ready to take on whatever comes my way.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
If you get involved in an activity you fall in love with, your passion for that activity will span to your other areas of interest or obligation. I was able to apply the traits I learned through crew to my grades and towards my life in general.

Kevin Frey, Emory University
What’s the most important thing you learned at ODA?
Always work ahead or complete assignments now rather than later. Time management and working ahead are the keys to success.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
Because I was new to ODA, I was truly nervous. I would advise myself to push the limits and get out of my comfort zone.

Violette Levy, Mount Holyoke College
What’s the most important thing you learned at ODA?
Some people might not see the world the way you do, but it is important to listen to their opinions and hear what they have to say before you jump on them. Open yourself up and dare to listen and then challenge the ideas of others constructively.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
Maybe one day, you will see yourself faced with issues, and that’s OK. Don’t try to hide that from people. Find some good friends or even a good teacher and let them know what’s up.

Anika Pack, Colgate University
What’s the most important thing you learned at ODA?
Being yourself is the best road in life. It’s better to love yourself and have some people dislike you than it is to have everyone like you and to dislike yourself.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
Get involved in more than just classes. Clubs and sports were some of the best things about high school, and I missed out on that as a freshman because I was too lazy to branch out.

Julia Rich, Davidson College
What’s the most important thing you learned at ODA?
It is OK to ask for help. At ODA, the learning environment doesn't end when class ends. A struggling student becomes a successful student by engaging in a dialogue after class and by reaching out for help.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
I would basically tell myself that everything would be okay and that things would fall into place.

Dylann Turffs, University of Miami
What’s the most important thing you learned at ODA?
There is worth and value in every person, their experiences and their opinions. Before you judge someone, acknowledge that their life experience has shaped who they are and how they act. The incredible diversity that exists among seemingly similar people is amazing.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman?
Look upon your mistakes as learning experiences. You will learn valuable lessons through your failures, not your successes. Live in the present. Enjoy high school rather than just planning ahead for the next stage of your life. If you can be mindfully present and happy in the now, you can expect the same for your future.