Aaditya Singh

My favorite thing about Nysmith was the emphasis on learning. While other schools focus on grades and memorization, I love how Nysmith really cultivated my love of learning. Other than my classes (which I loved), I enjoyed being a part of Game Club, Shakespeare Club, and MATHCOUNTS Club. All of these interests have continued after I left Nysmith.

I also really liked how we had so many opportunities to learn different subjects and explore our interests.

After Nysmith, I was at Longfellow for two years, then TJ for two years, and I just started at MIT this fall (2017)! In middle/high school, I was very involved with the math team, and I also enjoyed science bowl and Science Olympiad. As part of my math team, I participated in many math contests (including continuing to participate in Math Kangaroo, something I’d started at Nysmith and peaked with an all-expense paid trip to Poland for a math camp!). Outside of academic activities, I also continued playing piano and try to keep it up in college as well. I also continue playing board and card games in my free time!

Since I was running out of math and science classes of interest at TJ, I decided to apply to MIT early. After my first semester here, I’m really glad I made the decision since I love everything MIT has to offer. I’m planning on majoring in Computer Science and Engineering at MIT, and might minor in Math.

As Chief Innovations Officer at Malaria Free World, I mainly assist Kritika, Founder and CEO, in coming up with new ideas to spread malaria awareness. From making fun activities, designing crosswords, and helping present at schools, I try to think of new ways to get children involved in the fight against malaria.

As I noted above, Nysmith really fostered my love of learning! Outside of academics, I think Nysmith was a key part in developing my social and presentation skills. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, those group presentations starting in first grade, then the individual science fairs starting in third grade, were a huge factor in making me comfortable in front of large audiences!

To a student, I’d say try to make the most of what Nysmith offers in terms of classes. All the teachers are amazing so try learning as much as you can and going above and beyond on projects. Whereas my friends from other schools could only get enrichment through extracurricular activities, at Nysmith I feel like it’s essentially a part of the curriculum. To parents, I’d say to do anything and everything to let a student pursue his/her interests. For example, after I showed a strong interest in math after being exposed to so many different things at Nysmith, I tried out some math camps that helped me pursue my interest further.

Unlike other schools which emphasize grades and memorization, Nysmith’s unique approach to education fosters a love of learning in students that helps them throughout their lives. Furthermore, by exposing children to so many different classes (from music and art to computers and science), students get to explore their interests at a very early age! To top it all off, the emphasis on communication (whether it be group projects, free writing, or science fair presentations) prepares kids for whatever they want to do in life.