Student Profiles

“Ms. Payne recently told me that she remembered that as a freshman I used to be rather shy and timid, and now I’m more open and confident. I hadn’t thought about it before, but I’m glad she said it, and I think it’s true.” Zee is indeed an open and confident young woman, and as a senior, she reflects on the aspects of her experience at BB&N that helped her along the way.

Zee was attracted to BB&N in large part because of the Chinese program. She has always found Chinese culture fascinating, and here she knew she would have an opportunity to explore it in depth. She currently enjoys the rigors of the Chinese 4 Honors class. More profoundly, though, through the BB&N exchange program, she spent two weeks in China. There she lived with a host family and traveled throughout the country. “Climbing the Great Wall was a life-changing event. And, a girl from the BB&N’s sister school in China will be staying with my family for a week this winter.” Zee talks about her experiences in China, and the resultant expansion of her worldview, with pride and enthusiasm.

Zee’s worldview has expanded through her deep local experiences as well. In addition to her studies and participation in the dance program at BB&N, she is also very active in community service in Boston. She has been a regular and committed volunteer at Rosie’s Place, a shelter for homeless women, for four years. She is inspired by the resilience of the resident women and feels privileged to prepare and serve meals for them. Zee says that she is humbled by her work there. She also knows that with this humility comes the confidence that she has a great deal to offer the world.

Zee believes she has become more self-assured through the support of the faculty at BB&N, as well. As an active participant in multicultural activities and conferences, Zee has developed and enjoys close relationships with several of her teachers. She credits Mr. Bryant, Ms. Farlow, and Mr. Quain with helping to awaken her awareness of the of the world’s opportunities. “We talk about life together. They help me see what is really possible.”