Grads Offer Advice

The last time that Abbie Duckworth ’23, Mari Muñoz de Leon ’24 and Alex Staniscia ’24 took a seat at one of the tables in the Science Center classrooms they were attending a class.

The morning of July 1, the trio assumed a different position in every way: up front, facing students and serving as the teachers, sharing their boarding-school wisdom with a small group of curious middle school summer campers hungry to learn what it’s like to attend private high school.

“I had a great time here my four years,” said Duckworth. “And think this school gives really excellent opportunities, not only during the school years here but that step-up for college, so being able to encourage people to come here and get that opportunity is really important, I think. I want other kids to experience that, as well.”

The rapt audience of nine summer campers was part of Brooks School Summer Program’s new Secondary School Admissions Test preparation class, “SSAT Slam Dunk,” which offers tutoring and practice tests, plus a tour of Brooks and this chance to ask these graduates anything they would like to know about the applying to high school and attending Brooks.

For half an hour, Duckworth, Muñoz de Leon and Staniscia shared their advice and perspective on topics including advisory groups, advocating for yourself, support systems and dining hall food — with extra enthusiasm when discussing the campus soft serve ice cream machine!

Advisory is “a place where you have, say, six or seven other kids and a very trusted faculty member who will be with you to guide you along your experience, whether it be course selection or helping you through a tough class you're going through,” shared Staniscia.

And while Muñoz de Leon agreed with Duckworth’s comment that advisors “look out for you and are there for you when you need it,” she added that “you’ve just got to find your person. Find the adult. Don't be afraid to choose around.”

The group talked about fun and weekend activities, describing Brooks’ annual carnival weekend, block party tradition, bowling trips and off-campus excursions.

“The weekends are good,” summed up Muñoz de Leon. Ultimately, “it really is one of those things, like, what you put in is what you receive,” she said, noting that at times, she just wanted to stay in and watch a movie. Other times, she enjoyed going with a group of friends to one of the school bingo nights to try to win Apple AirPods or one of the other prizes.

The panelists discussed special opportunities that attending a private school such as Brooks provides. “I went on an exchange to Botswana my senior year in March for about a month,” Duckworth detailed. “I would highly suggest anyone to do it. It was really fun.” (Read all about her experience in the Spring 2023 Bulletin, starting on page 34).

Her Winter Term traveled abroad, too. “I did a Portugal trip … and it was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said. “So, if you do get the chance, take it.”  

Before their session wrapped, the graduates shared their favorite memories of life at Brooks to try to inspire the students as they prepare for the admission exam.

“I was the head of Black Student Union and anything involving Black students, I loved; anything involving Hispanic students, I loved,” said Muñoz de Leon. “I was there for the food, for the music. …We got to go to a whole bunch of parties and dances outside of school. We started an annual cookout with a whole bunch of other prep schools and their Black student unions. That was my favorite part this past year.”

When it came to picking his favorite memory Staniscia confessed, “I'm kind of torn.”

“I've had a lot of good moments playing sports on campus, whether it be a great comeback or a time I did well,” he said. “But I’ve got to say, prom this year was amazing. I think everyone had a great time at prom — but I also have to say, my Great Outdoors Winter Term trip, too. I had never been skiing before and the first day we went skiing, I had a blast. It was amazing. Some of my closest friends at Brooks were there with me. Some of them are really good skiers and they encouraged me to go down a black diamond trail. I didn’t fall, so that was a big achievement.”

Having been in their shoes, preparing for the SSAT and applying to high schools, the panelists said afterward that they just wanted to help lessen uncertainty the campers may be having about their next academic step.

“I hope that they learn that you can find your place, you can find your people,” said Staniscia, who is a tennis counselor at Brooks this summer and will begin at Hamilton College next month. “You can have a great time. It's really what you put into it, and you're rewarded with your effort.”

“I just wanted to keep it real,” added Muñoz de Leon, who is working as a camp counselor to 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children (for her third summer in a row) before she heads to Northeastern University. “I liked Brooks a lot. I love the people. Every school has ups and downs so I just wanted to give my narrative on that.”

Ditto for Duckworth, a camp counselor of the 11- to 14-year-old group and Stages & Studios program art teacher currently enjoying a gap year. (Her next destination? Park City, Utah, where the longtime skier will work as a ski instructor).

“You're always going to have ups and downs in high school,” she said. “That's a given, no matter where you go. But I think Brooks provides you that support to know you're not alone for those ups and downs.”