Jordan

 Jordan is a senior at the Samford Valley Steiner School in Brisbane, Australia.

Waldork Status: 15 years.

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about?

Jordan: To look within ourselves and see the greater good, the greater versions of ourselves. That we are connected and interrelated to nature, we are apart of nature and nature is apart of us.

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about? 

Haven’t applied to University and I don’t intend on going to Uni.

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

To not worry about self image and to believe in myself more strongly.

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

Winter festival is my favourite fair, we have a school bonfire where we sing songs around it and all the classes have soup cheese and bread prior, starting the night with Fire Eurythmy.

Foreign exchange? Where?

I didn’t go on exchange.

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

I am feeling most challenged by the education this year, year 12 when we are pushed to the limits in regard to school work, Senior Project and social life.

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

One truth; Be me. I am an individual and I have the right to be me, without fear of speaking up.

 

Martine

Martine is a senior at Honolulu Waldorf School, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Waldork Status: 15 years.

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about?

Sometimes my mind drifts off to random thoughts when I say the verse. Sometimes I picture my future self in college and if I will ever think about this verse and miss saying it. Other times, if a year is coming to an end I think: “this is the last time I’ll say the verse as a freshman…sophomore…junior…senior or as a 15 year old, 16, 17.. etc which makes me feel excited about the future but at the same time the thought of leaving behind the deep friendships I’ve made with some people I’ve known almost my whole life and some I’ve just met hurts my heart. The teachers often have us face the ocean as we say the verse (I look into the world) and this helps me focus on the words I am saying. Other times it just makes me feel like I’m really ready to MOVE ON. Reflecting on this has made me realize that the verse is more than just a collection of words and that it actually impacts me… Thank you!

 

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about?

Oh man.. this brings up stressful feelings from intense days of getting all the applications in on time… Anyway, I wrote my common app statement about my personal development and leaving the confinement of my smaller self and learning to focus on different more fulfilling things such as hiking, surfing, swimming, connecting with the earth/nature and simply enjoying the presence of people that I love (family/friends) while still recognizing that life will always be challenging for me and for everyone! The Waldorf community definitely came up in a few of the extra questions that the colleges asked me: how it helped shape who I am today and my actions in the future.

 

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

I would tell myself to care less about my reputation, but then again, I wouldn’t be on the path that I am now if it weren’t for the immature, unsure freshman I started out as… I guess I would advise myself to just enjoy life and the few responsibilities that come with being 14/15 years old (easier said than done though!)

 

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

We don’t have those fairs. I doubt that this is the reason why we don’t have them but it might be relevant to point out that the only difference between Summer and Winter here in Hawaii is a couple degrees change in temperature and an increase/decrease in the waves, we do have some changes but they are quite subtle compared to other places around the world. We do however have a “Waldorf Fair” every Fall, which was definitely a blast in my younger years..

 

Foreign exchange? Where?

Yes! I went to Freiburg, Germany in the second semester of my junior year. It was a great adventure that I learned, matured and grew from as a person. It was awesome to experience the difference in culture, climate and people.

 

When did you feel the most pride during Waldorf High School?

Oh this is a good one. I have been a steersman for the Waldorf outrigger canoe paddling team for the past three seasons and it is always a joy being competitive for each other and experiencing such intense teamwork and support from one another. It is also extremely heartwarming to hear about my classmate’s plans for after high school and to listen to how excited they are and just noticing their true intelligence and how much they’ve matured over the years. I used to be a bit embarrassed when I told people I go to Waldorf but now I say it with pride, because I know I am receiving an alternative, unique and overall great education with people that I love. I also feel a sense of warmth and pride whenever I talk about “old times/ memories” with my classmates or when we look at our old class pictures, it just seems so amazing that we’ve been together for so long and how much we’ve changed.

 

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

That would probably be this year. These past few months of applying to colleges and for scholarships have been quite challenging and frustrating for me, especially considering that our college counselor was teaching this for the first time and basically learning it with us. Sometimes it can be challenging to be around the same people day after day, year after year. I have occasionally found myself frustrated with some of the teachers and their methods of teaching… I’ve noticed that because our Waldorf school is so small, we can sometimes lose contact with a professional setting (particularly in high school), which has its ups and downs.

 

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

At Waldorf I have learned to cherish true friendships and having a close relationship to mentors and teachers. I will take with me my love and connection to fine arts (clay, wood work, painting, drawing, etc.) I will take with me my curiosity and hunger for learning and exploring in the world. I value my understanding of how much people change and develop into themselves. I feel that Waldorf has helped me feel an appreciation for and love of mother nature (plants and animals) and I know I will value this throughout my adulthood. I’m also happy that I will be able to knit myself a scarf when I go to a place where it snows in the Winter!

Emily

Emily is a senior at Washington Waldorf School in Bethesda, Maryland.

Waldork Status: 8 years.

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about?

Emily: The imagery in the morning verse (stones that repose, the stars are sparkling etc.) brings to mind all of the colorful experiences I’ve had through Waldorf, whether it’s through class camping trips, or using pencil shavings to really make my main lesson book cover page shine! As I get older though, I actually think about what the verse means, and I try to carry some parts of it in my daily life, especially “to learn and work may grow within my inmost being”

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about? 

I wrote my essay about how this past summer, I wanted to get a steady part-time job, but I didn’t hear anything back from any of the places I applied to, so I decided to market myself as a babysitter, pet sitter, lawnmower and taxi service for kids (aka Uber by Emily).

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

School will get more difficult; develop your work ethic now so you can slack off later.

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

Fall fair!

Foreign exchange? Where?

To Escuela Libre Micael in Las Rozas, Spain (a suburb of Madrid)

When did you feel the most pride during Waldorf High School?

Being at Hermit Island.

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

During every single independent research project we had (the senior project most of all!)

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

Everything imaginable is connected in some way, however small or inconsequential. There is value in finding those connections

Emily’s favorite Waldorf memory:

Last year, my class was driving back from Kimberton, PA after a week working at the Camphill Special School there. We were driving through the toll lane in Baltimore and I made eye contact with a guy in the car in the lane next to us. He stared at me for a couple of seconds then started to do eurythmy at us! It took me a couple of seconds to realize what was happening, but then I started screaming to my classmates about what was happening. He must have been a Waldorf kid and seen that we were too, from our school bus.

Adam

Adam is a senior at  Lake Champlain Waldorf School in Shelburne, Vermont.

Waldork Status: 12 years.

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about?  

Adam: I have thought about this question throughout senior year and originally I thought it was just something to bring all the students together in the morning, but now I think I have come to the conclusion that it is about something more. Now it also roots me and reminds me of all my life/time at Waldorf and everything that means to me.

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about? 

I wrote about overcoming a struggle and persevering. I was leading a rockclimbing pitch in north Conway and came to a tricky part near the top and, after climbing all day, I was so tired I needed to be thrown a rope to have a few minutes break. Later I went back and finished the climb.

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

Don’t be an ******* (can I say that?) You’re not any cooler or any much a better person than the boy sitting next to you. To get respect you need to give respect to others – so be respectful and chill about it.

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

Ugh both equally as bad. But I have come to enjoy the warmth and community aspect of the winter fair.

Foreign exchange? Where?

Verrières-le-Buisson (just outside Paris) for three months last fall. Amazing experience, highly recommend it even if you don’t feel comfortable speaking a foreign language.

When did you feel the most pride during Waldorf High School?

I don’t have a specific time in mind, but whenever I look back at my eight/ninth grade self and see how much I’ve grown and changed throughout high school. Most of this is definitely due to Waldorf because I can also then look back at some of my friends from middle school and see what I would be like if I had attended public school as they decided to do.

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

Definitely on the first day. Coming to a new school and joining a new class after only having met a handful of other students a few times before.

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

Some much of the information or knowledge that I have learned and still need to learn can only be learned through experience and drawing conclusions from previous experiences. Things cannot be learned just by someone (sometimes teachers) telling you.

Alexandra

Alexandra is a senior at Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School in Hillsdale, New York.

Waldork Status: 10 years.

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about?

Alexandra: The day, the weather, what it will be like without it.

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about?

I wrote about my family moving to the United States from Guatemala and the difficulty of the transition and trying to balance two cultural identities.

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

Take it easy and breathe. Everything is going to be okay.

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

Winter fair all the way. I love the romanticism of it.

Foreign exchange? Where?

No foreign exchange but did visit Guatemala for 2 months last year in replacement of an exchange.

When did you feel the most pride during Waldorf High School?

Forming the Student Council and getting the dress code changed.

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

During the beginning of precalculus. We had a wonderful teacher that really pushed for us to do our best.

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

That you need balance. Everything needs to have a certain level of balance to go well. Inwardly and outwardly. If your outside world is unbalanced then you will be too. And if you are inwardly unbalanced than your outside life will reflect that.

Aliya

Aliya is a senior at Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, New York.

Waldork Status: 15+ years

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about? 

Aliya: Trying to avoid the word God when it comes up.

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about? 

Bravery and fearlessness as it manifests in my life.

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

Ask your English teachers for book recommendations! You will never read a bad book again!

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

Fall fair.

Foreign exchange? Where?

Argentina!

When did you feel the most pride during Waldorf High School?

When my report cards come out.

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

I took a 12^th grade honors chemistry elective and it was very challenging.

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

There is value in every person.

Liri

 Liri is a senior at Hawthrone Valley Waldorf School, Ghent NY.

Waldork Status: 16 years.

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about?

Liri: The morning verse is quite confusing to me. I know it in 2 different languages, and it’s hard for me to really dig into it. I said it in Hebrew for the first 8 years of school, and I was too young or didn’t care enough to try and understand it. In 9th grade, I came to America and didn’t really understand it in English, and so after a while, it just became sort of automatic.

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about? 

I wrote my common personal essay about living in Camphill, my home, which is a worldwide community composed of small villages around the world, that are based on life sharing model with people with special needs.

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

 I would tell my 9th-grade self to be more focused in class, and not to succumb to the book night concept (to do all the work for the block on the last day). But I’m too scared that it will drastically change the future.

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

 I don’t have a preference. I think most people would say spring, and I’m tempted to also, but I just love the general ambiance of the fall so much. Also, around that time I usually start making my insane Halloween costumes.

Foreign exchange? Where?

Israel. Not really foreign to me, but it was an experience.

When did you feel the most pride during Waldorf High School?

I felt proud going to a Waldorf high school last month when all my friends from orchestra had to take their midterms.

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

Taking the SAT’s sucked.

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

It’s not all textbooks. It’s not all tree-hugging either, but I think that a good balance can bring a person to a very good self and social stance by the end of high school, and that’s what I would want for my kids as well.

Phoebe

Phoebe is a senior at Maine Coast Waldorf School in New Gloucester, Maine. She is also the creator and editor of Words of Waldorks.

Waldork Status: 15 years.

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about?

Phoebe: I always find myself picturing a mossy glen and then later on in the verse I tend to think about a rocky coast and the sunrise. Also I feel the weight of the day being lifted slightly off my shoulders.

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about? 

I wrote about working at Vinland, a restaurant in Portland, Maine in the summer; what it means to be a young women in a kitchen full of men. Also about the concept of leading from behind.

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

Chill out, work just as hard as you feel you need to, and do exactly what you think is best because… Spoiler alert! Everything turned about fine so far!

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

Fall Fair = better food.  No comparison necessary.

Foreign exchange? Where?

I went to Chateauneuf du Pape, France and stayed for 2 months.

When did you feel the most pride during Waldorf High School?

I am always so proud of my class and  way we have always had strong relationships with each other and the rest of the school. The fact that a six person senior class can care about everyone at the high school and hold our class together in more than just a casual friendship is really impressive, and has given me an example for the rest of my life.

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

The fact that I live an hour away from school was a huge challenge when I started at the school. I can’t hang out with friends as much or go to spur of the moment parties. It has now become almost a blessing because I have more time where I can do nothing, listen to music or do homework.

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

Waldorf school has taught me that my opinions matter and what I believe, has a place in the world. By believing in what you yourself find true fosters the kind of self esteem that my generation of 18 year old people lack. My life as a Waldorf student taught me that all the ideas of a group and the opinions of that group matter and not to shut out those people who have quieter voices.

Sophie

Sophie is a senior at Maine Coast Waldorf School in New Gloucester, Maine.

Waldork Status: 4 years.

Words of Waldorks: What does the morning verse make you think about?

Sophie: The morning verse makes me think about being present through out the day and connecting the inner self with the outer world.

If you applied to college this year, what did you write your personal/ Common App essay about? 

I wrote about my Japanese heritage and how I came to accept it.

Looking back, what advice would you tell your ninth grade self?

I would tell me ninth grad self to speak up more and stop thinking about what is considered cool.

Fall/harvest/winter fair vs. Spring/May/Medieval fair… which is better?

The fall fair because it has a bigger variety of activities and stands.

Foreign exchange? Where?

I went to Geneva, Switzerland for my exchange.

When did you feel the most pride during Waldorf High School?

I feel the most pride when my class woks together to do something for the community, for example, organizing a food drive or a school dance.

When did you feel the most challenged during Waldorf High School?

I felt the most challenged when I went on exchange and experienced a completely different culture.

What is one truth about life that you will hold as an adult that you were given or discovered at Waldorf school?

The best way to gain respect is to be confident, ask questions and do what you love.