Throwback! Matteo ’15

 Matteo, a  CO-founder of the Best of Waldorf Art Facebook page, and a graduate from Green Meadow Waldorf School, class of 2015, in Chestnut Ridge, New York.

Waldork Status: Self-proclaimed Lifer.

What does the morning verse make you think about?

The morning verse is often a controversial part of Waldorf education. Some of my classmates would stay silent during the word ” God”. For Me however, it represented community. It was the one thing that brought us together each morning, in unison. 170 days a year, for 12 years some of us spoke those words together creating an unbreakable bond.

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

I wrote my essay about not talking for a full day in school. How it helped me, because a better person and opened my ears to listen and be more aware of my surroundings. This was made possible by being in a small class, and having Waldorf teachers open minded enough to let me try this.

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

Waldorf education isn’t absolute. Its not about right or wrong when it comes to learning, but simply planting the seed for you to grow your knowledge in the future.  If i had known this I wouldn’t have argued everything I did.

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

Fall fair.

Foreign exchange? Where?

I went to Argentina for three months. The relationship i had to my class but more importantly to my family and exchange is a connection that I have no been able to replicate. The family became my second family and the house very much became my home.

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

When I gave a rose to a first grader at the beginning of 12th grade because it was the beginning of the idea that I was toward the end of completing my 12 years.

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

The most challenging for me was 9th grade. I arrived with expectations people had of me. I got a B- and C my first to blocks, and people started asking me if I was okay. I was great… just not at physics and chemistry.

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

Learning a concept is something, but learning to learn and think are priceless skills that can help you going forward. Also you never know when you are going to need to sow on a new button 😉

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.