Lara

 

Lara is a senior at the Kimberton Waldorf School in Kimberton, Pennsylvaina.

Waldork Status: 14 years.

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

Lara: The line that stands out to me is “I look into the world and see the shining sun” the rest I tend to say on auto pilot. However, this line makes me think about always looking at things from the bright side.

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

I wrote about my experience in 4th grade moving from Chemnitz, Germany to Kimberton, Pennsylvania, and how it was for me to learn a second language etc.I also wrote about my experience on exchange at Colegio Waldorf Lima, in Lima, Peru and how it was for me to learn a third language. I basically wrote about me learning languages and then later being able to translate between German and English and Spanish.

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

I have absolutely no idea, maybe to not procrastinate, and to not freak out about grades, to much work load etc. Actually I would tell my 9th grade self not to stress and to have fun, because if I stress then that is where problems arise.

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

Fall/harvest/winter fair is better because we have Michaelmas day. On Michaelmas day there is a whole ceremony where grades 2-12 presents something and the 6th grade despised as the dragon comes out. Michael, often on a horse, then comes from the top of the hill and slays the dragon its awesome. I was St Michael twice and it was really awesome and fun!!!

Also for Advent we have advent assembly’s which are beautiful. As a whole school, we gather every Monday after each advent Sunday and sing People Look east as well as Light the advent candle. There are musical sharing and a fairy tale is told by the seniors. At this time we also celebrate honuka.

Foreign exchange? Where?

Colegio Waldorf Lima, in Lima Peru.

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

I feel like that will happen once I stand on stage at graduation.

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

Really every year of high school I felt very challenged and as I went up the grades that challenge grew according to my age. So I would say that this year as a senior I have felt challenged the most because we are seen more as adults and many classes are geared to prepare us for college (I think), but they are still Waldorf with lots of presentations, art projects, main lesson books, etc.

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

Be creative and don’t be afraid to fail. Use your imagination!

Lee

Lee is a senior at Kimberton Waldorf School in Kimberton, Pennsylvania.

Waldork Status: 10 years.

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

Lee: It makes me ponder how the human is connected to the world and the universe not only scientifically, but spiritually as well.

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

I described my self-taught passion for landscape photography.

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

 Truly try to live in the moment. Enjoy spending time with your classmates and never take your Waldorf education for granted. Always be thankful.

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

Fall and winter are my favorite times of the year. The cold seems to bring people together.

Foreign exchange? Where?

Nope. But wish I had…

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

Whenever I talk to public school kids…

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

At the moment we are working on senior projects which seem quite daunting. I’m sure once it’s done and over with it will be one of my best experiences of my Waldorf high school career.

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

One truth I will always hold with me because of Waldorf is that learning needs to be fun. I have found from my experience that when I am force-fed material that is not presented in a way that challenges my mind, body, and soul and that does not instill an excitement within me for said material, I have a very hard time comprehending what it is I “should be” learning. Waldorf has successfully taught me that it isn’t just your brain that does the learning, it truly is your whole body.

Celeste

Celeste is a senior at Kimberton Waldorf School.

Waldork Status: 3 1/2 years.

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

Celeste: I don’t really think about it at this point. I kind of dread it honestly. Its become just another part of school that sucks early in the morning, tbh.

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

I lived in Singapore for 6 months in sophomore year and i wrote about the immense struggles I had over there, and how grateful it made me for my Waldorf family back home.

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

Don’t try to grow up so quickly. Stay true to yourself, always, and remember that you will find people who love you (in my case, it was at Waldorf that I found these people)

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

May Fair for sure. Everything is growing and sunny and everyone is happier!

Foreign exchange? Where?

I didn’t technically do one, but I lived overseas in Singapore for 6 months. It was pretty awful though.

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

So many times! Volunteering with Side by Side, a program that brings inner city kids into our school garden to teach them about sustainable agriculture was a highlight though. Also, hosting prom in 11th grade was pretty great. We decorated a barn and it all came together so beautifully ❤

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

At times, its difficult being with a small class, because you’re like a family in that you fight and disagree a lot, but that’s also a really wonderful thing. Some of the teachers at my school are definitely very difficult.

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

Always take responsibility, no matter what happens in life. And I don’t just mean for your actions; I also mean taking initiative in the community to organise events, help others, and better the environment. There’s also a creative element in myself that I have tuned into since attending Waldorf. Be proud of who you are, stay true to yourself. All that good stuff.

Hannah

Hannah is a senior at the Kimberton Waldorf School in Kimberton, Pennsylvania.

Waldork Status: 15 years.

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

Hannah: Honestly I’m still half asleep, its like second nature

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

My exchange to Germany and how overcoming the language barrier helped me learn to not be afraid of making mistakes.

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

The four years aren’t as long as they may seem at times so don’t back down, keep striving for the best.

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

May Fair! Its full of fairies and happiness

Foreign exchange? Where?

Bochum Germany- the best 4.5 months of my life

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

During the High School Musical production.

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

Like any other school some classes are more interesting then others, but over all nothing has been abnormally challenging.

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

Imagination and creativity lead to prosperity.