Inaya D.
About Me
Hi, my name is Inaya D., and I’m a junior at Stanford OHS. I’m really passionate about art and architecture. I love the creativity that goes into both, and I hope to pursue architecture more seriously in the future. I especially enjoy working with acrylic and watercolor paints, and I love using my artistic skills to design logos and posters for nonprofits in my community. I enjoy traveling and have been lucky to visit places like Turkey and Thailand; exploring new cultures and architecture inspires me, and I can’t wait to travel more of the world as I get older.
My favorite subjects are Math and Physics because I love how both connect with my interest in architecture. Outside of Stanford OHS, I tutor younger students in math and standardized testing, which I find both rewarding and fun. Overall, I’m someone who enjoys creating, exploring, and helping others.
Why I Chose Stanford OHS
Before coming to Stanford OHS, I attended a public school and I felt like the classes weren’t challenging me enough. The assignments felt more like busywork and they weren’t pushing me to learn; I also felt like the peers I was surrounded with were hard to connect with because they didn’t all share a love for learning. So, I wanted to be in an environment that pushed me to grow and I applied to Stanford OHS craving more academic rigor and a community of students who I can better connect with. At Stanford OHS, I’ve found exactly that; It feels like I’m surrounded by like-minded peers who are excited to be challenged.
Since joining Stanford OHS, I’ve grown so much as a student. When I first started, I barely knew how to write an essay, but through resources like the Writing and Tutoring Center and Office Hours, I’ve developed my writing skills to a whole new level. Stanford OHS’s flexibility has also allowed me to take advanced courses such as Multi-Variable Calculus, a course that I would have never imagined taking in high school.
Another reason Stanford OHS was the right fit for me is the unique relationships you can build with both instructors and peers; at the public high school I would have gone to instead of Stanford OHS, it would have been much harder to create a relationship with instructors like the ones I have now. Overall, Stanford OHS has not only provided me with academic challenges that I was looking for but also a supportive and motivating community.
What I Love About Stanford OHS
One of the things I love most about Stanford OHS is how unique it is when it comes to academics. The classes here are truly challenging and rigorous, and they push you to grow as a student. I also love how Stanford OHS gives students flexibility by allowing them to pick their schedule, because it really allows for people to make time for their extracurriculars and personal interests like sports. I really love how Stanford OHS gives even more flexibility by allowing students to move up in classes through placement tests. This allows for students to take classes that better suit their interests.
Another aspect I find really unique about Stanford OHS is its Philosophy requirement. It’s such a rare opportunity for high school students to study Philosophy, and I think it really pushes you. In addition to providing challenging courses, Stanford OHS provides students with incredible support systems. Office hours have been a great way to get tailored help and build a relationship with your instructors. The Writing and Tutoring Center has been so helpful for my growth as a writer, and I love that it also allows students to give back by becoming peer tutors; I have been a peer tutor for the past few years and it has allowed me to grow so much. I love Stanford OHS’s academic rigor, the resources it provides students with, and the student community as a whole.