Journey
The Journey
A record of growth, starting in 7th grade.
2024–2025
Grade 7
“The Foundation Year”
Entering Boston Latin School
AcademicJoined one of America's oldest and most academically rigorous public schools. BLS admits roughly 10% of applicants through a competitive exam — a meaningful starting point for any student's journey.
Latin from Day One — A Natural Connection
AcademicEarned A+ in Latin through all four terms of 7th grade. Among the most consistent performers in a course that demands precision, memory, and an appreciation for language structure. This would become one of his defining academic interests.
Declamation: The First Struggle
ChallengeDeclamation — BLS's tradition of memorizing and performing classical speeches — was Alan's first real academic challenge. Initial resistance to memorization led to grades of D, then F, before recovering to a B by Term 3. The year ended with a failing mark. It was a lesson he would not forget.
Youth Counselor — Boston Teen Enrichment Camp (Year 1)
LeadershipTook on his first summer as a youth counselor at Boston Teen Enrichment Camp, working directly with younger students. By summer's end, he had been voted best counselor by his peers — a recognition of the quiet, consistent trust he had already begun to build.
Music & Chorus — A Consistent Presence
AcademicEarned A+ across all four terms in Fundamentals of Music, and strong marks in Chorus. A steady contributor to BLS's artistic community from the start.
2025–2026
Grade 8
“The Adjustment Year”
Declamation Redeemed: From F to A+
AcademicIn 8th grade, Declamation returned. This time, something was different. Alan approached the task with a changed mindset — recognizing that his earlier resistance to memorization had been the obstacle, not the task itself. Term 2 result: A+. Not just a grade improvement, but a demonstration of what he is capable of when he adjusts his approach. This is the growth story.
Algebra I: A+ Path at BLS
AcademicEnrolled in Algebra I — part of BLS's rigorous math sequence. Earning A- in both T1 and T2 while navigating a full academic load reflects consistent mathematical discipline.
Joining BLS Crew
AthleticsJoined Boston Latin School's crew team — a sport that demands early mornings, synchronized effort, and complete trust in your teammates. A new kind of discipline: not individual but collective.
Youth Counselor — Year 3
LeadershipReturning for a third consecutive summer at Boston Teen Enrichment Camp. A role that has grown from new responsibility to something more like a calling. Voted best counselor by peers again — a recognition that speaks not to performance, but to presence.
Model UN — Structured Argumentation
SpeakingParticipated in Model UN, representing nations in structured debate and resolution-drafting. Comfortable on his feet, clear under pressure, and developing the kind of advocacy skills that connect his interest in history with his strength in public speaking.
Character Skills Snapshot — Social Awareness: Demonstrating
CharacterOn the EMA Character Skills Snapshot (January 2026), Alan placed in the top 25% of all upper-level students (grades 8–11) in Social Awareness — the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to the emotions and situations of others. This aligns with what peers and counselors observe: he reads the room quietly, and responds well.
2026–2027
Grade 9
Coming soon — this chapter is still being written.
2027–2028
Grade 10
Coming soon — this chapter is still being written.
2028–2029
Grade 11
Coming soon — this chapter is still being written.
2029–2030
Grade 12
Coming soon — this chapter is still being written.