What is the most influential book you have read besides the Bible? Why?
The most influential book I’ve read besides the Bible would have to be… well, I have two! As far as fiction literature goes, the entire Giver series by Lois Lowry will always take first prize. It gave me such perspective on why each person’s unique gifts are so important. Now, for my little horse-girl heart’s favorite: The Horse In Positive Tension by Stefan Stammer as it taught me so much about horses’ biology and how to ride in a way that works in harmony with their movements.
What is your favorite or funniest moment at Geneva?
My funniest Geneva moment was at the Rainforest Cafe with the choir right before we were supposed to go watch “Les Mis.” They took over an hour to get our food, and the doors for the show were literally closing as we were still paying our checks. Mr. Buzas told us, “I’ll get your cards—RUN!” And so we ran. Sam Siller headed the pack, girls took off their heels to book it across downtown San Antonio in the dark, and we barely slid into the Majestic Theatre as they were shutting the doors. Worth it!
What will you miss most when you leave Geneva?
I’ll definitely miss the teachers most. So many of my teachers have made invaluable contributions to who I am as a person, and I find so much comfort in knowing that I am known by each of them personally.
Who influenced you most while at Geneva? How?
Mrs. Wheeler has been my biggest influence at Geneva. She has taught me true kindness and selflessness, acting as almost a second mother to me—”in loco parentis.”
What does being a Geneva student mean to you?
Being a Geneva student to me means “perseverance.” You are not always going to get the easy A, the perfect attendance, the headmaster’s list—life will throw you curve balls, and in all honesty sometimes you’ll want to quit. The thing that sets Geneva apart is that when we reach a rough spot, we dig our proverbial heels in and find our strength in God. Although it’s difficult, the payoff is worth it a thousand times.
How would you encourage a Geneva kindergartner to persevere in school?
I would start off by saying that the most important thing is knowing why you want it. Having motivation makes any dark time feel surmountable, even more so if you find your hope in God. It is not easy, but I will always recommend that you stick it through because what you find at Geneva you won’t find anywhere else.
What about Geneva do you hope never changes?
I hope the size never changes. Geneva, at its heart, is a small, tight-knit community, and the size of the classes reflects that. I can’t imagine having the kind of peer relationships that I have if Geneva was larger.