Ram of the Week: Samantha Raymond

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Ram of the Week is back! Our first is sophomore Samantha Raymond. She transferred this year from Baldwin in order to participate in the IB program. The Harriton Banner was able to talk to Samantha about her transition from Baldwin to Harriton, her passion for service, and her experiences taking health over the summer.

Harriton Banner: How has your transition to Harriton been?

Samantha Raymond: It has been an interesting experience. I went from a small private all-girls school where everyone knew each other to a huge co-ed public school.  I no longer have a uniform, which is a major adjustment, and I don’t know very many people. Now that we are about two months into the school year, I can say that I really like it here. I pick out my outfit every morning which takes a little more time but it’s nicer than wearing a kilt every day! I have met a lot of people in different grades because of different courses like Philosophy and Economics. I am just really enjoying being here!

HB: How is Harriton’s vibe as a school different than the previous school you attended?

SR: It’s extremely different. It is a lot less stressful and it’s a nicer learning environment in my own personal opinion.  I feel like the emphasis isn’t only on learning but also to grow as a person and understand the world around you here.

HB: How does it feel to be in a co-ed school?

SR: It is very fun! I think that there is a lot less drama at co-ed schools as opposed to single sex schools because everyone is not talking about the opposite gender all the time.

HB: Does Harriton have classes that your old school did not have that you’re glad you’re in or want to be in?

SR: Harriton has so many electives and that is something I have always hoped I would be able to participate in. Aside from my regular classes, I am taking economics and philosophy. These classes are unlike any I have ever taken before. I didn’t even know that schools had classes like this but I absolutely love them! Philosophy is the absolute best part of my day because I get to talk to my peers and think outside the box. I also really like economics because it is all starting to click for me and come together.

HB: One of the reasons you came to Harriton was for the IB program. What drew you to the IB program? What does the IB program give you that you are looking forward to?

SR: My brother goes to Bala Cynwyd Middle School, so my parents went to learn about [IB] to decide if he should go, and they came home and told me all about it. I decided it looked interesting and upon learning more about it, I saw that they have CAS and Theory of Knowledge, both of which sounded really awesome and like something I would love to be involved in. I also really love that it gives me a place to channel my enthusiasm for academics! The Extended Essay really intrigued me because I see it as a chance to grow as a student. I usually can’t extend my papers to be super long so I think it will be an adventure! I’m very excited to hopefully get to participate in this program next year!

HB: Since Baldwin has a different curriculum than Harriton, you have to take some freshman classes this year to graduate, like biology. What is it like being a sophomore in freshman classes?

SR: It is different for me because I know that people are freshmen but because I am new they think I am also a freshman! It isn’t bad for me because I like meeting people in different grades to expand my friend base. I have both geometry and biology with freshmen but I really enjoy them. I also pretty much only have seniors in my government class. It turned out to be a really great thing because I have met some really kind seniors and I have the nicest group of kids that sit near me!

HB: You have a passion for service; has Harriton helped you be able to volunteer? Have you joined any of the service clubs?

SR: It has helped me in so many ways! I now can volunteer at least once a week with BuildOn, which I love. I am also enjoying being a part of Jared’s Box, Ronald McDonald Club, Mini Thon and Best Buddies. … Last year at my old school, I was really hoping to start a club based on my camp, Spark the Wave. I find here that there isn’t as big a reason to start one. Even though I love camp and I love all of the service I do with them, there are already tons of service clubs here!

HB: You took health in summer school to create space in your schedule. Can you talk about that experience? Do you recommend that people take health in summer school?

SR: Yes, I had a fabulous time in summer school! It was every day for four weeks and I really enjoyed it. Especially coming in as a new student, I got a chance to get acclimated to the school. I got to meet some really nice people before I went into the new school year. One of my really good friends (YOU) from when I was little was in my class so we had a blast together as well! I would definitely recommend it because it is such a nice way to keep your brain active and meet new people. I can’t speak for the other courses because they are probably a lot more intense but I can say that Health was an excellent choice for me. I also really enjoyed feeling like I had an extra purpose to my summer!