What CA Means to Me
Rutledge
Day Student
Concord, MA
What did CA’s environment allow you to do that you might not have done at another school?
I feel that, at many schools, my voice wouldn't be heard and the opportunities would be limited. Here, I have the chance to stick my foot in the door of every discipline, which has been invaluable to my development as a student and an athlete.
Which courses at CA most challenged or inspired you?
Fibers Arts has been the most valuable. In Pattern and Embellishment, Antoinette Winters taught me not only how to work a sewing machine, but to create work that I am proud of and excited about. This expands to all my other studies, making me a more confident student in the whole.
You’re a big fan of CA’s computer science curriculum. Why?
The computer science department's best quality is its faculty. They are accessible and create an interesting curriculum, but also offer the opportunity for study beyond the courses in the catalogue. I find it intriguing to be able to study virtually any topic of my interest.
How do you juggle all your activities, from varsity soccer and wrestling to jazz band and the Disciplinary Committee?
Free periods are key. CA's open schedule really lets you manage your work and extracurriculars easily—if you don't procrastinate too much. Though I practically live at school, I'm not always working when I'm there, and I don't have to work too much when I get home.
CA students have celebrated the Chinese New Year at your home for about six years, since your sister and brother attended CA. Please talk about that tradition.
One of the nicest parts about CA is that, while there is a great sense of diversity, there are still strong communities representing different affinities. My family and I like to invite the school to celebrate Chinese New Year with us every year, not only to spread our culture, but to give Asian students a nice night of fun and good food. We always expect a good turnout and lots of full stomachs.
Interests and Activities
Varsity soccer and wrestling; Ultimate Frisbee; Jazz Ensemble; Gay/Straight Alliance; MOSAIC; Disciplinary Committee; peer mentor; Orientation leader
