SAAS in a Word? ‘Opportunity’

By: Tesora G. ’27

If I had to describe Seattle Academy with one word, I would choose “opportunity.” 

When I joined SAAS as a freshman from Mercer International Middle School, I felt nervous about entering a new environment. Yet, that feeling was quickly replaced by curiosity and excitement as I stepped into what this school has to offer.

Rather than selecting a single path at SAAS, I had the opportunity to explore many different interests. The freedom to move between academics, arts, athletics, leadership, and entrepreneurship shaped me into a well-rounded, engaged member of my community.

Finding Unexpected Passions in the Classroom

Many of my academic classes at SAAS have pushed me beyond my comfort zone and into subjects I didn’t expect to enjoy. I’ve learned to think in new ways and discovered interests I didn’t know I had. 

For example, my junior-year humanities course, Honors English 11, completely changed my perspective on English. Through close reading and literary analysis, I began to appreciate how authors use symbols, themes, and storytelling to reveal deeper truths about the human experience. In discussions about my favorite novel this year, The Great Gatsby, we broke down how clothing is a symbol of class, and how seemingly simple details can unlock new perspectives on characters. I started to see English class as being full of essential life messages rather than just words conveying a plot.

Although I have never been particularly drawn to science, I discovered an unexpected passion through my Forensic Science elective. As someone who has always loved mysteries and detective stories, I was fascinated by learning the scientific methods used to analyze evidence and solve cases, and by practicing techniques such as examining hair follicles under a microscope and determining blood types. I can now say that a science class is one of my favorite SAAS courses.

 

Expressing Myself in the Arts

Two of my first SAAS classes, Introduction to Music Production and Introduction to Dance, immediately gave me creative outlets at school. In Music Production, I used software to create original tracks in collaboration with friends. I had so much fun writing “Growing Up,” an original song about the transition from kid to teenager. Later, my friend and I performed it at Block Party, a show put on by Music Production students at the end of every trimester. 

Introduction to Dance reignited my passion for dance, which I’d lost touch with after doing ballet, hip hop, and tango when I was younger. Beyond completing a graduation requirement, I had a blast rehearsing the hip hop choreography to “Jimmy Cooks” by Drake. I had an even better time performing it in front of the entire school at our arts showcase, End of Tri. Through SAAS’s Dance program, I’ve grown as a performer, developing my stage presence and choreographic precision, and I became a member of Advanced Dance. That wouldn’t have happened without the excitement of my intro class. 

 

Lessons From the (Athletic) Field

SAAS’s soccer program has meaningfully shaped my high school experience. Our team, Girls Varsity, spends 10+ hours together a week during the soccer season, building connections through practices, games, shared challenges, and team bonding. 

One of my favorite days of the season is Fallapalooza, a school-wide celebration of fall sports. The team spends the afternoon together, braiding hair and making TikToks, then arrives at the Starfire Sports Complex with our music blasting and spirits high. Getting our names and numbers called before kickoff, then playing for our vibrant home crowd as the headline game under the bright stadium lights is one of the most amazing feelings. 

Throughout each season, we celebrate the wins and joys and push ourselves to overcome physical and mental hardships. These efforts have helped me improve as a player and, more importantly, as a leader and a person.

 

Leading with Purpose

As someone who enjoys socializing, connecting, and leading, finding spaces to use my voice has been core to my high school experience. As a student representative at Open House, I welcome prospective families and speak on student panels, sharing my experiences with performance arts, athletics, and the community at SAAS. 

I've also been a member of the Upper School Associate Student Body, which has allowed me to contribute to the school's spirit and community. I helped plan school events like assemblies and dances—including managing decorations for our inaugural Homecoming Dance last year. These experiences showed me the intention and collaboration that go into creating meaningful events.

Becoming an Entrepreneur

One class that closely aligned with my interests is Entrepreneurial Leadership. Throughout the course, we explored what it means to be an effective leader while applying market research and problem-solving skills to real business challenges. I especially enjoyed working with external entrepreneurs, including SAAS alum and HI Foods founder Maria Miracle ’10, serving as a student consultant for a local candle company, and learning from my mentor, Cathy Barnett, and her journey founding the dance studio PopRox Dance. I gained a window into the world of entrepreneurship and learned the value of collaboration, adaptability, and creative thinking in business.  

As an entrepreneur, I showcased my lip gloss business, Tesora Glow, through pop-up shops at two SAAS sporting events. Faculty like Brandon Hoang helped me set up my displays. Having the support of my school community for a personal endeavor was incredibly meaningful. I felt genuinely supported in pursuing my own ideas and bringing them to life.

This past trimester, I interned with the SAAS Marketing and Communications department. Spending several days each week in the lively office on the third floor of the Upper School building, I gained insight into the behind-the-scenes work of telling our school’s story. From creating social media content to selecting photos for SAAS Graduation, I saw how creativity, strategy, and attention to detail work together in communications. I am very grateful for this valuable professional experience, and I’ll carry it with me beyond high school.

 

More Than One Path

At SAAS, I’ve explored many opportunities in leadership, entrepreneurship, academics, arts, and public speaking. Each experience challenged me to grow in new ways and discover essential aspects of my identity. The freedom to pursue different interests has made me a more curious and creative person who embraces challenges. 

I know I’ll carry these incredible lessons with me. Looking beyond high school, I want to blend my passions for leadership and creativity with the entrepreneurial and communications skills I’ve grown at SAAS. No matter where I go next, I hope to bring forward the curiosity, collaboration, and sense of community that have made my experiences so meaningful.