Name: Anika 

Graduation Year: 2026

Middle School: Dorris-Eaton

Hometown: Walnut Creek

 

Why did you choose College Prep? I went to a very academic middle school where I absolutely loved the mental stimulation.  I remember giving a speech in 8th grade to my dad in the car about how I wanted to find a high school filled with students who wanted to be in school, who wanted to raise their hand in class, and who wanted to tackle challenging problems head on with a good attitude. I was looking for a school where I'd be surrounded by peers who valued their education and loved learning just as much as I do. When I found College Prep, I knew it was the place for me.

 

What advice would you give to 8th graders applying to high school? Be yourself and trust that you'll end up where you belong! Eighth graders often worry about appearing like the perfect student, when in reality the admissions team just wants to see your true, authentic self. In the end, you'll find yourself in a school where you belong, but you need to be yourself so that you can get there. Don't try to fit into a school; the SCHOOL should fit YOU.

 

What is your favorite place on campus? I LOVE the library. Every morning and afternoon, before and after school, I head to the library because it's such a fun social center. Students from all across grades gather there, chattering about their lives. It's a super comfy place with tons of couches that make it a great place to socialize. During school hours it's a great place to get some work done because there are just so many resources to help you out, whether it be friends, librarians, or a random senior who's willing to help.

 

What are you involved in on campus? Even though I've played club soccer for the past ten years, I can say without a doubt that the College Prep soccer team was my favorite team I've ever played on. I met some of my closest friends on the team and made friends with players in other grades. Riding in vans with the team and bonding with each other is always fun. Acting was an amazing class–it was so much fun while also being the most educational acting class I've ever taken. Debate was a great way for me to work on my argumentative and research skills while also giving me the opportunity to form friendships with people across grades. With the Partners Program, I mentored a middle schooler for a few months, and I loved it. It was such a beneficial experience for both of us because I got to create a bond with someone I never would have met otherwise, and we got closer over both schoolwork and talking about life. I also attend Jewish Student Union, Feminist Union, and Students With Interracial Lives club meetings, and these have all been great spaces for me to connect with people with similar experiences as myself.

 

What has been your favorite class so far? Asian Worlds has definitely been my favorite class so far. Every single piece of information I learned in that class was interesting, which made the class so much more enjoyable even when it was challenging. The class is super interactive: it's designed in a way that gets everyone talking to each other and sharing their ideas. As someone who loves participation, this class was perfect for me because it encouraged constant thinking and discussing with my classmates.

 

What is your favorite thing about College Prep? Everyone at College Prep is so nice and friendly. It's a super supportive community where people don't judge and instead uplift each other. I know that if I'm ever struggling with some homework, there's always multiple people volunteering to help out. And I genuinely can't think of any conversation I've ever had with someone at College Prep where someone's been rude. College Prep is the exact opposite of a stereotypical high school experience because everyone is just so approachable and happy to talk to you.

 

What is your favorite character from a movie/book/television series? I love Amy from Little Women because I just find her to be a super lovable character, even if she made some extremely misguided decisions. Her storyline is so fascinating because she dreams of being a famous artist while combating society's view of the role of a woman.

 

1. I've never been stung by a bee.

2. My favorite snack is rice paper with nothing inside. Just plain rice paper.

3. My favorite candy is Hot Tamales, which has caused some highly opinionated arguments.