Nishi Amin, Andover School of Montessori Class of 2024, has joined the Phillips Academy (Andover) Class of 2028. In a recent conversation with Nishi, we learned that her years at ASM strengthened her love of learning and self-advocacy skills. She was a dedicated member of our community, attending after school events and giving tours to prospective families at ASM’s annual Open House. We look forward to having Nishi join our alumni panel at the Portrait of a Graduate Night!
As Nishi enters high school, the lessons she learned at ASM will continue to guide her. For example, Nishi understands the importance of asking questions. Her middle school teacher, Mrs. Records, had a significant impact on her at ASM by consistently encouraging Nishi and her classmates to ask questions. When Nishi asked a question, Mrs. Records never made her feel embarrassed for not understanding the material. Instead, she answered the question and thanked Nishi for asking, which encouraged others to ask their own questions. As Nishi continues her journey in life, she will not hesitate to ask questions or seek help when she needs it.
Nishi also carries an excitement for future coursework, especially in math, thanks to her experiences at ASM. She expressed how valuable her eighth-grade math class with Mrs. Orlowitz was and how much it stands out in her memory. This class, which covered high school-level topics such as linear programming, often encountered in college, was fast-paced, but Mrs. Orlowitz made sure to slow down and offer extra help to Nishi and her classmates when anyone needed more time to grasp a concept. Nishi’s positive experience in this class sparked her interest and excitement for math as she heads into high school.
One of Nishi’s favorite experiences throughout her ten years at ASM was her seventh-grade overnight trip to Kroka Expeditions in New Hampshire. Nishi shared that she doesn’t
have one specific part of the trip that she enjoyed the most, but what stands out to her is the bond that she and her classmates had created by the end of the trip. On the first day, when Nishi and her classmates sat to eat lunch, they separated into small groups, sitting with friends they usually spent time with. However, after fun-filled days sharing tents, doing chores together, and canoeing with partners, they became a completely different class. By the end, they were a united group compared to smaller groups that had formed when they first arrived. On the last day, the entire class played a huge game of hide and seek on the little island they canoed to. Nishi shared, “I love that ASM gave us this opportunity to get to know each other better and bond at the beginning of the school year.”
Reflecting on her time at ASM, Nishi shared that ASM helped her discover who she is and how she works. Through numerous group and individual projects, partner assignments, and continuous support from teachers, she learned which environments allow her to excel. ASM provided her with the opportunity to identify the learning methods that work best for her. Nishi expressed confidence that she won’t need to go through this exploratory process in high school as ASM fully prepared her. She is excited to challenge herself with academically rigorous courses, knowing she can thrive in that environment.
Nishi will be attending Phillips Academy this fall, confident that her time at ASM has prepared her for rigorous workload and challenging courses ahead. She was drawn to Phillips Academy for its wide range of courses, athletics and arts programs, all of which she is eager to participate in. Thanks to the time management skills she developed at ASM, Nishi feels ready to take on these new opportunities without feeling overwhelmed.
At PA, Nishi plans to join the swimming, volleyball, and crew teams. She is also excited to get involved in extracurricular activities, particularly the yearbook and baking clubs. Through these activities, she looks forward to meeting new people and gaining valuable experiences.
To current students and their families, Nishi recommends attending the activities held on Fridays. When she was able to attend with her friends, she had a lot of fun and enjoyed seeing students, young and old, spending time together.
