Ambassadors by Amellyn Freeman, Grade 10 Image to the left, First Row: Sky Fulford ‘40 (child of Allison Barlog Fulford ‘08); Simone Barlog ‘36 (child of John Barlog ‘05); Sky Dorsey ‘38 (child of Natalie Fraize ‘09); Teddy Holtz ‘39 (child of Eric Holtz ‘04); Josephine ‘38 & Cecily ‘34 Izzo (children of Jarret & Rebecca Izzo ‘03); Tino ‘38 & Roman ‘33 Berardi (children of Chris Berardi ‘03) Second Row: Nathan Burwick ‘35 (grandchild of Michael Burwick ‘64, d.); Kevin ‘32, Dominic ‘33 & Gabriel ‘36 Coppola (children of Kevin Coppola ‘03) Third row: Van ‘28 & Ella ‘28 Stevenson (children of Wende Mollenberg Stevenson ‘97); Grace Burwick ‘31 (grandchild of Michael Burwick ‘64, d.); Myra ‘27 & Georgia ‘29 Nelson (children of Christina Leed Nelson ‘93, grandchildren of Tom Leed ‘61); Kaylie Birkmayr ‘26 (child of Liz Birkmayr ‘84); Joe Jack (child of Joe Jack ‘98) Not pictured: Olivia Lee ‘39 (child of Brooke Zillig ‘10 and Joonghee Lee ‘10) and Hunter Anderson ‘39 (child of Hunter Anderson ‘17 Contact admissions@theparkschool.org for more information or to schedule a private tour. I came to Park as a freshman, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. One of the main reasons I chose Park was my experience as a shadow during my eighth grade year. And so I chose to become an ambassador because I remember how my ambassador helped me feel welcome and accepted in such an unfamiliar environment. I wanted to be that person for someone else. As an ambassador, I start my day in the Helen Long Building, where I meet my shadow and chat a bit before heading to our first class of the day. During the walk from Helen Long to our first class, I ask questions like, “Do you play any sports? What's your school like? Do you have any hobbies?” I introduce my classmates and teachers to my shadows, as long as they want me to. It’s important to me to make my shadows feel welcome, seen, and understood. We then attend our second and third classes, sometimes using a free period to have longer conversations or mini-tours of classrooms and buildings before heading to the Dining Hall for lunch! Lunch time can make the biggest impression on a shadow, as connections between students are on full display, and there’s ample time to talk and introduce them to my friends. We then walk back to Helen Long for their admissions test, and I share words of encouragement so they feel ready and confident. By the end of the day, people are usually tired from a rigorous day, and this relaxed energy provides space for my shadow to blend with the rest of the class, creating a sense of belonging. Making a shadow feel at home only takes a few smiles and kind words. Sometimes I write letters or notes to shadows to show my appreciation for them spending their time with me. And some of us have become pen pals! It’s a great way to keep in touch and maintain the connection made during their visit to Park. Since I’ve become an ambassador, I’ve strengthened my interpersonal skills and become more confident. I’ve met so many different kinds of people and made new friends, just like I did when I was a shadow. I feel more aware and comfortable when talking with someone who is a stranger to me. Being an ambassador adds a special responsibility to my life that I cherish deeply. There’s always more to learn and more people to meet. I can’t wait to meet my next shadow! Ready to learn more about ? 8 “Entering the Park community has been a most engaging and seamless process, as everyone here accepted me with open arms.” - Ria Desai, new student, Grade 11
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