Briefly introduce yourself. When did you join AAS and how did your journey at AAS evolve?

My name is Eloise. I’m from England. I have two younger sisters and I’m 16 years old. I play the violin. It’s my hobby and my passion. I came to AAS in third grade when I was eight years old. So, I’ve been here a very long time. The initial plan was to be here for three years only. I’m very glad we stayed as I love it here.

What is your favorite thing about the AAS community?

Honestly, I think it’s the acceptance of the community. Since AAS is an international school, everyone has different interests and different experiences here. No one judges you for anything you do. Everyone’s really welcoming and you always feel like you’re at home at AAS. Which is why the ‘home away from home’ makes so much sense.

How did you come across the ‘Angelia’ club? What motivated you to join?

Ever since I came to AAS, I really wanted to join the ‘Angelia’ club as I was really impressed and inspired by what they did and what they stood for. Then, this year for Friday Features, I got put into the Angelia club and I love it. Now I am one of the two leaders at the club, which is an absolute honor.

Tell us more about the initiatives of the club? What are you currently working on?

One of our biggest initiatives that everyone probably knows is the ‘Angelia’ Run. We do it at the beginning of the school year, in September or October. We organize a run, we raise funds and donate them for charity.

Another big project we do is the benefit gala where musicians from the school perform and raise funds for a particular cause. The music department is nice enough to donate all proceeds to our club. This year’s gala was a huge success. We collected a lot of money and we managed to buy 6000 lancets for children with cancer. They are used to reduce pain during blood testing. We got them some magazine subscriptions, as well.

You will also see the ‘Angelia’ club at the back-to-school barbecue and the international fair where we sell our merchandise.

Why should students join the ‘Angelia’ club? Why should students help the society and engage in volunteering activities?

Joining a club that helps the community is really rewarding. It’s so beautiful to know that you’re helping people and you are actually making a change in someone’s life. Even something as simple as delivering art supplies can mean the world to someone facing a difficulty. The essence of volunteering, in my opinion, is not doing it for attention; not trying to be noticed. It’s something that’s got to come from your heart.

Who inspires you? Who is your role model in life?

This is going to sound quite cliche, but probably my parents. They’re always there for me and they always believe in me. All my decisions go through them. My parents have seen me go through ups and downs. Their support makes me strive for more. All I want to do is make them proud.

In addition to volunteering, what’s another passion of yours?

As I mentioned in the beginning, I have played the violin since I was seven years old. I’m part of the MS & HS Orchestra. I love music in general. If you see me around the halls, I’ve always got my headphones in, listening to some sort of music. I really like art and I like drawing digitally. I’m in design and technology and I love designing things for that. I often do the medals for the CEESA events we host.

As I said, I also have two younger sisters who are twins. They are in fourth grade. I love spending time with them, taking them to the cinema and out to dinner. They’re already thinking about following my example and joining the orchestra. I’m very happy to know that I’ve made an impression on them.

How would you describe the power of helping?

There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that you’re helping someone and knowing that you’ve made a difference, even if it’s small. Knowing that you’ve done something to help someone and change their life, whether it’s just a drop in the ocean, whether it really doesn’t seem to have that many repercussions. To be able to help someone, it’s a feeling that doesn’t go away.

How do you see yourself in the future?

I would like to keep helping people, whether it’s the children at Isul Hospital that we currently support, or whether it’s the school. I enjoy being there for people.