The week before Winter Break, we asked Andover students to reflect on this past year and the things that they are grateful for — especially as we look ahead to the holidays and new year.
Cisco Hernandez ’24 (he/him)
“In all seriousness, I made a few friends this term who I did not expect I’d be close with, including Annabel Tu [’25] and some other people. Some more things, it’s my Senior year, so I’m grateful for this last winter. Right now it’s snowing outside, which is kind of funny because it has been so cold and basically hasn’t snowed this whole term, so I’m grateful for the snow.”
Julian Otto ’27 (he/him)
“[Andover] really allowed me to make great connections with my friends because I spend so much time with them, and I’m away from home, so I don’t have anybody to essentially tell me how to do things. I just sort of get instructions and then I’m independent here, which I’m grateful for, and it really teaches me a lot about life.”
Sarah Zhang ’24 (she/her)
“This year, especially this school year, as I’ve started Senior year, I’m really grateful for some new friends that I’ve made. Shoutout to Michelle Chen [’24] and Ava DeWolfe [’24] for being my gym buddies, my Halloween buddies, we did an Olivia Rodrigo-themed costume this year which was really fun. I’m so grateful that they let me into their life. We went on so many adventures together, and here’s to many more.”
Ozochi Onunaku ’25 (he/him)
“I’m grateful for my three little brothers: Uzochi, Ikechi, and Udochi. I am grateful for them because they’re great people who are so adorable and are fun to hang out with, and make me want to be a great model for them. They are what keep me going here and inspire me to do great.”
Joy-Shanti Sindayiganza ’25 (she/her)
“I’m really grateful for all my friends and all the people who are always there for me and support me. They have helped me get through everything this year.”
Ashiq Kibria ’26 (he/him)
“Honestly, I feel as though I’m just grateful for school right now. Yes, it’s really stressful. Yes, I’m having a major every single day. But then I look back and I think about it and I’m like, ‘I really am at Andover.’ I feel as though that’s something where I always have to be grateful for… Sometimes [Andover] is a school which we can complain about, but at the end of the day we are getting benefits from this.”
