Joining GEMS as an eighth grade student, Siena has definitely made a tremendous impact in our community. She is a model GEMS student who utilizes her strengths in all walks of life. Whether in science, language, or art class, Siena’s creativity shines through. She is an eager participant who shares her love for GEMS as a Student Ambassador.

Siena embodies the IB Learner Profile. Her French teacher, Marjorie Blettry, notes that, “Siena is a hard worker and the progress she has made in French over these last years is impressive. She is also one of the nicest persons I have ever met. Siena values and respects everyone’s opinions. She is also very creative, and I love her fashion designs!” Siena’s creative thinking and problem solving skills are evident across the disciplines. Dr. Shannon Hurst, science teacher boasts that, “Siena is one of the most self-disciplined students I have worked with at GEMS. Her creative expression truly has been incredible to watch as she grows into her own learning.”

Oscar de la Renta once said, "Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself." As co-founder of The Dragon Walk, GEMS’ digital fashion magazine, Siena not only knows fashion, but she also found her sense of self during her years at GEMS. The relationships and experiences Siena encountered during her MYP and DP years helped her become the confident, caring person she is today. We wish her all the best as she travels down the next runway of life. Siena proudly speaks of her GEMS journey in the following Q & A:

What clubs/sports/extracurricular activities did you participate in during your high school years and how did these activities help you grow as a person?

When I first started high school, I knew that I immediately wanted to get involved in extracurriculars that tied to my interests. What I found special about the extracurriculars at GEMS was the fact that they were self-led. I love origami and utilized my skills to teach an after-school origami course to 2nd-5th graders during my sophomore year. In addition, I love fashion and used classwork strategies to teach a fashion illustration course to sixth graders during my junior year. With another student, I continued my fashion studies to launch GWAC’s first digital fashion magazine, The Dragon Walk. Outside of my art and design activities, I competed on the squash team in my sophomore and junior years. All of these activities taught me the importance of balance, collaboration, and what it means to be a creative, open-minded leader.

What are some of your most memorable Field Studies experiences?

At GEMS, I embarked on remarkable and memorable field studies. One of my favorite field studies experiences was visiting the Rohingya Cultural Center with my advisor, Ms. Annadurai. While meeting and interacting with Rohingya families, we learned about their culture and the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar that deeply affected and displaced them. This experience was eye-opening in many ways and is one that I will never forget.

Another favorite field study of mine was visiting the cadaver lab at Midwestern University with my ESS teacher, Dr. Hurst. It was a first for my classmates and me to touch and hold human organs. While immersing ourselves in this astonishing experience, we had discussions with the medical students about anatomy and what role each organ plays in our daily lives. This experience was one among the most memorable of my high school years and it’s definitely something wonderful to look back on.

How has your GEMS journey prepared you for college?

My GEMS journey taught me to always try my absolute best on projects, seminars, and assignments, even little ones. I have been taught how to utilize time management skills and reflect not only as a student, but also as an individual. Most importantly, I have learned what it means to engage and be active in a community. GEMS has equipped me with the qualities and skills that are necessary for a successful college experience, and I look forward to this adventure.

What advice would you give to incoming ninth graders?

To the incoming freshmen, I strongly advise you to make the most of these four years that you have. High school is not only about grades, but also about creating goals and being proactive in order to achieve them. Involve yourself in as much as you can with your community, whether that’s joining a club or starting your own. If you encounter a roadblock, ask for help from your teachers because they are there to ensure that you persevere. Most importantly, be a role model that others look up to. You are in full control of creating your legacy.