Abi le Roux
What is an early memory of Trinity?
At lunch one day in eighth grade, the whole class got into a debate about the Bible – Catholics on one side, Protestants on the other. Everyone started whipping out their Bibles to cite different passages to each other… a few of which were relevant! We were getting a sense for how to present ideas and discuss things with each other, and were excited to try it out.
What classes have you particularly enjoyed?
I've loved every science class. My favorite memories are the labs from biology and physics. In seventh grade, Mr. Tomassi had the principle that we should not assume any of our pre-conceived knowledge about the world. He wanted us to try to discover why it is the way it is by our own means. The idea that we needed to come to conclusions purely based on our own observations was completely new to me, and it put a lot of life into the class. In recent years I’ve also thought about how this relates to other subjects. We’ve had lots of Humane Letters discussions about how to pursue the truth. In some texts, you are supposed to start from scratch. That means you would need lots of perspectives to correct the ways you might go wrong, but it’s hopeful because you can always strengthen and improve your thinking.
You are an accomplished amateur artist. In fact, I should call you a professional, because I know you used to take commissions to draw portraits of people’s pets. How have Art Studio classes helped you?
Starting watercolors in eighth grade, we all had to paint the same barn. That was not very exciting to me. So when we were all supposed to do the steps together, I didn’t listen. I thought, I’m an art person, I can figure this out. It did not turn out to be a very good barn. I realized that I needed to learn specific skills from Mrs. Mbona to even know the basics of a new technique. Fast forward to junior year, when we started our large charcoal portraits. I drew my dad and his brothers. By then, I’d learned, maybe I’m not so great at everything. I was more open to learning the basics of the technique, and ended up very proud of how the final product turned out.
What has been a challenge for you as a high schooler?
I’ve struggled in math, and I’ve often assumed that nothing would make me like it. I wouldn’t even really try. It often took Mrs. Mysliwiec or Mr. Willard coming up to me and encouraging me to try again for me to get the motivation to start again. Even when I was being stubbornly against a subject, they never counted me as a lost cause, and were always reaching out to assist me. I’m still working on it, but I’ve learned to admit when I need help.
What extracurriculars did you participate in?
The first year of high school, I decided to do every single extracurricular offered. I did cross country, basketball, tennis, TACO, Trinitones, Action... My plan was to do everything, decide what I enjoyed and what I didn't, and then dock a few extracurriculars for the rest of high school as the work load got larger. Turns out I really got something out of all of the extracurriculars, and it was very difficult for me to cut any of them. So after missing out on my sophomore year basketball season, I decided to go back and keep doing everything I could! In basketball, I wanted to be good at it, but it didn’t come easily. I was able to see some strengths and weaknesses in myself, and had to get to a point where I stopped comparing myself to people and tried to take joy in the things I could do well. I don’t know if I would have that attitude if not for doing sports.
What was your favorite book you read in HL?
The Brothers Karamazov. We’re not done with it, but it’s so fun to have another Dostoyevsky novel to compare with Crime and Punishment. I love the similarities and differences between the three brothers.
What advice would you give to an incoming student (one very much like yourself) about how to get the most out of Trinity?
Have a happy medium. Try to see what's worthwhile and good in everything, even if you're not having the best time of something. There are a lot of amazing opportunities you will have in high school, and it’s not cool to be too cool or bored or nonchalant. Enjoy the time you have here, the classes you take, and the people you get to be with.
What’s next for you? What do you hope it will be like?
I'm going to France this summer to test out my language skills and learn about ministry by doing a volunteer program at Hautecombe Abbey. I also hope to travel a little bit and see more of France! After that, I'd like to study to be a physical therapist.
