Whiz Kid: Emily Benson

On Monday, May 16, Emily Benson, a senior at the , was made head of school for the day.  Before meeting with school deans and student leaders, Emily declared last Monday "Ultimate Comfort Day."  The students were allowed to skip the the dress code for the day and arrived in sweatpants instead.  Emily managed to squeeze Patch in for an interview at the end of the day to discuss her role as head of school, her feelings about the Williams School, and her plans for college.

How were you chosen to be head of school for the day?

We had an auction two weeks ago called Tulips and Jazz.  My parents knew I always wanted this and my aunt and uncle ended up winning the prize of head of school for the day for me.

How has your day as head of school been? 

It's been very interesting.  I've had lots of meetings and they definitely treated me like the head of school.  It's great to have a student perspective and it makes me understand the work that goes in to running a school.

What's your favorite part of the day been? 

It was during lunch when I met the head advisory group.  I really liked the feedback they gave me and I think I gave some good ideas to them.

What ideas? 

When sports should start, for example.  We also discussed an award that would be given to students with perfect or near-perfect attendance.

Where are you going to college next year? 

I'm going to Wheaton College in Massachusetts.  It feels like Williams, but with a college feel.  It reminds me a lot of here.

What is your favorite subject here at Williams? 

I really like people, psychology.  I'm interested in any class that involves people.  I found out this year, however, that I also like physics.  In fact, there was no class I didn't like!

Who is your favorite teacher? 

Mr. Ferguson.  He was my U.S. history teacher last year.  I also had him in eighth grade for Geography.

What do you do for extracurriculars? 

I play basketball and I've tapdanced since I was four.  I also have an interest in the arts, particularly in photography.  I have a tapdancing show in June.

What did you like best about Williams? 

I like the community.  I started here in seventh grade and you really grow here through the bond with your teachers.  We also have really small classes, where you can learn about how other people learn.  We have a lot of discussions and the classes are really hands-on.

How do you feel about graduation? 

We graduate on June 8 and it's a little bittersweet because I've been here for six years.  I'm kind of known as the "Williams Girl."

What are you planning on studying in college? 

I'm interested in family law.  But, you'll never know how you'll grow!

That's a great final statement, Emily!  Patch wishes her good luck in college and hope she has a fun graduation day!