Self-Motivation, Strong Bonds With Teachers Drove IHS 2012 Valedictorian's Success

On Saturday morning, . Valedictorian Missy Kuriloff is off to Brown University in the fall

1) 2) What are your academic interests. What do you hope to pursue in college?

My academic interests are quite varied, which is part of why I chose Brown—the only school in the country with a truly "open" curriculum," which, as the Brown administration likes to say, allows you to become the "architect of your own education" in the absence of restrictions or requirements outside of your concentration.

I plan to start out on the pre-med track, while taking most of my classes outside of the hard sciences in areas such as Public Policy, Sociology, Community Health, History, Psychology, and English, among others. I plan on going to medical school with the eventual goal of working with non-profit organizations and policy makers to address healthcare-related inequities and human rights issues, in addition to practicing clinical medicine.

2) What extracurriculars/sports/ and volunteer work have you done while in HS? What HS memory stands out the most looking back?

At IHS, I served as the co-President of the Young Democrats Club, Head Delegate of the Model UN team, and Principal clarinetist in the Band/ Wind Ensemble. I also helped found 2 clubs, the Irvington Student Tutors (IST), a free peer-to-peer tutoring service, and the Invisible Children club, which helps raise awareness and funds to end the abduction of child soldiers in Africa. My work as a leader of these political, community service, and social action clubs is all very memorable and important to me because I helped empower other students to get involved, do good, and realize the power of their voice. 

3)What was your secret to excelling academically and not cracking under the pressure?  What advice do you have for other students?

High internal motivation and building strong relationships with my teachers were my only real secrets to excelling academically.  I always hoped to achieve my absolute best both for my personal gratification and for that of my teachers.

My advice to other students would be to always seek support from teachers, family and friends, whether academic or emotional, to keep from cracking under the pressure. I'd also recommend that students search for something that can make each subject in some way interesting to them—even their least favorite classes—in order to help keep themselves focused and motivated in all areas of study. 

4) What message do you hope to convey in your valedictory speech? How did you begin writing it?

I wrote my valedictory speech, inspired by my work with the non-profit Invisible Children and as an Organizing Fellows on the Obama campaign, on the importance of using your voice and taking action to stand up for what you believe in.  Since my generation has the digital tools to spur change where necessary and to actively help shape the future of the world, speaking out is more powerful and important now than ever before. 

5) Who pushed you to succeed? Were you self-driven or were your friends and family factors as wel

I was mostly self-driven, but my parents and teachers played hugely important roles in my success, mostly by believing in me. 

Way to go, Missy, and the entire class of 2012. 

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