Zebra Tales
Zebra Tales
2023-24

Ella '25

Hometown: New York City
 
Groton activities: The Circle Voice, Current Events Club, Groton Feminists, Debate Society, varsity tennis, Poetry Club
 
Most surprising when you first arrived at Groton: When I first arrived at Groton, I expected to become friends solely with other members of my form. However, I was quickly woven into a community with people from various forms and backgrounds. I was surprised by the interconnectedness of Groton and was relieved that I was part of a school that truly emphasized this core value.
 
Favorite class: Modern Global History. This class altered my perspective on how I view the world and taught me how to think about history through a critical lens. Throughout this class, I strengthened my writer's toolbox in addition to learning about different people and cultures across many eras. I loved this class because I learned something new every day and was thoroughly engaged by my teachers. The highlight of this class was writing a research paper on a topic of our choice. I chose to look at how Iranian women shaped and transformed the political, social, and economic realms of the Qajar dynasty.
 
Most memorable Groton moment: During my Fourth Form fall, the JV girls soccer team was fighting for a victory against St. Mark's. We hadn't had the most stellar season, but nevertheless, we were determined to have one last hurrah. In the final seconds, we were tied, but both teams decided that we needed closure. And thus, we had the most nail-biting kick-off I have ever witnessed. We were neck and neck until St. Mark's missed their final penalty kick. We had one shot left. After much anticipation, we scored, and our team erupted in joyous shrieking. I'll never forget the energy and excitement we all shared. 
 
Favorite Dining Hall food: This might be a hot take, but the Thanksgiving-style dinners are one of my favorite Groton meals.
 
Favorite place to study: My go-to study spot typically depends on my workload and my mood, but I think the wooden tables on the third floor of the Schoolhouse are the most versatile study locations. They can function as both quiet spots where you can work independently and collaborative spaces to engage in discussions and work on group projects.

List of 7 news stories.

  • Ho's dorm performing during Groton's lip-sync battle

    Magic in the Air: Ho's Dorm's 24K Performance

    As a precursor to spirit week, Groton’s dorms faced off in a thrilling, spunky, and entertaining exhibition of each dorm’s talent—a lip-sync battle. When SAC (Student Activities Committee) announced this Saturday night battle in the Forum, my dorm, Ho’s dorm, began preparing immediately. We were determined to win this fight. And so, we began crafting a performance.
    Read More
  • Our Cultural Night table!

    A Bite of My Culture

    A couple of days ago, my advisor Ms. Sen-Das and fellow advisee Charlotte ’26 hopped in Ms. Sen-Das’s car and headed to the new Patel Brothers in Nashua, New Hampshire to scavenge for ingredients for Groton's Cultural Night. Charlotte and I had big aspirations for our Iranian table, but we were out of luck in finding a Persian restaurant within a reasonable delivery radius. So, we decided to make the food ourselves. We had hoped to prepare ghormeh sabzi, a traditional Persian stew, and tahdig, crispy rice, but due to time constraints, we reasoned that it would be best to prepare some quick traditional side dishes. 
    Read More
  • Alexander '25, Ms. Carey (our environmental science teacher), and me with our matching winter sweaters

    Memorable "Two Weeks" Festivities

    The “two weeks”—the fourteen days of school between Thanksgiving and Winter breaks—is something many Groton students cherish and look forward to. This period of time marks the beginning of the winter term and is the peak of winter and holiday festivities at Groton. The primary tradition that takes place during the two weeks is Lessons and Carols; however, there are many other activities that are symbolic of the two weeks. 
    Read More
  • JV Girls Soccer Team Picture (2021)

    Bend It Like JV Girls Soccer

    One of my first memories on the Circle is sitting under a tree before my first JV girls soccer practice. Observing from afar, I watched as the other girls laughed and chatted, dribbling a ball around before the coaches gathered us together. I recall how nervous I was as I tried to hide behind my mask (still trapped in the pandemic era), avoiding these strangers who were now my teammates. I had no idea what to expect or what the season would entail. I didn’t know anyone on the team, and I most certainly did not know how to play soccer.
    Read More

  • Quintessential New England Fall Activities

    Two Saturdays ago, my friends and I ventured off campus to spend time in the hometown of our friend Raymond '25, thirty minutes outside Groton. We all had the Saturday afternoon off and decided to plan something to do with our free time. Despite the grey and chilly conditions, we decided to take our afternoon adventure outdoors.
    Read More

  • The Challenge of Being a Tennis Ballperson

    When I was five, my dad took me to a park in New York City and put a racket in my hand. “Just hit the ball,” he said. And I did. From then on, my love for tennis was born. Since I started playing, my aspirations for what I wanted to get out of this sport have changed.
    Read More

  • Visiting a Friend on Mallorca

    As I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by a sight I had never seen before. My eyes were drawn to the vast mountain ranges blending into the blinding blue sea. As I left the airport, I was greeted by the warmth of the sun. After almost a day of navigating three airports alone, I finally reached my destination. My best friend was living in Sóller, a small town in Mallorca, for the summer, and she had invited me to come and join her adventure. I was beyond excited for the memories ahead of us, and I was eager to learn about a culture I was unfamiliar with and practice my Spanish-speaking skills.
    Read More