Soree Kim ’23

A SELF-DESCRIBED “history/science person,” in her free time, Soree Kim might be practicing her violin … or working on her cartoon about invasive plants for Tucker River Fellows … or making crepes for French Club (note: she doesn’t even take French) … or playing soccer … or meeting with her fellow class leadership council members … or attending BIPOC … or climbing … or hanging out with friends.

She’s involved.

But her involvement across the board isn’t to pad her résumé so she can get into top colleges. Soree is involved because she loves spending time with the people who mean the most to her. “I started climbing because it gave me an opportunity to spend time with my siblings, who are much older. I play soccer because I love my teammates,” she explains.

She began playing the violin because her Beginning Strings instructor was kind and helpful. “She was the one who really opened the door for taking violin lessons, and she was always there for me,” Soree says. “She even found me an instructor.” Today Soree plays for community-wide events with the GPS Tango Quartet and also plays for her church. “People enjoy hearing music, and that helps me enjoy it. I love making music that sounds beautiful to the ear.”

The Black, Indigenous, People of Color forum has been another area where Soree has felt supported. “Growing up in a bubble, you don’t know what’s going on outside unless you go outside and experience it yourself,” she says. “I never knew I really needed a support system until BIPOC came along. Last year I even shared about Lunar New Year, and I don’t think I would’ve done that before. BIPOC gave me confidence.” someone who can accept criticism and persevere under challenges. She's strongwilled and welcomes those around her, even if society looks down on them.

To me, a GPS girl is ...

BRUISERS FOR BELONGING

Forums represent opportunities for students to discuss important issues with those who either share a similar perspective or lived experience or wish to better understand a perspective that differs from their own. Forums offer a safe and supportive atmosphere for conversation and advocacy. Discussions in these groups may focus on challenges encountered or approaches learned, with the goal to provide participants with a greater understanding about themselves and cultivate a sense of belonging for all individuals at GPS.

Finding Her Passion

From video production to Mock Trial and more, club participation creates ways for GPS girls to explore and pursue opportunities outside of their daily Upper School courses. In addition, new friendships across many grades are made, and connections with people and organizations outside of GPS give girls a chance to engage on a grander scale.

Ella Harris ’24

ELLA HARRIS is very involved, but not just for the sake of keeping busy. Every activity she participates in fuels her passion for growth, change, and belonging. “I have a lot of friends who have a lot of interests, and when they’re passionate about things, I get passionate about them. When I get the chance to do something, I take it,” she says.

At GPS, she’s involved in a variety of activities ranging from Tucker River Fellows to the Gender and Sexuality Forum. She was also elected by her classmates to the Honor Council. “The honor system is super important to the structure of GPS,” she explains. “We know that we’re all held accountable for our actions here, and it’s important that we remain honorable in our scholastic endeavors because it’s really the best way to grow.”

Ella also works on the tech crew for theater productions, Chapel, and other school events. “I really want to go into theatrical design and production as a career, and I was fortunate enough to get to talk to a GPS alumna about it when we worked on the Middle School production of Frozen JR. together last year,” she says.

Her work in theater even connects to her Tucker River Fellows project. She is working to make the theater department more eco-friendly by repurposing fabric and costumes from past productions.

“GPS provides a lot of opportunities to reach out and experiment with what you want to do and who you want to be, and when you figure it out, you are supported in following that path,” she says. “Your people are here.” a someone who is not afraid to reach out and take risks to work on improving herself for the sake of a love of learning or a love of a sport or activity or science or art. It’s really about growing more than anything else.