STUDENT PROFILE: Somin Virmani

STUDENT PROFILE

by SOMIN VIRMANI

My name is Somin Virmani, and I am a current senior at Phillips Academy. I grew up taking classes at the Russian School of Math in Andover up until the eighth grade, after which I took a precalculus summer course.

My time spent at RSM has helped forge my critical thinking skills, empowering me for my future. By learning algebra, precalculus, and geometry through RSM's curriculum, I began developing my problem solving skills. I fondly remember moments in my Wednesday evening geometry class when all the students in the class would pitch potential solutions to the seemingly impossible problem on the board. I can still feel

MY TIME SPENT AT RSM HAS HELPED FORGE MY CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, EMPOWERING ME FOR MY FUTURE.

the warm energy in the classroom, bewildered smiles on all our faces. Together (and with a few clues from our teacher) we would finally identify a valid proof.

Whether I am in an organic chemistry class trying to synthesize a molecule or in a history class forming an argument, I can rely on the mental foundation I created at RSM. These skills will continue to help me in the future, and not just in academic contexts. As an adult, I will need to 'problem-solve' and, more broadly, think through challenging situations. Because of RSM, I can face challenges calmly and logically, sporting the same smile I beamed on a Wednesday evening years back.

I must add, however, that RSM would not have been as enriching an experience if not for its spectacular teachers. I thrive in academic environments where my teacher is committed to my growth, and I found such spaces at RSM – shoutout to Ms. Nemcova and Ms. Soltan. For these reasons, I highly recommend RSM as a place to learn, grow, and thrive.