How would you describe yourself in 10 words or less?
I’m a student, artist, designer, aspiring architect and city planner

If you had to choose, what is the single moment that defined you most?
Giving the speech at my undergraduate graduation was an important moment in my life, as it signified the end of my time in California at Stanford University, and the beginning of my journey on the East Coast at MIT. I was looking both forward and backward, surrounded by friends, faculty and family, and I got to speak about a discipline that I felt deeply invested in. That day further defined me as I felt nervous, grateful and excited all at once, which I’ve come to understand is a particularly characteristic mixture of emotions for me.

What is your fondest memory of St. Catherine’s?
The Tokyo trip was quite special, and I’m really glad to have gone. I also used to love Lower School Sports Days, even though I was never any good at them. 

What was the most important thing you learned at St. Catherine’s?
I learned that most subjects have elements that I am drawn to, and it’s up to me to piece those elements together to start developing a personal yet wholistic view of the world. At St. Catherine’s, even having a rough sense of the ways in which topics in Geography found their way into my Art coursework, how English assignments helped me in my writing for Geography, and how Art informed my writing in English, was fundamental to the way that I continue to blend learnings from various academic and creative subjects today. I think that the way St. Catherine’s made sure that school subjects were all perceived as equally important and valuable laid the foundation for me to truly appreciate interdisciplinary studies in university. 

How did St. Catherine’s help shape your path?
I’m sure that St. Catherine’s helped me in far more ways than I can articulate. It was a supportive environment that encouraged me to be creative. I still feel grateful for all the teachers that came to a small gallery show I put together in IB, they made me feel like my work was appreciated. Plus, I made a handful of lifelong friendships at St. Catherine’s, people I still love, lean on for support, and care for.

What did you do after graduating from St. Catherine’s?
I spent the summer after graduation in lockdown, then went to Stanford, where I majored in Urban Studies and minored in Art Practice and Architectural Design. Those four years were defined by lots of academic and creative work, where I managed to build installations, create art, exhibit work, and perform music. I lived in a cooperative house with 30 other people, and played in a punk band with a name too crude to write here. After graduating with departmental honors and distinction, I went to MIT, where I am currently pursuing two Master’s degrees, in Architecture and in City Planning. In brief stints between semesters, I conducted research in Athens and Berlin, worked in city government and at a design firm in New York, and joined a political campaign in the Bay Area.

What was your first job after finishing school, and what do you currently do?
My first paid job was as a quarter-long Teaching Assistantship in Urban Design at Stanford, and my last job after undergrad was as an Architectural Designer at Foster + Partners in London. I am currently back on campus, and I am no longer working on anything other than coursework.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since graduating?
I’ve learned to be more patient and a bit more attentive. I can’t attribute this change to any single catalyst, but looking back I notice a measurable difference in the time and kindness I used to give to myself and others, and the time and kindness I hold now.

What are your top 3–5 career highlights, and why do they stand out?
The biggest highlight of my academic career was teaching an Urban Studies class at Stanford entitled ‘Athenian Urbanisms’. I got to share my love for the city to a class of about fifteen students over the course of a quarter, exploring the architectural history, urban processes and policy decisions that shaped Athens. Secondly, receiving two awards for my undergraduate thesis was special, as I had put in countless hours researching, writing, and designing ways to enact positive urban interventions in West Athens to foster synergy between the built environment and nature. Thirdly, receiving a large creative research grant to conduct a study and write an album in Berlin was a highlight, as it was a real sign of trust in my creative potential, and I was proud of the work I produced that summer. Lastly, I was able to design an ambient light installation with some of my best friends, and it was projected from the top of the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco for over a week. It was by far the most public art piece I have worked on.

What do you enjoy doing for fun?
I love going on walks, playing or writing music, and drawing.

What are you most proud of—not only professionally, but personally as well?
I’m proud of my relationship with my girlfriend. We’ve been a couple for over seven years and have grown a lot together. She’s the best.

What advice would you give your younger self?
Pace yourself, pause to give yourself time to appreciate all the great things in your life, even when they seem small in the face of much larger global problems, and remember that nihilism gets you nowhere.

What advice would you share with fellow St. Catherine’s alumni?
I’m not sure if I’m in any position to advise anyone older than me, but for recent alumni, try to be attentive, sensitive and caring. Possessing these qualities is far more important than being ambitious or confident. The world is filled to the brim with people who are far too confident and not nearly as sensitive as they should be, so try not to be one of those people. Take care of our planet, be aware of the ways you might be harming it, and work hard to change those habits

Want to be our next spotlight? Email us at alumni@stcatherines.gr or submit your Spotlight directly here. 

Curious to read about other St. Cats alumni? Check out our previous Alumni Spotlights!