This issue’s student spotlight goes to Daniel Knorr, a senior here at Fairfield Warde. Dan is a prestigious student who has received some of the highest accolades in the school. From swim team captain, to Key Club co-president, he is a huge part of the community. He is also a part of the Music Department by being in Chamber Orchestra and Choir. I’ve gotten the opportunity to interview him about his perspective on academics, activities, and his experiences on this school.
Question: How does it feel to be a senior?
Answer: My feelings on being a senior are kind of mixed. On one hand, it means I’m right on the edge of starting the next big chapter of my life, and on the other, it feels like I’m losing everything I’ve enjoyed here at Warde. Just the other day, I was talking with some friends in Orchestra and replied to something by saying “there’s always next year” only to realize there wasn’t. Even though it’s exciting to move on, the fact that leaving Warde won’t be all smiles speaks volumes about the kind of school we go to and the quality experiences many of us had over the years.
Question: What is your favorite memory throughout your years here at Warde?
Answer: During the spring of Sophomore year, the music department took a combined trip to Orlando, Florida to visit Disney World. A bunch of us decided to hop on Expedition Everest right before it was about to thunder. Halfway through, everything stopped. Something had broken down and the twelve or so of us got to walk along the catwalks that criss crossed the inside of the artificial mountain. During that time, some of the choir kids decided to test out the echo inside the mountain and began to sing. The people with us who were not part of Warde Music were completely weirded out, but we had a great time and made the best out of an unfortunate situation. Can’t say much more because Disney made me promise to keep everything secret and delete the pictures we took.
Question: Any advice you have for college applications?
Answer: Even though I’m only halfway through my college applications, I’ve learned a thing or two about the best practices. For supplements, I found that writing like a student who already attends that school doesn’t make one memorable. Admissions people, I’ve discovered and been told that the members of the admissions committee want to hear the applicant’s voice and know their quirks. Aside from that, I found that getting things done early (as everyone will say) is a big help. Not only does it relieve stress, but makes it easier to express oneself. Instead of writing for the school, write for yourself.
Question: What tips would you give to underclassmen?
Answer: Find your niche. Go all in. I’ve found it far more rewarding to completely dedicate oneself to one club than to many. Find what you love, and make it a big part of your life.
Question: What clubs/activities would you recommend to join?
Answer: Of course, like I said, you should find your niche. But, because I’m biased, I think everyone should give Key Club a try. It can accommodate all different levels of involvement and can be anything you make of it. If you’re not quite sure what your niche is, start there. By going out into the community and serving others, you’re sure to discover at least one thing you’re passionate about.
Question: What can students do to be as successful as you?
Answer: I don’t usually describe myself as “successful.” I might have been busy my four years and gotten involved heavily in a couple activities, but I’ve got many more decades worth of goals to accomplish. I don’t describe myself as successful because there’s always more to be done. What helps is having a personal motto and living by it. My own, “plus ultra,” has a unique history that’s too long for right now, but what it means is simple: “further beyond.” In all that I do, I refuse to believe that I’ve accomplished all here is to accomplish or that I’ve mastered something. There is always something more to learn and there is always someone else from whom to learn from.