"I felt wildly prepared for college. I still think some of the hardest classes I've taken were classes at Athenian. I'm grateful for the fact that I got some low scores during my high school career. I know how to strive to be better because of it, while also being ok with not being perfect."
Ten days before move-in day, Julia Borchers ’20 received Washington University’s COVID plan. She could move into the dorm room but would not have a roommate, there would be no dining hall, and all classes would be remote. Weighing her options, Julia decided to defer a year in hopes of having a normal four-year college experience. Today, she says that was one of the best decisions ever. Julia spent that fall working on three political campaigns – organizing virtually for the Biden campaign in Georgia and Michigan as well as working on a local Mayoral campaign. Then, in the spring, she went on a 10-week backpacking adventure. Among other things, Julia credits the gap year for her genuine appreciation for the college experience–she was so excited to be back in the classroom.
Did you have a major going into college?
Julia planned to major in biology with a possible minor in political science–two areas of interests she’d developed at Athenian. As for a career in Biology, she knew she did not want to be a doctor or a researcher. Now a college junior, Julia is majoring in Environmental Biology (School of Arts and Sciences) with a minor in The Business of Social Impact (through the School of Business).
How did you feel Athenian most prepared you for college?
While some people might say a small high school doesn’t prepare you for a larger school environment, Julia’s experience was just the opposite. She says Athenian taught her accountability, something that has proven invaluable in college, especially at the start. In her first year at WashU Julia stepped into a 400 person chemistry class. There was nobody watching over her to see if you showed up for class or turned in an assignment. You had to take it upon yourself to get the most out of your classes. Julia shared, “Coming from a school like Athenian, I knew the value of having close professional relationships with my teachers and I sought out my professors by going to office hours or participating in the classroom.”
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Taking a gap year is the biggest one, even though I definitely wouldn’t have taken that advice!” said Julia. She also would encourage her younger self to find ways to seek out community sooner in college. Julia is an admissions tour guide and works in the Office of Sustainability where she helps conduct on-campus department audits on sustainability practices. She is also in a sorority. Together with her academics, these experiences have given Julia a sense of purpose and community–the things she valued most about Athenian.
