Elena Brunton
The dictionary defines “eclectic” as an adjective describing ideas, styles, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources. A strong Liberal Arts education creates a mosaic of knowledge that builds a student’s foundation for life-long learning. It is no surprise that Elena Brunton chose the College of William and Mary for her undergraduate education after learning about her path to and through Tuscarora High School.
Like her peers, Elena had to figure out her own path through the shutdown that began toward the end of 8th grade and continued throughout her freshman year of high school. The same technology that introduced students to on-line learning provided a path to connecting with friends through texts and video chats. For Elena, on-line learning opened the door to “Outschool” a virtual classroom that she used to learn about “all sorts of things” that simply piqued her curiosity. “Outschool introduced me to Psychology. I was able to take AP Psych at Tuscarora a few years later and loved the subject.”
Exposure to music and the performing arts began as far back as 5th Grade at Lucketts Elementary where Elena was focused on studying the violin. Once at Smarts Mill where she had the option of learning an instrument or participating in chorus, she discovered the cello. Supplemented with private lessons, Elena was able to gain confidence of performing on stage and experienced the fun of musical performance with “more than strings.” She joined the Loudoun Symphony Youth Orchestra by 7th Grade.
Elena distinguished herself in History and Government classes as well. “My mother worked for an elected official at one point in her life so conversations about politics and government were common in my house. Additionally, her grandfather loved to share stories about his own life (“I remember when…”) that often led to further discussions about the cause and repercussions of 20th Century events.
History class was a place at Tuscarora where students were able to have open and civil conversations about current events. This came as a pleasant surprise to Elena, who like most students her age, witnessed the opposite in much the news media. COVID, in Elena’s opinion, matured many of her peers. Part of this was demonstrated by their willingness to engage in conversations in class about difficult, multi-sided topics. That freshman year of virtual learning also left many with a hunger for face-to-face communication. The team at Tuscarora had a variety of seminar classes that met this need.
Elena started volunteering during elementary school where she participated as a founding member of the Rudy Club in Lucketts. It set her on a path to look for simple ways to serve others with her time and talent. The most rewarding volunteer experience Elena had in high school was tutoring other students as a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. “This was an after-school activity where we got to help an ESL student in a subject we had already completed.” Seeing the “light go on” when she explained a math or science concept in their native Spanish gave Elena great satisfaction.
The choices available to students in high school can be overwhelming. Advice Elena would give incoming freshmen is, “Don’t overload yourself. Take time to savor each experience. Good students and good athletes easily face this temptation as they are encouraged by faculty and family. Your potential can become a burden.” Elena worked hard to stay above the “drama” of student metrics often played out in peer relationships. Having parents who encouraged her to simply “do your best” laid a strong foundation for her healthy attitude toward her own performance.
With all of this as a foundation, Elena is ready to take full advantage of the world class liberal arts education William and Mary provides to their students. Congratulations Elena! Keep us posted on your journey! We are sure it will be fruitful!
