"I WOULD RATHER TRY AND FAIL THAN NOT TRY AT ALL”

Nile Collins-Friedland kind of teen you want to have in your class, on your team, in your club, in your advisory, in your friend group, in your life. Well-respected by her peers, she has served in student government every year since seventh grade, culminating with Senior Class president this year. In addition to creating a fun, welcoming environment for all, she has proven herself to be highly dependable. Nile also plays soccer year-round and is a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, which brings her great joy. She is focused on college campuses that can give her the kind of experience she has had at Country Day, a place where she can form strong relationships and everyone is rooting for each other.

A Welcoming Space

“When I was a freshman, the upperclassmen made Senate a welcoming space for me. When you’re a little freshman and a junior stops to say, ‘Hello,’ it just makes you feel special and seen. Through Senate, I’ve tried to give others that experience as well. I think the sense of community is one of the things that makes Country Day special.”

No Regrets

“I got involved with student government in seventh grade with the thought process of ‘if you don’t like it, you never have to do it again.’ When I look back to my Middle School self, it was really scary to get in front of the entire grade and give a speech, but I also knew that I didn’t want to regret not putting myself out there. I would rather try and fail than not try at all.”

Learning About the World

“My favorite course has been AP Human Geography with Mrs. (Amber) Allensworth. We learned so much about how different countries progress and develop; it was a doorway into this realm that really interested me. I love meeting new people, talking to people, and learning about the world around me. I was also able to apply what I learned in the classroom to a school service experience in Ghana that really pushed me out of my comfort zone and broadened my perspectives. It’s made me realize I really want to study abroad in college.”

A Feeling of Belonging

“As Senior Class president, I’m proud of the job I’ve done in creating a space where everyone feels like they belong. Right now, there are only three girls in student government, including me. I think I’ve done a good job of making sure everyone knows their ideas matter and their class trusts them to be a representative.”

A Sport I Love

“I love the team dynamic of playing soccer, both on my club team and the Country Day team. I know everyone here so well, so club soccer allows me to have connections with people outside of school while playing a sport that I love.”