Barisere Tuka ’21

STUDENT TAKES BOLD VOICE TO HARVARD

Barisere Tuka ’21 hasn’t yet decided what she’ll study at Harvard University. She is very interested in history and science. She also has considered pursuing medicine. What she knows for sure is that she wants to use her voice in some way to advocate for others and that she will continue to be active in the performing arts.

Cushing Today readers first met Bari in a 2018 article about her experience as a freshman here. At that time, she described first hearing about boarding schools through a presentation at her church. Intrigued, Bari left with a list of resources and began the research that led her to Cushing. “I felt a strong sense of community here,” Bari said. “Everyone was so nice when I visited campus, which made Cushing feel like home.”

Looking back now, Bari describes her personal growth since coming to the Academy as “exponential.” Naturally, boarding school was a significant adjustment at first. Exploring new opportunities became easier after a friend invited Bari to the Open Doors club, which focuses on issues relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. “This was a space where I could be myself,” Bari explained, “and I branched out from there.” By senior year, Bari was president of Open Doors, and was also a member of the Black Student Union and other clubs. “I’ve learned a lot about myself and have a strong interest in social justice,” she said. “I find value in a variety of spaces that support people in being themselves.” Bari also was very active in Cushing’s arts program, performing in nine theatrical productions and a student-run a cappella group. Before coming to Cushing, Bari had sung in school and church choirs, but acting in theater was a new experience. “I’ve practiced putting myself in different characters’ shoes and then finding parts of myself that relate to those characters,” she said. “Finding something to admire in each of the characters that I’ve played has taught me about other people and about myself.” Bari credits her theater experience with building her confidence. “I find that I’ve walked away from each show a better person,” she said. “Everyone here is challenging you to be the most creative version of yourself.”

Reflecting on her time at Cushing, Bari, a Watkins Scholar and the recipient of the Pliny A. Boyd 1894 Award at Commencement, has many fond memories of spending time in Schottland House. She especially recalls the camaraderie of watching movies together, and an impromptu slam poetry night. While she loved her classes in history, English, and chemistry, Bari is most proud of the relationships she has built with friends and mentors. “What really makes a school is the people,” she said. “That’s what helped me grow.”

As Bari begins her college career, she offers new Penguins the wisdom of what helped her make the most of her time at Cushing: “When you’re in a new place, know that you aren’t alone. Talk to one another and you’ll find other people also trying to figure it out.”

“Everyone here is challenging you to be the most creative version of yourself.”