26 minute read
Class of 2022
Ananya Tare
Clearwater, Florida
When I first arrived at Delphian, I was uncertain about my own capabilities and who I was. I had goals and dreams, but I had no idea how I could go about achieving them.
Delphian completely changed that. Right off the bat, I was thrown into practical projects that pushed me to act and test my limits. I had to learn to juggle academics, extracurricular activities, and other projects at the same time. I didn’t have time to sit and think about how I was going to do it–I just did it.
Before I knew it, I had discovered that I was a leader, a thinker, and someone who could get things done. Not only could I achieve whatever I set my mind to, but I could also help others do the same.
I’ve always had a specific picture in mind of what I would look and act like as a high school graduate. Delphian has given me something even better–the ability to know myself and what I am capable of. With this knowledge, I am ready to take on any challenge, reach any goal, and create my life the way I want it to be.
Cynthia Zhang
Beijing, China
My Delphian journey started five years ago when I ran away from an unfair decision made by my headteacher in middle school. I hoped everything would be well, but living in an unfamiliar environment made me more introverted.
Oregon’s summer is hot, but I found myself hidden in a black jacket all the time even with sweat all over my back, just to make me feel safe.
Gradually, I started to open my heart and communicate with others. I participated in sports, activities, and community service. I found myself surrounded by friendly students and caring staff. I learned to speak up when I had concerns, to ask when I had questions, and communicate when I had new ideas. Through communication and hard work, I was even given responsible positions on student council.
As I reflect on how far I’ve gone in my journey, I learned that my definition of happiness changed from the feeling of safety I had, hiding in my little “perfect” world, to feeling happy through my positive contributions and involvement in my community. I have grown to become a better version of myself, taking charge of my own life where I can create change around me because even small actions can mean a lot.
I have taken off my black jacket, both literally and figuratively. I cherish all the valuable experiences and amazing people that I’ve met at Delphian, and I am grateful for everything Delphian has given me.
Angela Bai
Beijing, China
Driving up this hill on September 14th, 2016 was the day my change began. I arrived with curiosity and fear.
I was not confident, so I hid and refused to talk. I just wanted to be the smallest and the most invisible one. But having that mindset tripped me many times.
I was constantly doubting myself, and I never believed that I could do great things.
As I moved through the program I changed. I started to search for more possibilities and discover what I really wanted.
It was not until recently that I realized it’s not a certain point or certain thing that changed me, it was everything I did throughout the program. It was all the little things I learned from each project, seminar, course, book, a short conversation with others or the mistakes I made.
These accumulated and brought me to where I am right now. This was a gradual change that started the day I arrived. It didn’t happen suddenly, and it took me six years to realize and validate the change. But standing from this point looking back, I think it all happened for a reason, and I’m grateful for everything I did and learned.
A girl who was scared of speaking up and looking people in the eye has now gained the abilities and skills to own her own life at this magical school, and she is ready to start the next chapters of her life. Thank you, Delphian!
Minghan Cui
Beijing, China
Delphian is a truly amazing place. It is a place where theory meets practical and a place where you can pursue your own goals.
Out of all things, I would like to emphasize the literature program. It is hard to describe the richness of it. In Form 6 Entry and Form 6, the programs set out a firm foundation of the English language. In Form 7, I read famous but harder novels. Finally, on Form 8 I embraced political and spiritual concepts, opening my thoughts not only to the diversity of the world but seeing things beyond their appearance.
Looking back, my mind has expanded more than tenfold. Not only did these books answer the countless naive questions I once had, they have created certain qualities in me.
Delphian taught me more than what is in the books. From the whole experience, I learned that I am the one to push myself forward. I am the one who determines whether tomorrow will be enjoyable or not. I am the one who is in charge of my own education.
I had never dreamed that I could become such a determined individual. I am proud of myself and thankful to the school.
Daniel Cox Coca
Madrid, Spain
As they say, all good things must come to an end, and for me this moment is a bittersweet one for just that reason. I say this because even though I am overjoyed that I have made it, I am also deeply saddened that I must leave so soon.
When I was sixteen, I was at my wits’ end with public school; nothing ever inspired me to go above and beyond. It felt like I was stuck in a viciously monotonous cycle of waking up, going to school, and going back to sleep.
I came for the summer of 2019, and instantly I knew that I had to come here for the school year. I had to work very hard in order to graduate but I was prepared as I had seen how great this school was, and I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity my parents gave me.
From my time here I learned discipline, gained knowledge, and refined my ability to lead.
For this and more I can’t thank Delphian enough!
Felix Forslund
Sheridan, Oregon
Wow, I made it!
This program is something truly spectacular. There is some unnamed magic that goes on with every course, every project and every book. When I first came to Delphian, I did not see the magic. But it was still there, seemingly transforming me and every student, in fact, into something much greater than before.
But it was not really transforming anything. It is merely uncovering more of who each student really is. Everyone is powerful, but we sometimes pretend not to be. Delphian helped me realize that I was pretending to be something much less than I truly was, and now I realize more about my true potential than ever before. And yet, I bet there is still more to come!
Oscar Bai
Beijing, China
I started Delphian as a thirteen-year-old kid without a clear orientation or a determined path. The only thing I had was an intention toward becoming a better person, yet I didn’t know how to.
I was a seed buried under the ground, longing for the sunlight, but wasn’t strong enough, or perhaps wasn’t brave enough, to break through the soil. In trickles, the seed began germinating.
Throughout my high school years, no one told me who or what I should become. It was merely guidance and never an order. I was given tools to build my character and myself, so I became who I desired to be. I am now confident that I can do anything and go anywhere that my intention lies.
The class of 2022 Back Row L-R: Carson Wagner, Louis Luo, Danshi Li, Oakley Binford, Brody Workman, Oscar Bai, Minghan Cui, Daniel Cox Coca Middle Row L-R: Cynthia Zhang, Gemma Bell, Sarah Kasprzyk, Tiger Shang, Felix Forslund, Hannah Weinstein, Crystal Li, Ananya Tare Front Row L-R Evie Xia, Martha Cervantes Corral, Angela Bai, Laura Elliott, Chloe Latch, Suejin Park, Anya Magazova, Sanjana Garlapati
Crystal Li
Shanghai, China
Delphian has given me so much help with different aspects of life by encouraging me to change and try new things. By balancing the practical program and academics, I have gained responsibility and leadership skills.
The practical program gave me many new opportunities to try new things. At first, I thought the projects would be hard and I didn’t confront them.
My first project was planning the Easter Egg Hunt with three other students. We prepared the chocolates and the eggs for all the younger students. When the activity was over, some students came up to me and told me how much they liked the activity.
This project ended up being my favorite one and it changed my mind about the practical program.
Through student council, I helped run activities and even helped people in the community. I believe that these unique experiences will help me a lot in my future.
Sarah Kasprzyk
Denver, Colorado
When I was younger I was content to be the quiet one and not have a specific niche and not really have a spot. I went along like this for quite some time and never really thought about it until I came to Delphian. I remember coming for the first time for volleyball preseason and pretty much nodding and agreeing with what people told me to do and trying to scope out what the place was like. I was still a quiet and shy teenager at the time.
As I went through the program, became a part of more groups, and made more friends, I started to come out of this self-imposed shell. I realized that it was okay to be assertive and to hold my own place in the world. Looking back, it’s hard to believe I used to be so different, and that I’m now able to accomplish so much. I am extremely thankful to Delphian for helping me overcome these barriers.
Oakley Binford
Laguna Beach, California
Arriving at Delphian, we are a bit like a blank piece of paper. Most of us show up nervous, anxious, or scared, with questions like, “How am I going to fit in? Who am I going to hang out with? Do I really have to do bathroom crew?”
Then, through courses like Study Handbook and Integrity and the Code of Honor, joining groups like choir, and soccer, and making many friends, we grow and begin to shape our papers. Creases. Each one is a pillar to the foundation you are building.
I wanted to graduate, but I was intimidated by the amount of work it would take. As time went on, I began to realize what it meant to be a leader. I joined Student Council and became the Middle School boys dorm captain. I ran large projects such as becoming the assistant coach of the track and field team.
As my time here at Delphian now comes to an end, I would like to impart to you a valuable lesson. What matters is not so much how long your runway is, but that you get off the ground. Sure, sometimes crashing is inevitable, but the important thing is using the wings you grew here. I now have the ability to direct my path wherever I choose. Thank you, Delphian, for teaching me how to fly.
Martha Cervantes Corral
Mexico City, Mexico
The Delphian program is very unique in the way that it teaches you to own your education and makes you the creator of your future. It teaches you that your education depends on you and on how much effort you put into it. The reading program and seminars let you have your own realizations in life.
When I look back, I started the program as a girl who needed to read easy books because I didn’t know English well enough, and now I am ending the program as a girl who can read books with high vocabulary and big concepts. I am also ending the program feeling confident that I can accomplish any goals I set my mind to.
The best part of the program is that I never felt like I couldn’t do something. Delphian takes you through the program in such a gradient that you don’t realize how much you have accomplished until you take a step back and think about it.
The time I put into my studies was not to make my parents happy or to please my supervisor. I did it for myself. I did it to accomplish my own goals and targets.
Delphian has helped me to realize that learning is fun and that I am the creator of my future.
Danshi Li
Beijing, China
When I first got here I felt for the first time that my education was in my own hands. Instead of having teachers pushing me forward, I was able to walk on my own and take as much time as I wanted.
I mistakenly thought Delphian was easy. I thought I didn’t have to work hard and could still graduate. Delphian said, “Ha, you thought,” and challenged me with the Forms 6, 7, and 8 programs. The amount of work in these programs overwhelmed me at first, so I looked for shortcuts. The shortcuts made my path slippery.
With the assistance of the Ethics Advisor, I got back on the right, no longer slippery, track. I worked my way through the programs step by step. I did math that I could never have imagined doing, read amazing books, and explored ideas that I never thought of before.
Most importantly, I found myself an interest, a goal. I am no longer a child who blushes and say, “I don’t know yet,” when people ask me about my interest. I am a young adult who can look them in the eyes and say, “I want to be a food scientist.”
Louis Luo
Xiamen, China
I am grateful for everything Delphian has taught me. It has helped me to become a better leader and a more responsible person.
I was a person who knew no English and was scared to associate myself with anybody who spoke English because I didn’t want to embarrass myself. I would play video games at night and never study. My life was hopeless during that time.
Starting my junior year, everything changed. The senior students and the faculty at Delphian set a good example for me. They were my motivation for working hard because I wanted to be like them.
The Delphian program and the faculty helped me change my life. They taught me how to be responsible for things in my life. They helped me to become a better version of myself.
I will continue using the tools I learned at Delphian to achieve my future goals. My future is bright because the Delphian School helped me to enlighten my future.
Chloe Latch
San Francisco, California
In the course Professional Basics for an Artist, L. Ron Hubbard states,
While I did this course on Form 7, it was really in Art Seminar during my senior year that I got the full meaning of this quote.
During the seminar, we went over why we want to be artists and how we want to shape the world. I realized how much I appreciate and love the artists at Delphian. I realized how much I love all artists.
I have always known that I want to be an artist, but I never realized before this year how much that meant, not only to me but to the society I live in. Artists are not just painters, sculptors, or dancers. They are athletes, parents, and teachers; they are anyone who is fully communicating with and shaping the world around them.
By realizing this, I found that anyone can be an artist, and life itself can be art. And this is why I think that Delphian, above all, creates artists. It creates people who can understand and communicate with the world around them. And it creates people who are actively changing realities and making the world a better and more sane place.
Gemma Bell
Calabasas, California
Since I stepped foot on the Delphian campus, I knew deep down that Delphian was not just a school, it was a gift. There is no other place where you can learn, grow, fail, and all the while being safe and supported. Delphian is a home, a family, and there is an innate sense of magic here.
As I carried on through the program, I kept seeing more of that magic of Delphian. Whether I was sledding down to the baseball field after the first snow, screaming after winning a cheer competition, laughing in early morning jazz choir, seeing the students enjoy an activity or show that I planned, or running down the hill on one of Delphian’s beautiful trails, I felt that magic.
That magic was especially strong in the art seminar. In this seminar, I realized that my abilities were not created by the program; the program merely helped me realize that they were there.
I realized that the true “magic” of Delphian is not only the sense of home and family, but the ability it gives every person to cause what they want to become real–to be the creator of their own lives.
Delphian did not change me one bit. Delphian brought out the person that was always there. I am forever grateful to this school, this home, that has opened my eyes to the power of every individual. Thank you, Delphian for giving me the pen with which I will write my story.
Evie Xia
Zhejiang, China
I came here because my dad sent me here. I had no idea who I would be and why I came here. After four years have passed, I am so grateful for my dad’s decision.
Besides normal academic lessons, I learned more about myself as an individual. I learned that I am capable of achieving my goals and leading a group. I learned why one’s purpose matters through experience. I learned how to sort myself out of confusion and how to study on my own. I learned how important Study Technology is and how much it has impacted my life of learning.
In the practical program, I was able to apply the skills that I learned from courses to solve problems. I am comfortable with my communication skills and now have a key mindset to get things done.
I couldn’t have gained these skills and knowledge if I didn’t come to this school. Thank you to all the wonderful staff members in this magical place. I really appreciate you being yourselves. Thank you, Delphian!
Hannah Weinstein
Seattle, Washington
It has been a long road. When I drove up this hill for the first time, I was lost. I couldn’t really do anything, I couldn’t think, and I had no idea what I needed to do in order to even have a future.
Delphian was a challenge at first. Looking up to the seniors and students with high responsibility and purpose, I felt out of place.
Eventually, I started to become more and more active in my life, and being like the people I respected became more and more real to me.
I found a purpose, pursued that purpose, and started to take responsibility for creating my life and my future.
Looking back on my eleven-year-old self and comparing that girl with who I am today, I can’t help but be so proud.
I have become a leader, I can study anything, I know what I want from life, and I know what kind of a person I want to be.
Delphian gave me this, and I will eternally be grateful.
I’m excited to go start life with all I have gained from this magical place.
Suejin Park
Seoul, South Korea
When I first came to Delphian, I couldn’t understand why people were calling Delphian a “magical place” because magic seemed like something that would only happen in movies or books. As I went through the Delphi program, I realized what “magic” they were talking about.
One time I was calling my mother, and I looked at the view from the front of the building. It made me feel relaxed and happy. I told my mother, “I think I found my true happiness at Delphian.”
With my friends and the staff’s encouragement, I was able to challenge myself and grow from my experiences. Delphian taught me what education is.
Leaving this wonderful place makes me sad, but I am ready and excited to face the challenges that are waiting for me in the future.
Brody Workman
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Delphian has been a journey to remember. This school is a place that provides a basic human necessity: hope. When I came here, I didn’t know it, but I was out of hope. I had almost no friends, never studied anything outside of class, and was just trying to coast through life. I had put on the facade of a happy, upbeat person that just rolled with the punches. On the inside, I was feeling dispirited.
Then I came to Delphian. Stepping on campus, I decided that this was a fresh start. I felt something new and couldn’t place it. Looking back on it, it was the feeling of hope. Meeting new people that take you under their wing no matter what and actually having friends that cared about me were feelings of hope that I had not experienced in a long, long time. To truly give you a good idea of the hope that Delphian provides, it can be summed up with an Emily Dickenson poem:
"Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all -
Delphian gives you hope. No matter the struggle you are facing, no matter the feelings of stress, Delphian will always be at the ready with a good person to pick you up, dust you off, and help you on your way. The aura of this place is magical and I am truly blessed to have experienced it.
Tiger Shang
Beijing, China
My high school journey at Delphian was a lifechanging experience. This unique program has truly taught me what education is. Before I came to Delphian, my life was purposeless. I did not look forward to going to school. It was miserable and unpleasant for me to study. Each day, the only thing I expected was the ring of the bell that signified the end of school.
Everything changed when I decided to go to Delphian. The dormitory life made me independent. I am no longer the kid who has to be helped in many ways of his life by his parents. With the independent method of study, I became more self-disciplined. I reestablished my interest in my studies because I found a new purpose.
Delphian focuses on applying the knowledge you learned instead of memorization. I began to see more about the world and became more mature. Each year, I was learning something new from the program. From International Entry to Form 8, I’ve grown from a playful kid to a responsible young adult. I kept challenging myself and gaining benefits from my education. The practical and academic areas improved me as a person and gave me more understanding of the real-life world. I especially enjoyed the internship during the summer working at Delphian. It was tough but beneficial.
Delphian has provided me with valuable knowledge. It has shaped me and guided me. Whenever I needed help, belief, and support—the Delphian family was always there for me.
And I know that no matter where I go, this school, and all it represents, will always be there for me.
Anya Magazova
Almaty, Kazakhstan
I came to Delphian as a little blonde girl from Kazakhstan who didn’t know any English, who was scared, and who couldn’t confront her studies or the people around her. I was extremely shy and had a low level of confront. When I was presented with a large task, I would run away from my responsibilities and find refuge in drawing, video games, and cartoons.
Going up the hill, the size of the school was already hard to confront. Gradually, I started learning English and communicating with others, but I still couldn’t focus on my studies and some other aspects of my life. In my first few years, I wouldn’t take opportunities that were presented to me because I thought I wasn’t capable enough.
Gradually Delphian changed this for me. In the later part of Form 7, looking at my program, I still had many things to finish and it was already January of my senior year. I realized if I didn’t change things now I wouldn’t be able to graduate. For this, I needed to start confronting and putting all of my attention on my academics. For the first time, I felt that I was making significant progress because of my hard work, and it felt good. Late nights and early mornings made me realize how much I can get done if I push myself and do my work with confront.
This taught me that I can run away from others but I can’t run away from myself. With the ability to confront, my confidence rose and I was able to participate in sports teams, be in charge of big projects, and make public speeches. The ability to confront was only one part of what I gained at Delphian. There would be an infinite list if I was to tell all of them.
Carson Wagner
Los Angeles, California
Before Delphian, I didn’t know where I was headed and I wanted to drop out of school. Then somehow I found myself at a school on a hill in rural Oregon, starting afresh.
It didn’t take much time for me to adjust and get used to the environment, but I was still lost. I didn’t know where I was headed in life.
Eventually I realized that finding my path wouldn’t happen without my active participation. I started seeing the power and potential I held. I found myself wanting to use the program to acquire attributes such as integrity, determination, honesty and trustworthiness.
Delphian to me was like climbing a mountain. If you don’t stop and look at the view every so often, then you never truly know how far you have come. I still haven’t fully looked at this view, but I know that life will show it to me soon.
Sanjana Garlapati
Fremont, California
Leading up to Delphian, I was in the public education system for nine and a half years. Life was this monotonous repetition of not being able to apply anything I learned at school and going home upset. I was desperate to do something about my education.
The shy, introverted 13-year-old Sanjana from 2018 wouldn’t believe her ears if she found out how many miracles the Delphian education would do for her.
I can now remember and apply what I learned after taking exams. I read over sixty books on the literature program and I taught myself calculus. I have learned to question problems and push myself to find better solutions as with that there is no limit to what I can achieve.
It saddens me to leave the place that did so much for me. Thank you, Delphian for giving me a valuable, life-long gift—the gift of a rich education that I have the privilege of owning.
Laura Elliott
Sydney, Australia
Each moment spent at Delphian has left a lasting image in my mind. Standing here now and reflecting on my time here, I see that it was not only the pure beauty of the academic program that impacted me and helped shape me as an individual but a summation of it with all the little experiences that have happened alongside it.
In the book Siddhartha, it talks about the different kinds of people: “Most people are like a falling leaf which is blown and is turning around through the air, and wavers, and tumbles to the ground. But others, a few, are like stars they go on a fixed course, no wind reaches them, in themselves they have their law and their course.”
The person who started in Form 6 Entry and the person finishing Form 8 are different people. Delphian has helped me grow as an individual in many ways that I never thought possible. I was never a competent and self-determined person. I never liked to share my opinion for fear of being judged. I never led groups. I avoided talking in public at all costs. Going through the Delphian program, I was able to overcome the many barriers I created for myself. Delphian has helped me form a clear path to the future and provided me with the tools to help create what I want for myself.
Thanks to Delphian, I am causatively and confidently ready to go into the world and do great things.
