Toward the end of their senior year, the Monarchs break out of their cocoons, marking the point where they should spread their wings. Reflecting back on their last four years at NDB, they have different memories to share, but all have transformed from open-minded girls to young, confident women awaiting challenges. It was a journey of invaluable growth, tough decisions and, of course, sparkling moments.
Nicole Fong
“I don’t think I had a remarkable moment [in freshman year], but it was kind of a blur. I don’t remember everything…I remember making friends. I remember joining swimming…, ” said senior Nicole Fong.
Fong also highlighted how NDB played a significant role in embodying community and spirit.
“I’m not a very spirited person, but then you come into swimming and you’re like screaming for your teammates and shouting and cheering,” added Fong. “And so there was a lot of that, and then, especially … spirit rallies or Aquacades in general was great. I think [NDB] taught me a lot about becoming confident … and learning how to create friends and build your community and like finding yourself. and what you’re interested in.”
Bella Svanberg
ASB Communication and Marketing Director Bella Svanberg, shared her journey being involved in leadership throughout the last four years.
“Something that I started from freshman year that I’m still pursuing now it was definitely just being on student leadership,” shared Svanberg. “ In freshman year, I was student president and throughout my four years, I’ve remained on student council and now I’m on ASB and it’s just been one of the greatest experiences because I’ve really gone to know not only my class really well, but also the school and just be involved in any way that I can.”
She was inspired by her first Aquacades at NDB, where she witnessed the spirit and liveliness of the upperclassmen.
“Just seeing the older kids and just seeing how it involved everyone in the school … I think it made me realize that everyone here just loves to be spirited and to go out and to truly like to express themselves, so that’s definitely something that I remember,” expanded Svanberg.
She also highlighted what the event meant to her from an ASB member’s perspective, which was very special considering how long they spent planning for it, and the skills and memories she will cherish from this last year on ASB.
“In terms of ASB, I am so happy that I had the opportunity to be on ASB. It’s definitely been one of the most exciting experiences I’ve ever had,” highlighted Svanberg. “I think being [in] Aquacades … or performing the [routines], especially this year, was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and I’m going to cherish that forever. Just seeing a big group of girls, like cheer you on really just be there for you. … I think being on ASB is a really good thing … [and] you could tell that this was just a group of people [who] … all wanted this school to be a fun place for everyone. … No one just does it … to put it on your resume.”
Sianna Kiebler
Senior Sianna Kiebler also shared her experience at NDB.
“I have always been on the Ambassador Club and eventually that became the Ambassador Board. I also did theater, so I started in musicals. [That’s what] I’ve completely sustained throughout all my four years.”
When asked what has changed since her freshman year, Kiebler emphasized that she has firmed her confidence and is approaching people.
“In my freshman year, I was very much a follower. I was observing a lot. I remember listening and watching the people who were above me, so the seniors and the juniors,” she said. “And I didn’t speak up much. I didn’t take many leadership roles, and then my sophomore year, I was kind of getting some ground, so I started helping out more with the Ambassador club and the Ambassador Board. [And for] theater I started getting, like, bigger parts. Whereas junior year, I was completely comfortable with where I was.”
She also mentioned that she is excited to go to UCLA to study acting, especially looking forward to her career opportunities in the future. She will bring her ability to listen and observe into college, and will keep paying attention to her surroundings in hopes of finding something new.
Print draft:
Towards the end of senior year, the Monarchs break out of their cocoons, marking the point where they should spread their wings. Reflecting back on their last four years at NDB, they shared different memories, but all transformed from open-minded girls to young, confident women awaiting challenges. It was a journey of invaluable growth, tough decisions and, of course, sparkling moments.
