Leannette Chooses Miami
ABC graduating senior Leannette Garcia is excited to share she has chosen the University of Miami, where she plans to study Microbiology. Leannette’s passion and talent for science began at Andover High School, where she excelled in one of the most challenging courses of AP Biology. Last year she attended Brown’s summer program to study Microbiology, and she is excited to continue learning about “her favorite subject, but in great weather.”
Science is only the tipping point of Leannette’s academic feats and grit. During our annual Scholar Celebration, her academic advisor Lori Barsilou shared Leannette’s commitment to “consistently challenging herself” since her freshman year, including always opting for the honors or advanced course across disciplines, and her dedication to four years of Mandarin.
Leannette leaves Andover with not only a stunning academic history, but a legacy of empathy. Reflecting on her time in Andover, she is most proud of her leadership role in Diversity Club. The Diversity Club’s mission is to provide a safe haven for those who wish to express and share their cultural, gender, and sexual identity, and with this comes difficult conversations of tolerance and social tensions. During her time in Andover she shared her experiences and impacted students, staff, and community members of all ages.
However as a true and active leader, she notes that her perspective of herself and the world was impacted as well: “Diversity Club has been such an eye-opening experience that has made me who I am today – a confident young woman who does not fear change and stands up for what I think is right.” The University of Miami is lucky to receive a student who will contribute so much to their community, just as she has done in Andover.
Moving forward, Leannette will miss the small but special moments, like Claire’s famous dulce de leche birthday cake, or the ability to walk over to her best friend Dia’s room, “just to bother her.” Ultimately though, she is ready for the next chapter in her life.
When asked what she is most excited about at the University of Miami, Leannette keenly replies, “Going to college, and experiencing what it is like to be an adult!” As a scholar who soared into new challenges for the past four years, it is unsurprising that she is both excited and prepared for this next step in her life.
Leannette’s future goals include applying her Microbiology degree professionally and working in a laboratory. She also plans to continue her education and is contemplating between pursuing her masters or PhD. Congratulations to our bright, motivated, and compassionate scholar Leannette!
