Bridget ’27 has big-sister vibes, so you might be surprised to learn that she’s actually a younger sibling. In fact, her older brother introduced her to Commonwealth. But she’s forging her own path, surrounded by friends who keep her in stitches at school, on the volleyball court, and on the soccer field. Keep reading to get to know this sophomore from Southborough, from her weekly indulgence from Blank Street Coffee to the band that makes her homework more bearable.

Getting to Know You

What is bringing you joy right now? 

Just talking to my friends and hanging out with them after school every day. Oh, and volleyball. It's really fun. The team is very supportive, and that's just a great environment.

What is your favorite book (or a book you’ve re-read)? 

I'd say Fahrenheit 451 is my favorite book. I originally read it in middle school, and I just think Ray Bradbury was able to actually predict a lot of what's true today, though it might not be immediately obvious. 

What do you think is the most intriguing paradox? 

The grandfather paradox: what would happen to you if you went back in time and you killed your own grandfather?

What are your favorite comfort foods? 

I'd say my dad's congee. We used to have it whenever it was just the two of us, when my mom and my brother were busy, so it was kind of special to us. It’s just plain boiled rice, and then we put either century eggs, salted duck eggs, or pickled vegetables on it. I personally like pickled stuff a lot.

What are people most surprised to learn about you?

I think, for the most part, I'm a pretty open book, but I guess some people are surprised that I play the trombone, because it's not the most common instrument. And people have told me that they didn't expect me to be a younger child. Sometimes they think I'm an only child or an older child.

What never fails to make you laugh?

My friends. We’re just always joking around. We can turn something that may not be that funny into something that's unique and funny for us.

Pen or pencil? 

Pen for note taking and pencil for problem solving.

Coffee or tea?

Matcha! I love Blank Street [Coffee]. I limit myself to one drink a week.

Fall, winter, spring, or summer?

Fall, definitely, because I love the cooler weather, and it's also soccer season.

Life as a Commonwealth Student (and Beyond)

What was your first impression of Commonwealth and how has it mapped to your experience?

I saw my brother (Brandon ’22) really gain his confidence and start to love Commonwealth during his time here, and I kind of just knew that was where I wanted to go. Everyone in my family thought this was the place for me and that I would really belong here. And I have found that to be true.

Using metrics besides grades, how do you define “success” in your classes?

Being able to look back and see what I might have been confused about and think, “Wow, that's so easy now. I can't believe I even struggled with that.” 

How do you spend your time outside of Commonwealth?

Whenever I get a free moment, I'm usually listening to music. Just today, I've been listening to “The Low End Theory” by A Tribe Called Quest a lot, and I also have been in a bit of a The Marías phase—that's one of my go-to artists for when I'm doing homework, because I try to work until an album is done.

Besides that, I like to watch the Celtics with my mom. I actually got to watch the Celtics play this winter with my mom and my brother. It was really amazing. 

And I like to hang out with my cat, Finn, too.

When do you feel most connected to other students (or teachers/staff members) in our community?

Maybe when people are doing homework in the hallways. There's always a pretty big group of sophomores working there, and people just chime in on each other's conversations. And I think that's a pretty unique thing, coming from a larger school where that didn't really happen. It's really nice.

What is it like going to school in Boston?

I really, really like it. You can get to anywhere using the T, and that's definitely not something I had growing up in Southborough, where you could only drive everywhere. And I love just having access to all the places on Newbury Street.

Related: What Commuting to High School Is *Really* Like: Averages, Advantages, and Advice for Students

What’s your advice for prospective students considering Commonwealth? 

I know it's said a lot, and people might be tired of hearing it, but I think the community at Commonwealth is really unique, and it's my favorite part of it. Deciding if you're going to Commonwealth or not, for me, rests on what is right for you, what you want to get out of your school, what are your goals. I wanted to be challenged more, and I wanted to be in a place with that sense of community.

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