“Get better at laughing at yourself when you struggle,” says Jake ’26. “That's what makes it, dare I say, even pleasant to get through some of the more difficult moments.” It’s no wonder, then, that Jake seeks out a challenge wherever he can find one, from new foods to nuanced class discussions, rigorous hikes to chaotic Hancock meal prep—and can laugh off the bumps along the way. Read on to learn more about what brings a smile to this senior’s face.

Getting to Know You

What is bringing you joy right now?

Right now, I'm really loving how nice it is out, beautiful and sunny.

What is your favorite book (or a book you've reread)?

I really like the book Pachinko. It was one of the summer reading books this year, actually. But I like the nature of it as a multi-generational story and how it depicts the way that history can happen within a family and outside a family.

What do you think is the most intriguing paradox?

I think it’s probably a pretty common one, but I like the Fermi paradox, about why we haven't found aliens. I like that there are so many different possible answers to it.

What are your favorite comfort foods?

I really like to try new things, so I can't say I have specific comfort foods. I like to be adventurous. But I like a good, brothy soup.

What was/is your favorite class (at Commonwealth or elsewhere)?

I've loved U.S. History Since 1865. It's been really interesting to talk about history and look at the nuances and the contradictions that exist within the last couple hundred years of the country.

When do you feel the most enjoyably challenged?

I really find outdoorsy stuff difficult. I'm by no means a serious athlete, but I love hiking and mountain biking, and I love the feeling of being absolutely exhausted after a day of doing something outdoors.

What never fails to make you laugh?

Those silly videos of cats, unfortunately, that are all too present on the Internet.

What are people most surprised to learn about you?

One thing that was recently surprising to a couple of my friends was that I don't eat grapefruit with a spoon. I just cut it and eat it like an orange. They call me pretentious all the time, because I like coffee and stuff, and then I told them they were being so fancy by eating grapefruit with a spoon! They were surprised by that.

Pen or pencil?

I'm a pencil person. Although, I really like those Sharpie S-Gel pens.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee, but I've been trying tea more.

Fall, winter, spring, or summer?

I really like when the season changes. So first snow of the year, or when it gets all warm suddenly. I might go with winter, except when it gets slushy.

Life at Commonwealth (and Beyond)

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

My first impression was that nobody takes themselves too seriously here. I think that's true to a pretty significant degree. A lot of the people here are working very hard, but I don't think that there are too many people who are unable to take a step back and laugh at themselves. That's something I appreciate a lot.

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

How much fun I have, or getting through assignments even though I think they can be a little difficult, or even if I don't do perfectly on them. I think learning and being engaged is probably what I value the most.

How do you spend your time outside of Commonwealth?

I do lots of stuff. I like being outside, and I also like reading. I like cooking a lot.

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

At Hancock, when the situation can be a little dire weather-wise, or on a kitchen crew when it's looking like the meal's going to be difficult. Getting through that together.

How has your Commonwealth experience colored the way you look at the world? How you plan for your future?

I think it's reinforced my instinct to look at an issue with nuance and examine the ways that other people disagree with me and where they might be coming from.

What's your advice for prospective students considering Commonwealth?

I think it's a place where you have to sometimes put away your pride. Get better at asking teachers for help. Get better at laughing at yourself when you struggle. And I think that's what makes it, dare I say, even pleasant to get through some of the more difficult moments.

What would you tell your ninth-grade self?

Don't worry about how badly the year might go. When it got difficult in ninth grade, that's how I grew as a person.

What is it like going to school in Boston?

It's nice to have a lot of different options for what to do after school. For example, recently, there were historical, themed festivities for the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, and Paul Revere’s ride in the North End. It's fun to be near everything.

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