“I want to consecrate this moment or this thought in words,” says Sarah ’27, a senior from Brookline, reflecting on the reasons why she writes—everything from carefully constructed poems that evoke e.e. cummings to the science-fantasy novel she finished this past summer. But as deep and abiding as Sarah’s love of writing has been, it doesn’t confine her—at least, not any more. She once worried about the future and its unknowns; now, she only sees freedom to explore. And whether she follows her interests in biology or astronomy, history or art, she knows: “one way or another, [she’ll] always be writing.” Read on for a sneak peek into Sarah’s writing practice, her advice for all ninth graders (including her past self), and our most poetic paradox yet.

P.S. Did you know that Sarah created the word-themed (of course) cover art for the Winter 2025 issue of CM, our alumni/ae magazine? She also won a Scholastic Art and Writing Award Silver Key for the piece, "Journey of Letters."

Getting to Know You

What is bringing you joy right now? 

Small things, like coming home from school and listening to some music with my headphones

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

One of my longtime favorites is The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. I was immediately intrigued at his choice of making Death the narrator. As a writer myself, I was deeply moved by Liesel’s story as she discovers the healing power of words. For poetry, my favorite book is Your Soul is a River by Nikita Gill. It is simple, emotional, and comforting.

What do you think is the most intriguing paradox? 

The paradox of the lover and the beloved in Echo and Narcissus. I worked my way to the realization of this paradox during my Latin final exam in sophomore year. The lover and the beloved was a defining dynamic of Classical poetry, with the ancient idea that desire is a separation; the lover desires the beloved to be complete. Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection, which he cannot physically attain. Echo loves Narcissus, yet has no self or voice of her own other than repeating his words. Both are lovers separated from their beloveds. At the same time, though, they are themselves both the lover and the beloved, and thus complete.

What are your favorite comfort foods? 

My boring answer is granola. My nostalgic answer is homemade biryani. My family has a tradition of making it every year for Eid-al-Fitr, and I also enjoy it when visiting my extended family overseas.

When do you feel the most enjoyably challenged?

The moment in writing, be it analysis, fiction, or poetry, when I am faced with the daunting task of taking a spark of inspiration or the seed of a complex idea and shaping its seemingly unlimited potential into words without losing its spirit.

What never fails to make you laugh?

My friends and funny animal videos.

What are people most surprised to learn about you?

I’m British.

What’s the best compliment you could get?

Everyone always thinks I’m the eldest child. I’m the youngest of three!

What’s one skill you wish you had?

Kitesurfing. Or the art of not stressing out.

Pen or pencil? 

A few months ago I probably would have said pencil, but now I prefer pen. A pen carries confidence. You cannot erase. Once you start, keep going.

Life as a Commonwealth Student (and Beyond)

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

When I look back at the classes I took, I think of that essay I proofread until my eyes blurred, or that presentation I got through without fumbling my words. So I guess my version of success is having worked really hard and seeing my effort rewarded—not by a grade, but by my own acknowledgement and pride. 

Tell us about your writing practice: Who are your influences? What are you working on now? And what do you hope for in your future? 

I can’t remember when I first started writing, so I don’t think I have any specific influences. Rather, my inspiration comes from an amalgamation of all the authors, people, and moments I’ve experienced. Of course, all writers draw inspiration from their lives, be it consciously or not. Sometimes, there’s a certain phrase in a book or poem that makes me stop and reread. Sometimes I’m left staring at the screen after watching a particular movie ending. Sometimes I see a random child laughing and playing in a field, and I wonder what’s going through their head. That’s my inspiration. I think, “I want to write something that makes the reader stop and think, too.” Or, “I want to make my words hit with just as much, if not more, emotion as cinematics.” Or, “I want to consecrate this moment or this thought in words.”

I’m not currently in the middle of any projects, although I have a story idea marinating in my head. This summer, I finished writing a science-fantasy novel. I’d call it my life’s work, but I’m only eighteen. The first seeds of this novel came to me when I was nine, a childish dream I wanted to write down. As the years passed, those ideas matured with me, layering, multiplying, and narrowing draft after draft. Now, I have a final version that I’m satisfied with…at least, for now. This summer I also wrote a hendecasyllabic Latin poem, mimicking and referencing Catullus’s poetry from his lover Lesbia's perspective.

My dream is to publish a book, but aside from that, my hope—although it’s not really hope because I’m certain I will—is just to keep writing. I know, no matter what I do, one way or another, I’ll always be writing.

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

Recess. When we’re all in the same small space, making funny comments, clapping, and laughing, I can quite literally see and feel the community I’m in.

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

I think Commonwealth has shown me that I don’t have to walk one path. I’ve never had a clear, enduring vision of my future, which has always felt worrying. I first wanted to study biology, but would I still have time to write? Now I want to apply for Classics, but what about science? 

Through the creative autonomy that Commonwealth provides in experiences like Project Week, I’ve realized that the classroom isn’t my only avenue for learning. My lack of clarity about the future allows me the freedom to embark on my own adventures. In college and beyond, I may be in a certain field of expertise, but in my own time, I can still write stories, study animal cells, read astronomy books, watch history documentaries, and do all sorts of independent research. I don’t need to choose.

What would you tell your ninth-grade self?

Focus on the present, and the future will work itself out as you go. I promise.

Meet More Commonwealth Students