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Luca Pizzale graduated from Willow in 2018 and is now a freshman at Pingry. In school, he enjoys math, science, and art, and and outside of school, he plays the piano, participates in a trivia competition club called the Quiz Bowl, works set and tech for drama productions, and competes in math competitions!
Is there one thing you’ve done in high school so far that you’re particularly proud of?
The first few weeks were tough for me. I’d been at Willow my whole life, so meeting new people was awkward at first. I was very quiet. After a few weeks, however, I decided I had to be more outgoing. I acted true to myself and formed a great group of friends. My friends have a wide variety of interests, so I find myself trying lots of new things with them. Through them, I discovered set building. This later progressed into doing lights/sound for the play and helping out on the weekends when people rent out the theaters. I was able to find things I love doing and can say I feel safe being myself at school.
Is there anything in particular from Willow that has helped you in high school?
Willow is a very small environment, which means everyone forms friendships with people very different from them. In a larger environment, I not only associate with people that are very similar to me but have also formed friendships with people that have very different interests and talents that I might not have interacted with if I hadn’t gone to Willow. I am very open to other perspectives and have formed friendships with people that have broadened my perspectives.
If you could give one piece of advice to a current eighth grader, what would it be?
Once you leave Willow, you’re most likely going to realize a difference between most schools and Willow: most schools are based on memorizing facts, while Willow is focused on learning. Learn to find meaning in what you’re learning and connect it to your life. It will make school much more pleasant. Enjoy every moment you have with your friends and have fun. High school applications are probably done by now (yay!), so relax and don’t stress! I know it sounds cliché, but relax and savor these last moments you have with your friends.
Luca with Willow alumni at the 2018 Harvest Soup.
