Student Voices, Big Ideas

We're diving into a heartfelt reflection on the transformative journey of Lexi B and Clara L as they share their experiences in the Dance Conservatory program at Detroit Country Day. They highlight how this program has not just shaped their high school years, but also created a tight-knit community that feels more like family than just classmates. As they approach graduation, it’s a bittersweet mo...

Huawei Y takes the spotlight in this episode, sharing his journey through the vibrant world of film and photography at Detroit Country Day. He dives into the life lessons he's picked up along the way, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and the supportive community that surrounds him. From heartfelt shout-outs to his teachers and peers to reflections on the value of creativity...

Get ready to dive into the inspiring journey of Gianna K, a shining star from the Detroit Country Day film program. She takes us through her unexpected leap into acting, sparked by a hallway chat that changed her life forever. Gianna’s story is all about embracing opportunities, even when they come knocking at the most surprising times—like that day when she bumped into Mr. Salamin and ended up au...

Not having everything figured out is perfectly okay. Nathan Ma kicks things off by addressing the underclassmen, sharing his own journey and the pressure he felt in high school to have a clear path laid out. He emphasizes that the real key to success isn’t about sticking to a rigid formula but about exploring new opportunities and embracing the possibility of failure. He encourages his peers to st...

Avery S, Coco L, and Eve T, the unstoppable captains of the Detroit Country Day Women’s Ski Team, are here to celebrate the team's epic journey of bringing home the first-ever State Championship title in program history. This isn’t just a tale of trophies, though; it’s all about the strength, growth, and camaraderie that shaped their season. They dive into the ups and downs, sharing how they turne...

Family is a constantly evolving concept that can surprise us when we least expect it. In this podcast, Campbell Lindner shares her heartfelt Senior Speech about redefining what family means to her—from her parents and siblings to her friends and pets. She dives into the lessons learned through life's ups and downs, highlighting how love and connection go beyond traditional boundaries. With a sprin...

We dive into the world of science and history through storytelling with the dynamic duo of DCDS students, Qasim Bazi and Kat Goforth, as they chat with the illustrious Sam Kean, a New York Times bestselling author and podcaster. The heart of the conversation captures how storytelling can breathe life into science making it engaging, immersive, and fascinating! Sam shares his journey from aspiring...

Shannon McGregor shares her heartfelt journey and the profound impact of having a sibling with special needs. Her story isn’t just about challenges; it’s a powerful testament to personal connection, resilience, and the importance of standing up for those you love. As she reflects on her experiences with her sister Molly, Shannon dives deep into the lessons learned and the strength gained from navi...

Qassim Bazzi, a Detroit Country Day super lifer, takes us on his journey through diverse experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way. With a focus on humanity, Qassim emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that foster personal growth and that positively impact others. In this episode, he shares how his various passions—from filmmaking to app development—have shaped his pers...

Mariah Zeni and Preston Blum, two seniors at Detroit Country Day School share their learning through the Global Problem Solving Institute (GPSI). In this episode, Andrew Callery, DCDS Assistant Director of College Counseling talks to Mariah and Preston about their experiences, highlighting how they navigated the complexities of our climate crisis and its implications on our society. This episode z...

In this episode, Syd Wendt shares her senior speech about unimaginable loss and the resilience that followed. She speaks about the raw emotions of losing her mother, providing a powerful reminder that grief is not just a weight to carry but a complex process that shapes our lives. As she recounts her struggles and triumphs, we get a glimpse of how she transformed her pain into a source of strength...

Thompson You, a senior at Detroit Country Day School shares his journey through the Global Problem Solving Institute (GPSI). In this episode, Andrew Callery, DCDS Assistant Director of College Counseling talks to Thompson about his experiences, highlighting how he navigated the complexities of artificial intelligence and its implications on our society. Thompson shares how he collaborated with pee...

Lara and Maya Hammoud, two inspiring sisters, are redefining inclusion through their non-profit, the Perception Foundation, which focuses on creating sensory-friendly spaces and advocating for accessibility. Their journey began over ten years ago when they formed a lasting friendship with a classmate on the autism spectrum, which opened their eyes to the unique challenges faced by individuals with...

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of authentic experimental biology research with DCDS StanX students as they share their experiences. Zara R., Rooney K., and Obafami T. share their experiences, revealing not only their personal growth but also the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. From partnering with scientists at Stanford University and other research institutions, co...

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of authentic experimental biology research with DCDS StanX students as they share their experiences. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Brian Lu, Claire Heller, and Henry Jiang, who share their journey navigating the inaugural StanX class—a unique blend of research, collaboration, and a bit of unpredictability. In this episode, these scientists r...

Get ready to be inspired as we dive into the remarkable journey of Addison Garn, who shares her incredible insights and experiences that go far beyond the typical high school story. Addison’s narrative isn’t just about overcoming adversity; it’s about finding strength and faith in the darkest moments of life. From battling a rare and aggressive cancer since she was just a toddler to discovering a...

Carrie Moore, a proud alumna of Detroit Country Day School's class of 2003, takes the mic to share her insights and encouragement with the graduating class of 2025 in this heartfelt commencement address. Her message is a powerful reminder of the resilience and grit that will guide these young graduates through their next chapter in life. Carrie reflects on her own journey from a wide-eyed freshman...

Get ready to be inspired as we dive into the journey of Ibrahim Zini, who takes us through his transformative experience at Detroit Country Day School's Conservatory Program in Visual and Performing Arts. Ibrahim shares how vocal music became his sanctuary amidst personal struggles. He reflects on the power of finding his voice, both literally and metaphorically, as he navigated the highs and lows...

In this episode, Addie Hartley shares her vibrant journey through the Conservatory Program in Visual Arts at Detroit Country Day. She dives into the lessons she's learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and the value of community in nurturing creativity. She recounts her artistic evolution, from doodling on everything in sight to aiming for a career in animation and stor...

Jacob Hopkins takes the spotlight in this episode, sharing his thoughts on the often-overlooked mindset of a Detroit Country Day student. With his unique blend of insights from sports psychology and personal experience, he dives into how a positive outlook can drastically shift our performance in school, sports, and life in general. He highlights the importance of recognizing that every stressor p...

Today, we're diving into a heartfelt journey with Naima Safedine, a senior at Detroit Country Day School, as she opens up about the profound lessons she's learned through her family's experiences. Naima shares a deeply personal story about her father’s battle with a brain tumor, revealing how this challenge has reshaped her understanding of love, family, and what truly matters in life. Her reflect...

Gianna Bono's heartfelt narration illustrates the profound resilience cultivated in the face of adversity, particularly stemming from her brother's battle with T cell lymphoma. Her reflections encapsulate not merely her personal growth but also the invaluable lessons derived from her familial bonds, emphasizing the significance of a positive mindset amidst life's tribulations. Through poignant ane...

Ella's personal story of resilience serves as the focal point of this episode, where she articulates the profound transformation that arises from overcoming adversity. Through her personal narrative, she explains the distinction between mere survival and the profound growth that can accompany hardship. Ella recounts her journey through medical treatment and how her experience not only catalyzed he...