Amelia Gandhi '22 on Taking Flight

When Amelia Gandhi ’22 isn’t hitting the volleyball court, zipping to class, or honing her knowledge of physics, she might just be flying over campus. A Skyhawk since pre-kindergarten, Amelia’s is a military family, and despite that fact, she has attended Hammond for all 14 years. Throughout her time, she has availed herself of opportunities in the classroom and on the court.

 

Amelia’s interests are many and varied and she has distinguished herself in the classroom, particularly the sciences. Last year she served as a marshal at graduation, an honor reserved for juniors at the top of the class. She is leader of the Go Green Club, participates in the signature program, Public Policy and Social Change, and is passionate about physics, something she attributes to her teacher, Lilly Flewellen. “Ms. Flewellen has been the most influential teacher at Hammond for me. She was instrumental in helping me discover how much I enjoy physics and instilling the confidence to pursue the subject in the future. We enjoy sharing fun book recommendations about physics.”

 

When Amelia is not in the classroom, or on the volleyball court where she serves as one of the team captains, weekends find her taking flight in a Cessna 172. “When I received my driver’s license, my father told me a pilot’s license was next. Because he works at McEntire Air Force Base, it’s always been a second home to me. I grew up around planes, so flying was something I knew I was going to do. I don’t think I’ll make flying a career, but I do want to continue flying in college and eventually join the civil air patrol.”

 

In reflecting on her years at Hammond, she is quick to credit faculty members who have been influential. “The teachers have taught me so many important skills to become an independent learner. They are passionate about what they teach and have pushed me as a student.” When asked what advice she has for younger students, she points out that finding what interests you is one of the most important components of success. “Follow your own passions because they will take you much further than doing what others want you to do.”

 

As Amelia looks toward the next leg of her education journey, she has aspirations of attending the University of Colorado, Boulder as an astrophysics major. Listening to her heart, she is successfully combining her talents and her interests as she looks toward the future. We can’t wait to watch her take flight.