Today we’re celebrating an Explore alum who continues to shine beyond our halls. Amanda Z. is now a Division III volleyball player, earned Libero of the Year, and is an engineering major preparing to graduate this spring.
Amanda shared how the fast pace of the college game pushed her to grow and how strong time-management skills helped her balance athletics with a demanding engineering program. She also reflected on how Explore—and teachers like Ms. Bermas and Ms. Benito—shaped her mindset and work ethic.
One of her standout memories was a field trip to Fort Lee, where students role-played daily life in colonial times. She still laughs about being assigned the role of cook even though she didn’t know how to cook at the time. The hands-on immersive experience made it unforgettable.
Amanda’s message to our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders: enjoy your time here, stay focused, build good habits, manage your time well, and don’t be afraid of high school—it’s truly more manageable than you think.
Once E2K, now Wolfpack — always Explore.
Special thanks to Erol M. and Michael S. for interviewing Amanda Z. and having such a meaningful conversation.
