Clara Princeton, Student Leader and Music Lover
interviewed by Isabel Richter
What inspired you to run for Junior Class president
I ran for class president because I wanted to be able to represent my
classmates and the ideas that they have. I think it's really neat that I am able to take
whatever ideas juniors have and be able to work with them to make it work. I didn't
run to simply "rule over all" and to have all of the students call me 'Madame President'
or something in the hallways, I simply wanted to be in collaboration with the rest of
the juniors that don't have as big of a say in the kinds of things they'd like to see done.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far as president?
I am very proud of the college trip we planned earlier in the year. It took a lot of
willpower and stamina among the class board, but thankfully it worked...well! And we
were able to pull off a great trip. A lot of students had a great time learning about some
colleges that Tennessee offers them.
Are you planning on running for President again?
We'll see what the future holds...
Any advice to rising juniors?
Ah, rising juniors. Junior year will be something that you will have never ever
experienced before; mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare for it. Know your
study habits and learn how to improve them. And although your work load will
ultimately increase, make sure you balance your life. It's so easy to let your work
consume you...that's not healthy, don't let it happen. But, at the same time, keep your
focus. Additionally, you all should challenge yourselves. If you're signed up for cp
classes, consider taking some honors and AP. It can only help you in the long run; it
will be a difficult and challenging run, but it will all pay off.
What all instruments do you play? When did you start playing them?
I play the violin, it is my primary instrument. Sometimes I mess around with the
mandolin. I also played the flute in middle school but the odds of me remembering
how to play are very slim! My parents started me on the violin when I was five. There
was a music school that I kind of went to when we were still living in Haiti. And I've
been playing ever since! For a long time I actually hated playing the violin. But, the
more I grew and matured, the more I could appreciate how amazing an instrument it
is. Also, my violin's name is Rose, if you were wondering.
How do you manage to be Junior Class president, stay on top of your three AP classes, and still find time for you passion in music?
These assets are really important to me. It's just about time management. If you
love something, you can always make time for it. And even though I can't say I love my
AP classes, I am already loving the college prep that I'm receiving.
What were your favorite things about the Governors school for the arts?
That is an extremely tough question; there wasn't a minute of Governor's School
that I didn't enjoy. But I have to say the coolest thing was being constantly surrounded
by artists. A lot of times, we find adults telling youths, "oh yeah, do this for fun, or do
this on the side, but don't take it too seriously." At gov school it was the complete
opposite. I was amazed at the amount of talent that was constantly displayed and the
amount of support that the teachers provided for students. Art wasn't just a hobby, it
was everyone's lives.
What was the most important thing you learned at Governor's School?
Practice makes perfect. With anything that you do in life, if you really want to
succeed...it will take practice. This went for my instrument, obviously, but also with my
friendships and how I generally approach situations in life. You'll never get the best
result you can if you don't practice, learn, and grow.
Why is music important to you?
I don't usually like to say this because it's so cliche, but music is quite literally
my life. Music is everywhere, it's everything. And to be able to express myself through
stories, emotions, and experiences that composers have taken and put to music, is
something that I take for granted. In addition to self expression, music helps in every
way. For example, my oldest sister is pursuing a career in music therapy. And that
entails getting to help those with family or personal problems, mental illnesses,
autism, etc. with the help of music. If you can remember back to the shooting in
Tucson, Arizona a few years ago when Gabby Giffords was shot; Giffords developed her
brain and her health with the help of music! I've seen music have a positive impact on
people and communities. If that isn't important, I'm not sure what is.
What is your favorite music genre?
That is a really difficult question. My taste in music ranges from classical to
rock, and folky indie stuff to jazz. I also enjoy a lot of ethnic stuff, including Haitian/
Caribbean, French, Hispanic, and Brazilian music! My favorite decade for music is the
80s! The music I listen to really just depends on my mood. But it's really neat how
different musicians are able to take styles of other genres and incorporate them into
their own music. In addition to that, they take their experiences and turn them into
something that the general public has access to. There's something really intimate
about that, I love it.
Who is your favorite music artist and how did you discover them?
Oh good grief there's so many. But, I will say that one of my favorite bands is
the Morning Benders. I remember I was just listening to this random playlist once, and
one of their songs came on.. I almost cried I loved it so much haha. They're not really
as active, but in my opinion, their music is fantastic. Check them out.
Are you planning on continuing music in College?
Music is something that I'll take with me everywhere. I'm just a little undecided
as to what exactly I want to do career-wise.. I'm still exploring my options, so God only
knows.
What are you thoughts on the fact that funding for music programs are being cut?
It's sad. To cut programs that could help students through school and through
their lives is something that I'll never really understand. I think officials need to realize
that school is so much more than simply academics. It's character development, it's
learning about yourself and the things you love. And when the opportunity of allowing
students to find what they may love is taken away... It's sad.
What has been your favorite experience at STEM?
This is more of an aspect I love about STEM most: STEM is so diverse. I have
friends that are from different places, with different religions, different perspectives...
Perspective is so important! Perspective changes everything, literally. And to be able to
be friends with them, to be able to discuss current events with them and their
perspective along with mine.... It's something I would never have gotten from my
zoned high school. And of course I love everything else, I love the building, I love our
teachers, and I love our technology.
Who would you consider your role model?
This is so cliche, again, but I don't care. My role models are my parents. I could
make a biopic about their life. They've been through, seen, and have done so much, it's
incredible. I'm quite honored to be their child... sometimes, haha. But their life stories
only encourage me with my own life. And I can always count on them.
Also, I love the band Queen, a lot. And the lead guitarist Brian May was, well,
not only the lead guitarist for one of the greatest bands in the world, but he had a
degree in astrophysics. Astrophysics. That's just awesome.
I ran for class president because I wanted to be able to represent my
classmates and the ideas that they have. I think it's really neat that I am able to take
whatever ideas juniors have and be able to work with them to make it work. I didn't
run to simply "rule over all" and to have all of the students call me 'Madame President'
or something in the hallways, I simply wanted to be in collaboration with the rest of
the juniors that don't have as big of a say in the kinds of things they'd like to see done.
What has been your biggest accomplishment so far as president?
I am very proud of the college trip we planned earlier in the year. It took a lot of
willpower and stamina among the class board, but thankfully it worked...well! And we
were able to pull off a great trip. A lot of students had a great time learning about some
colleges that Tennessee offers them.
Are you planning on running for President again?
We'll see what the future holds...
Any advice to rising juniors?
Ah, rising juniors. Junior year will be something that you will have never ever
experienced before; mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare for it. Know your
study habits and learn how to improve them. And although your work load will
ultimately increase, make sure you balance your life. It's so easy to let your work
consume you...that's not healthy, don't let it happen. But, at the same time, keep your
focus. Additionally, you all should challenge yourselves. If you're signed up for cp
classes, consider taking some honors and AP. It can only help you in the long run; it
will be a difficult and challenging run, but it will all pay off.
What all instruments do you play? When did you start playing them?
I play the violin, it is my primary instrument. Sometimes I mess around with the
mandolin. I also played the flute in middle school but the odds of me remembering
how to play are very slim! My parents started me on the violin when I was five. There
was a music school that I kind of went to when we were still living in Haiti. And I've
been playing ever since! For a long time I actually hated playing the violin. But, the
more I grew and matured, the more I could appreciate how amazing an instrument it
is. Also, my violin's name is Rose, if you were wondering.
How do you manage to be Junior Class president, stay on top of your three AP classes, and still find time for you passion in music?
These assets are really important to me. It's just about time management. If you
love something, you can always make time for it. And even though I can't say I love my
AP classes, I am already loving the college prep that I'm receiving.
What were your favorite things about the Governors school for the arts?
That is an extremely tough question; there wasn't a minute of Governor's School
that I didn't enjoy. But I have to say the coolest thing was being constantly surrounded
by artists. A lot of times, we find adults telling youths, "oh yeah, do this for fun, or do
this on the side, but don't take it too seriously." At gov school it was the complete
opposite. I was amazed at the amount of talent that was constantly displayed and the
amount of support that the teachers provided for students. Art wasn't just a hobby, it
was everyone's lives.
What was the most important thing you learned at Governor's School?
Practice makes perfect. With anything that you do in life, if you really want to
succeed...it will take practice. This went for my instrument, obviously, but also with my
friendships and how I generally approach situations in life. You'll never get the best
result you can if you don't practice, learn, and grow.
Why is music important to you?
I don't usually like to say this because it's so cliche, but music is quite literally
my life. Music is everywhere, it's everything. And to be able to express myself through
stories, emotions, and experiences that composers have taken and put to music, is
something that I take for granted. In addition to self expression, music helps in every
way. For example, my oldest sister is pursuing a career in music therapy. And that
entails getting to help those with family or personal problems, mental illnesses,
autism, etc. with the help of music. If you can remember back to the shooting in
Tucson, Arizona a few years ago when Gabby Giffords was shot; Giffords developed her
brain and her health with the help of music! I've seen music have a positive impact on
people and communities. If that isn't important, I'm not sure what is.
What is your favorite music genre?
That is a really difficult question. My taste in music ranges from classical to
rock, and folky indie stuff to jazz. I also enjoy a lot of ethnic stuff, including Haitian/
Caribbean, French, Hispanic, and Brazilian music! My favorite decade for music is the
80s! The music I listen to really just depends on my mood. But it's really neat how
different musicians are able to take styles of other genres and incorporate them into
their own music. In addition to that, they take their experiences and turn them into
something that the general public has access to. There's something really intimate
about that, I love it.
Who is your favorite music artist and how did you discover them?
Oh good grief there's so many. But, I will say that one of my favorite bands is
the Morning Benders. I remember I was just listening to this random playlist once, and
one of their songs came on.. I almost cried I loved it so much haha. They're not really
as active, but in my opinion, their music is fantastic. Check them out.
Are you planning on continuing music in College?
Music is something that I'll take with me everywhere. I'm just a little undecided
as to what exactly I want to do career-wise.. I'm still exploring my options, so God only
knows.
What are you thoughts on the fact that funding for music programs are being cut?
It's sad. To cut programs that could help students through school and through
their lives is something that I'll never really understand. I think officials need to realize
that school is so much more than simply academics. It's character development, it's
learning about yourself and the things you love. And when the opportunity of allowing
students to find what they may love is taken away... It's sad.
What has been your favorite experience at STEM?
This is more of an aspect I love about STEM most: STEM is so diverse. I have
friends that are from different places, with different religions, different perspectives...
Perspective is so important! Perspective changes everything, literally. And to be able to
be friends with them, to be able to discuss current events with them and their
perspective along with mine.... It's something I would never have gotten from my
zoned high school. And of course I love everything else, I love the building, I love our
teachers, and I love our technology.
Who would you consider your role model?
This is so cliche, again, but I don't care. My role models are my parents. I could
make a biopic about their life. They've been through, seen, and have done so much, it's
incredible. I'm quite honored to be their child... sometimes, haha. But their life stories
only encourage me with my own life. And I can always count on them.
Also, I love the band Queen, a lot. And the lead guitarist Brian May was, well,
not only the lead guitarist for one of the greatest bands in the world, but he had a
degree in astrophysics. Astrophysics. That's just awesome.