We spotlight each of our Eighth graders and ask them to reflect on their Middle School experiences and share some of the highlights and what they are most proud of.
Meet Suniyah Uter
What is one of your favorite highlights from the middle school program?
One of my favorite highlights from the Middle School program was getting the opportunity to attend Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) in New York City. It was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow in so many ways. Preparing for MMUN allowed me to sharpen my public speaking skills and step outside my comfort zone. At first, I was very nervous about MMUN. The idea of speaking in front of a crowd was unfamiliar and uncomfortable for me, sharpening my public speaking skills before the event helped me be more comfortable. I learned how to confidently speak in front of large groups, present complex ideas clearly, and engage in respectful debates and collaboration. MMUN wasn’t just a conference, it was also about the experience of exploring with my classmates, navigating NYC together helped us bond more deeply as friends, and I felt a strong sense of independence and confidence as we figured things out in a big place. I also met people from all around the world, which opened my mind to different perspectives and cultures. MMUN was more than just a trip. It was an experience that truly brought the Montessori IB values to life.
What skill(s) did you develop thanks to your Montessori/IB education that are you most proud of?
The skill I am most proud of developing through my Montessori and IB education is my time management skills. Being in an environment that follows independence, personal responsibility, and project-based learning taught me how to stay organized and prioritize my work. One example that really stands out to me is when I was working on my long-term community project, Art for the Ocean. A project that combined a beach cleanup with a creative art installation to raise awareness about ocean pollution and promote recycling within our community. Coordinating all the steps took a lot of planning and discipline. I had to manage different phases of the project, from organizing the beach cleanup to collecting the materials, creating the artwork, and preparing my presentation while keeping up with schoolwork and other responsibilities. I made a list of scheduled tasks week by week to manage myself and stay on track. Thanks to my time management skills, I’ve developed at PMonts, I was able to take the big idea and turn it into something real that I’m proud of. It showed me that when I manage my time well, I can make a difference.
What will you miss the most after you graduate from PMonts?
Lastly, what I will miss most when I graduate from Princeton Montessori School is the teachers and the bonds I have developed with them over the years. Although I’ve only been at the school for two years at Princeton Montessori School, the teachers are not just educators, but also mentors, cheerleaders, and trusted guides. At PMonts, the teachers really take their time to get to know you as a person, not just as a student, and they genuinely care about your growth. I felt supported, encouraged, and challenged in the best way, whether it’s staying after class to answer questions, giving feedback to help me improve, or just talking with the teachers. At PMonts, the teachers value making you feel like you are in a safe space where you feel seen and valid, which is for sure what I’ve felt the past two years. Lastly, PMonts has shaped me into the person I am, and I will carry everything I’ve learned here with me as I move forward to high school.
