We are spotlighting each of our Eighth graders and asking them to reflect on their Middle School experiences and share some of the highlights and what they are most proud of.
Meet Stella Wimmers
What is one of your favorite highlights from your time in Middle School
My favorite experience from my time at PMonts was the middle school 10-day trip to Spain. Seventh- and eighth-graders had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel independently with their class to La Herradura in southern Spain. While staying with a host family, I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture, taking cooking classes, going on hikes, and even playing bubble soccer.
Traveling to Spain independently helped me grow as a risk-taker, as I learned the importance of staying open-minded when facing new challenges. From speaking with locals in Spanish to playing volleyball on the beach, the trip was truly an unforgettable experience.
What skill(s) did you develop thanks to your Montessori/IB education that you are most proud of?
One skill I have developed through my IB education is critical thinking. I am proud that I am not afraid to ask questions in order to deepen my understanding. Being a critical thinker allows me to analyze and interpret information thoughtfully. It also helps me collaborate with others, not just by listening, but by truly understanding different perspectives.
By staying open-minded through challenges, I have also become more of a risk-taker. I am not afraid to make mistakes, because I recognize that this is how I learn best.
What advice would you give to someone about to enter Middle School at PMonts?
A piece of advice I would give to someone entering middle school at PMonts is to be yourself. In a small school environment, you are not overshadowed by classmates, which allows you to feel confident in who you are becoming. At PMonts, you have the freedom to learn in ways that work best for you and to receive individualized support from your teachers.
Another piece of advice is not to be afraid to ask questions. Through the IB curriculum, students are encouraged to be inquirers, which is essential for learning in the real world. This approach also helps you grow as a communicator, allowing you to build meaningful and lasting connections.
