Shannon McGregor shares her heartfelt journey and the profound impact of having a sibling with special needs. Her story isn’t just about challenges; it’s a powerful testament to personal connection, resilience, and the importance of standing up for those you love. As she reflects on her experiences with her sister Molly, Shannon dives deep into the lessons learned and the strength gained from navigating a world that can sometimes be less than kind. We’ll hear about the moments that shaped her and how they inspired her to advocate for others, proving that compassion and empathy can truly change lives.

Qassim Bazzi, a Detroit Country Day super lifer, takes us on his journey through diverse experiences and the lessons he's learned along the way. With a focus on humanity, Qassim emphasizes the importance of engaging in activities that foster personal growth and that positively impact others. In this episode, he shares how his various passions—from filmmaking to app development—have shaped his perspective and has driven him to create, whether that's through a documentary about the Detroit riots or an app designed to support Alzheimer's patients. His insights go beyond accolades or recognition, they’re about the genuine connections we make and the lives we touch. So, get ready to find inspiration from Qassim's inspiring story that highlights the power of creativity, initiative, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Mariah Zeni and Preston Blum, two seniors at Detroit Country Day School share their learning through the Global Problem Solving Institute (GPSI). In this episode, Andrew Callery, DCDS Assistant Director of College Counseling talks to Mariah and Preston about their experiences, highlighting how they navigated the complexities of our climate crisis and its implications on our society. This episode zeroes in on the pressing challenge of food waste, an alarming problem where up to 33% of the world's food is wasted while millions go hungry. Mariah and Preston share not just their insights and the impactful projects they worked on, but also the broader lessons about global perspectives and the importance of collaboration across cultures. With clever anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, they discuss how this program has shaped their academic futures and sparked a deeper understanding of the intersection between food systems and sustainability. Join us as we explore how these young voices are making a difference in their communities and beyond!

In this episode, Syd Wendt shares her senior speech about unimaginable loss and the resilience that followed. She speaks about the raw emotions of losing her mother, providing a powerful reminder that grief is not just a weight to carry but a complex process that shapes our lives. As she recounts her struggles and triumphs, we get a glimpse of how she transformed her pain into a source of strength, learning that it’s okay to not be okay. Syd’s story emphasizes the importance of embracing our emotions and finding purpose in our struggles, proving that even in the darkest times, there’s always a spark of light to be found. Listen in and celebrate the human spirit and the power of community in healing.

Thompson You, a senior at Detroit Country Day School shares his journey through the Global Problem Solving Institute (GPSI). In this episode, Andrew Callery, DCDS Assistant Director of College Counseling talks to Thompson about his experiences, highlighting how he navigated the complexities of artificial intelligence and its implications on our society. Thompson shares how he collaborated with peers from across the globe, each bringing their unique perspectives. He reflects on the surprising differences in AI usage around the world, from entertainment to practical applications, and how these insights shaped his understanding of critical global issues. Listen in as they unpack the lessons learned and the thought-provoking discussions that emerged from this innovative program, proving that the voices of students truly make a difference!

Lara and Maya Hammoud, two inspiring sisters, are redefining inclusion through their non-profit, the Perception Foundation, which focuses on creating sensory-friendly spaces and advocating for accessibility. Their journey began over ten years ago when they formed a lasting friendship with a classmate on the autism spectrum, which opened their eyes to the unique challenges faced by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Throughout this episode, they share their growth, the impact of their foundation, and how they are dismantling stereotypes while fostering a sense of community. With a mission to build “our new normal, one sensory space at a time,” Lara and Maya not just changing environments; they’re changing lives. So grab your headphones and explore how these two Detroit Country Day seniors are making the world a more inclusive place.

Links referenced in this episode:

• perceptionfoundation.org
• duckrabbitbook.com

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of authentic experimental biology research with DCDS StanX students as they share their experiences. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Brian Lu, Claire Heller, and Henry Jiang, who share their journey navigating the inaugural StanX class—a unique blend of research, collaboration, and a bit of unpredictability. In this episode, these scientists reflect on their personal growth as well as contributing to a broader scientific community. From hands-on learning to the challenges of genetics research, these students reveal how working with fruit flies has opened their eyes to the real-world implications of science. So, grab your lab coats and get ready for some insightful stories!

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of authentic experimental biology research with DCDS StanX students as they share their experiences. Zara R., Rooney K., and Obafami T. share their experiences, revealing not only their personal growth but also the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. From partnering with scientists at Stanford University and other research institutions, connecting with other student scientists, and contributing to ongoing research projects laid the groundwork for navigating challenges in the lab and celebrating those "aha" moments. These Detroit Country Day students highlight the importance of resilience and collaboration in science. Whether you are a emerging scientist or just curious about the StanX class , their insights are sure to spark some inspiration. So, let’s jump in and celebrate the voices that make our Detroit Country Day community shine!

Get ready to be inspired as we dive into the remarkable journey of Addison Garn, who shares her incredible insights and experiences that go far beyond the typical high school story. Addison’s narrative isn’t just about overcoming adversity; it’s about finding strength and faith in the darkest moments of life. From battling a rare and aggressive cancer since she was just a toddler to discovering a profound sense of peace through prayer and community, her journey is a testament to resilience and hope. As we listen to her story, we’re reminded that even in the toughest battles, we’re never truly alone—there’s always love and support surrounding us.

Carrie Moore, a proud alumna of Detroit Country Day School's class of 2003, takes the mic to share her insights and encouragement with the graduating class of 2025 in this heartfelt commencement address. Her message is a powerful reminder of the resilience and grit that will guide these young graduates through their next chapter in life. Carrie reflects on her own journey from a wide-eyed freshman to a confident leader, emphasizing that success isn’t always about accolades but rather the lessons learned along the way. With a mix of humor and sincerity, she challenges the graduates to embrace the tough times and leverage their experiences as stepping stones towards greatness. So, whether you’re a seasoned alum or a curious listener, Carrie’s words are sure to inspire you with ambition and heart.