How ACS Cobham prepared Rachel for Engineering at the University of Virginia

Originally from Virginia in the US, Rachel has spent three years at ACS Cobham, combining her AP (Advanced Placement) studies with STEM initiatives, leadership roles, robotics and sport.

As she prepares to study Engineering at the University of Virginia, she reflects on how ACS has given her the academic foundation, international experience and opportunities to take her interests beyond the classroom.

Building the skills for what comes next

Rachel’s academic studies are just one part of how she has prepared for university at ACS. Alongside AP, she has found opportunities to explore her interest in STEM through practical experiences across the school.

She became involved in robotics, helping to get the programme up and running, and worked to establish STEM house positions – creating more ways for students to engage with the subject beyond their lessons.

That combination of academic study and wider involvement has allowed Rachel to explore where her interests could take her as she prepares to study Engineering at university.

Creating more opportunities for girls in STEM

One of Rachel’s proudest achievements has been helping to develop opportunities for girls interested in STEM.

She noticed that some existing activities were attracting more boys and saw an opportunity to broaden what was available.

“A lot of the STEM stuff was catering to the boys, so I thought we should have something for the girls,” she says.

Rachel helped establish a Women in STEM panel, bringing women from different professional backgrounds, including ACS alumni and CEOs, into school to speak about their careers and the routes they took to get there.

The event is open to everyone, but Rachel wanted to make sure girls could see the range of possibilities available to them within STEM.

Two panels have taken place so far, with the aim of developing the initiative into an annual event.
It has also given Rachel first-hand experience of identifying a need and working with others to create a practical response – skills that will remain relevant well beyond school.

Taking the initiative, with support behind her

Rachel’s experience of developing the Women in STEM panel reflects something she values about ACS: students are encouraged to pursue their own ideas.

“I think the teachers and staff really try to help students beyond academics,” she says.

That might mean starting a club, getting involved in an activity or developing an existing programme.

“If you have that initiative to do something, they’re very much there to support you.”

Rachel has made use of that support in different areas of school life. As secretary of the National Honor Society, she helped organise activities and guest speakers. She also became involved in developing the school’s robotics programme.

Each experience has required her to work with others, take responsibility and turn ideas into action.

Finding her place in an international community

Rachel’s three years at ACS have also been shaped by the people she has met along the way. One of her most memorable moments came on her first day in Grade 10, when she met the person who would become her best friend through their advisory group.

“We’ve just gotten along ever since,” she says. “I think I’ll definitely remember that because I feel like we’re going to be friends for a really long time.”

They also started softball together, an activity that became another important part of Rachel’s ACS experience. Rachel has since helped support the development of the softball programme, including securing new uniforms for the team this year.

“I think the programme’s really picking up now, so I’m very proud of that.”

From arriving at ACS from the US to becoming actively involved across STEM, leadership and sport, Rachel has used her three years to explore her interests and contribute to the school community.

As she moves on to Engineering at the University of Virginia, she takes with her the academic preparation of AP alongside the experience of working with different people, leading initiatives and having the confidence to act on her ideas.