This school year, two students have chosen to take up extra class loads on top of college applications for a less traditional high school experience. Students Sofia DeAngelis and Laila Dodard Vilceus I have traded in their junior title for the title of a senior, joining the class of 2025. The Print interviewed them on their decision to do so as well as their high school experience.
Laila Dodard Vilceus:
From being a part of sports teams like swimming and tennis during her freshman year to participating in FBLA, the Crochet Club, and the Art Club, Laila has contributed to Fallston’s community in a variety of ways. However, Laila is ready to leave behind Fallston and become a part of something greater.
Her life took a turn in 7th grade during the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to remote learning and the resulting isolation had a heavy impact on her social life and attitude towards school. “Before COVID, I was very extroverted, but then I [became] more introverted after that,” she explains. “It was hard for me to make friends, and it became very boring.”
After 8th grade, Laila was determined not to spend four more years feeling the same way, so she decided to graduate early. “I want[ed] to graduate early; I [didn’t] want to be in school for four more years,” she stated. Despite the increased workload that came with her decision, she found a way to manage through waiver, making the transition to college classes somewhat easier.
Living in Maryland with just her parents, she often misses her extended family back in Canada, particularly in Montreal, where she was born. Her desire to reconnect with her roots and family drives her future plans. “I [want to] go back to Canada with my family,” she says, looking into attending McGill University, which is conveniently located near her family.
Sofia DeAngelis:
“My high school experience was very fast-paced and full of all sorts of experiences and challenges, and that’s exactly what I wanted,” Sofia shares. From the beginning, Sofia experienced the many challenges of an early graduate. Despite the intensity, Sofia wouldn’t change a thing, stating that she “[gets] bored without having something to work towards.”
Throughout her high school years, Sofia immersed herself in various clubs and activities. She joined Fallston’s Envirothon club, competing at the state level during her freshman year, and later participated in Voices of Equity. One of her favorite activities was videography and photography for the girls’ basketball team. “It’s by no means any of my best work, and I definitely look back at it and cringe at some of the stylistic choices I made, but I’m grateful for the learning curve that came along with it,” she reflects.
“I’m pursuing a career in film and television, and the earlier I can dive into that world, the better off I’ll be,” she says. Being in Maryland is not the best place for that, so she has always been eager to move to a larger city with more opportunities.
Reflecting on her academics, Sofia acknowledges that “the only thing [she] would’ve liked to change as far as [her] academic experience the past three years goes is [her] work ethic from [her] freshman year.” Despite initial doubts about her goal to graduate early, she ultimately succeeded through meticulous planning and commitment.
“The workload is honestly very consistently bordering on overwhelming, but if you know yourself well enough and know your habits enough, it’s absolutely doable and enjoyable,” Sofia advises.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Sofia has explored various aspects of filmmaking, from acting to directing and editing. She also has a strong interest in forensic psychology, inspired by watching “Forensic Files” with her mom. Should her film career not pan out, she plans to pursue forensic psychology.
Sofia looks forward to leaving Maryland. She plans to double major in psychology and film, likely adding an extra year to her college education. Her dream school is NYU, where she applied under Early Decision. As of December 15th, Sofia received her acceptance letter to NYU and will be fulfilling her childhood dream!
“The only other thing I would add is that if you’re considering trying to graduate early, you should do it!” she encourages. We wish both girls the best of luck!
