Ana Sorrentino Senior Spotlight
Iris Matkowski '28 and Margaret Olsen '28
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What have you learned from your time at Masterman that has impacted you?
The thing I have learned the most from my time here is how to communicate effectively with people. Given my initial shyness, I learned to branch out to others through clubs, friends, and student-teacher relationships. My time has shown me how great a community Masterman truly is and how important it is to know how to put yourself out there.
What is your favorite Masterman tradition?
My favorite Masterman tradition is Blammo, which is a very fun game played during Spirit Week.
What has helped your incredible success in debate?
My success was helped by Ray, Sam, Owen, Tova, and truly everyone on that team because we all push each other to be better and constantly improve from that. Debating a lot throughout my four years here and understanding the intricacies of the topic focused on have always been helpful in my success.
What drove you to pursue Model UN?
Over quarantine, I was really into a TV show called “Community,” and they did a Model UN episode, which I found very interesting, and was what led me to pursue it.
What have you found helps when preparing for competition based clubs?
I really love competition based clubs because I think the payoff is so good when you are rewarded for something you've worked hard on. Looking back I think I took everything a little too seriously, but this year I now know it’s not that serious and that it's the experiences with people that matter the most.
What has leadership on the tennis team taught you?
Tennis was the first club/extracurricular I joined at Masterman right after the pandemic. This sport really taught me to branch out, just walking onto the team and doing little icebreakers made me feel much more welcomed. Now having leadership positions I want to continue that same environment that I felt on my first day.
What is your favorite memory from Masterman?
When the vending machine still worked, one day in 5th grade I got two ice cream sandwiches.
What has helped you balance all of your leadership positions in multiple clubs and sports? Was it hard to manage classes and extracurriculars?
Yes, I think it definitely is hard to manage, but it is manageable. Trying to get one step ahead and doing as much in advance as I can has helped so I’m never totally swamped with work. It’s important to remember that you have more time than you think you have. It also helps to love all of your extracurriculars because it's easier to manage and make time for them.
Where/who do you get the most fashion inspiration from?
My mom has the most impact on me fashion wise, but I do get some inspiration from Pinterest. My style has really changed over the last four years but I think it has progressed to a point where I'm very happy now.
What made you realize that you wanted to apply for Columbia? What are you looking forward to about college or specifically Columbia?
During spring break two years ago, I toured Columbia’s campus and I thought it was the most amazing and perfect fit that I think I’ve ever felt. The campus, the place, and New York really made me realize I wanted to spend the rest of my four years there. While I am sad to leave, I am looking forward to finding things that excite me and having more opportunity.
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