Traveling, finding a job one is passionate about and broadening one’s horizons describes Arlington native Andrew White’s experiences. He’s completed his freshman year at Brown University and is working with the tutoring firm Ivy Insiders.
How did you get involved with the Ivy Insiders?
I found out about the program through my school’s career counseling department. My first year at Brown, I’ve done some tutoring so I knew it was something I was interested in and had some experience with it. It’s been a really good experience so far.
What do you think makes Ivy Insiders special compared to other SAT prep organizations?
It’s the only program that hires people like me, college undergraduates who are more experienced than an instructor who might be further removed from the test. We’ve been through the SAT and college applications process. That’s one of our biggest strengths. We’re able to give our students more personalized attention and relate to them in a more personal way.
What do you like most about the Arlington area? What drew you to it?
My mother and her family grew up here and so I’ve been visiting the area for summers and Christmases. I really love the Arlington area and I’m happy to come back and give back to the community at least in a small way.
Do you have a favorite neighborhood spot?
I enjoy Vapiano, a restaurant in Ballston that is in Switzerland as well.
Do you have any funny or memorable stories from living in Switzerland or France?
One very funny thing about Switzerland is it’s a country with a lot of rules. One of those rules is that you aren’t allowed to take out recycling on Sunday. We didn’t know this when we first came and we didn’t speak any German and we lived in the German part of Switzerland. So there were several funny instances where my dad and I would try to take out the recycling on a Sunday and the same woman would yell at us. But once we figured out what was going on, we were very careful not to do that anymore.
In what ways was or is education in Europe or Switzerland different from your experience in American classrooms?
I was in Switzerland for four years so throughout high school before we came to Arlington. Our family moved to Europe when I was in 5th grade. We were in Paris, France before we went to Switzerland. It’s made me infinitely more accepting of the world as a whole rather than taking an American or Western viewpoint. It’s been an incredible experience and I’m just grateful to have the opportunity.
Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy running and playing soccer. Also when I’m at Brown I’m very involved in their model UN program.
Any favorite movies, books or musical artists?
I’m a big reader in general. I’ve been reading a lot of Cormac McCarthy. I think that helps a lot in terms of the reading and vocabulary for the SAT’s.
Could you give me a little of your educational / work background?
I just finished my freshman year at Brown University.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I’m not sure yet. I’m doing a double major in international relations and economics. I’m very interested in the way politics/ economics are becoming more and more related in an increasing global world. I would love to be a government worker or just anything else that would allow me to learn more about the world of politics.
Where or from whom do you draw your inspiration?
I would say my uncle is a big inspiration. He was paralyzed while playing rugby in college. Just seeing how the world that he faces everyday, the challenges that would never cross the mind of the average person. And seeing how he’s able to overcome those challenges and put a smile on his face has definitely been a big inspiration.
What’s your favorite food?
After having missed it for a number of years, the variety of candies and junk food that can only be found in the U.S.