Miranda Jones, Class of 2017
Ellis senior Miranda Jones has spent her entire academic career walking the breezeway and passing Arbuthnot as she made her way from the Lower School playground to the Middle School hallways, and finally to the senior lounge in the Upper School. An Ellis lifer, Miranda has grown up at Ellis (quite literally, her mother works in the IT department and was previously the Upper School Assistant) and transformed into an impressive potter, an admirer of the Spanish culture, and a fierce competitor on the soccer and lacrosse field. This fall, Miranda will attend Albright College where she’ll continue to lace up her cleats on the lacrosse field, but she’ll trade in her Ellis green and white for Albright’s red and black.
Why did you decide on Albright College? Why did you want to play lacrosse?
When I discovered Albright, I was drawn to it immediately and sent in a last minute application. Albright is smaller and has the same community dynamic as Ellis. I wrote soccer and lacrosse as my interests on the application, and they came back to me and proposed joining the team. I wanted to play lacrosse because I really like the regimen of training for a sport and being part of a team.
What are you most looking forward to about college?
The lacrosse team. I love everyone I have met so far. I went on an overnight visit at Albright with the team and it was so much fun. I’m excited to have that family dynamic and be part of something at college like I am now at Ellis.
What are you proudest of from your lacrosse career?
I’ve worked hard at becoming a better defender and that has showed. I need to stay at the top of my game as it gets more intense so I can compete at the level I want to in varsity sports and college.
What is your best memory of Ellis?
There’s thirteen years of memories, it’s hard to pick just one. Probably going to Outdoor Odyssey in grade 9 before school started. It was an outdoor ropes course that we did as a class and it really created a strong class bond.
Was there a teacher or teachers who had a particularly strong influence on your life?
Mr. Gaddess. He’s been my advisor for three years and he’s been my Spanish teacher for four years. He was my sister’s Spanish teacher and she regarded him so highly, that I decided choose him as my advisor. He challenges me, not only in Spanish, but with my personal life and opinions as well. Sometimes I can overgeneralize things, and Mr. Gaddess makes me think about what I’m saying.
For Ellis students reading this: is there any wisdom you’d want to pass on to them? What would you want them to know?
Do what you love. Try your hardest and do your best. Reach out to everyone who can help guide you. If you want to go into college sports, go for it.
What will you miss most about Ellis?
Mr. Gaddess and my clay teacher, Ms. Sturdevant. They’re my favorite teachers and really funny people who have helped guide me during my time at Ellis.
What woman inspires you and why?
My mother. She helps me realize that the problems I have aren’t the end of the world and won’t stop me from succeeding in the future. She has been, and always will be, there for me.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given, and by whom?
“Be yourself.” My mom tells me that when I’m having a hard time or think I’m not good enough at something. She taught me that being myself is enough, and if someone doesn’t like that then that’s their problem.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Funny. Sarcastic. Smart.
Piece of technology you can’t live without?
My iPhone.
Envision Her at Ellis
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