Zach Highley-Gergel
MD Candidate | Class of 2023, Youtuber
Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Thomas Jefferson University
Montessori instilled values for learning and life, such as curiosity, resilience, and an excitement to learn, from the beginning. One particularly fond memory for me was learning how to cook from such an early age! I remember building gingerbread houses and cooking latkes, cookies, and naan bread; who would think a four-year-old would be privileged to cook like that? And that was just the beginning, there was show-and-tell, a playground that had everything, and even a vegetable garden I cultivated! The projects make Montessori, Montessori. Beyond the activities, the friends I have made are lifelong, and I strongly attribute my current friendships and collaborations to the values instilled in me at Montessori. I made my best friend at MCHVF, Nino Poidomani, and we are still best friends today.
But, the real strength of Montessori comes from the teachers. I always wanted to go to school to see my favorite teachers. Ms. Davida in particular, stands out as a mentor who taught me so much and felt like a friend as I went through school. I remember I was devastated to leave the school when I was five years old. I even wrote a letter to Ms. Davida to let me stay at Montessori school longer because I wanted to spend more time with her. Montessori wasn’t school, it wasn’t work, it was play. I missed it on the weekends and could not wait to come back to school on Monday. Montessori has stood the test of time, and for good reason, I am overjoyed that my niece and nephew are now attending the school so the MCHVF legacy can continue.
