Beaconnected is a weekly column that focuses on getting to know the distinct personalities, styles, and lives of Beacon students. You can nominate students to be featured in the column and/or suggest questions for interview subjects here: https://goo.gl/forms/AySjSNxTXtdC01cn1.

Written by Kate Jeffrey

11/2: AAYUSHA DUWADI

NAME: Aayusha Duwadi

GRADE: Junior

What is your favorite TV show and why?

Black Mirror! I just think the entire concept is very aware in the sense that it makes you think about how we use technology. The really realistic view of  a possible future is immensely entertaining. The entire tragic irony behind white Christmas blew my mind.

What is your favorite word and why?

My favorite word is Kelp because it just sounds funny, you know? It sounds weirdly nice.

Today is culture day! In honor of that, where does your family come from? Would you say it’s important or not important to know about your family history?

My mom and I moved here from Nepal in 2009, and because half my life was spent there, it definitely does play a big role in the identification of who I am and how I perceive New York itself. I would say yeah, it is important to know your family history, because being able to identify with something shapes your view of yourself.

If you could only listen to one genre of music for the rest of your life, which would it be and why? What’s one song you like in that genre?

I would listen to a mix of hip hop and rock, because I grew up listening to that music. One song In particular would be Sooner or Later by N.E.R.D. I remember seeing the music video for the first time and admiring Pharrell Williams as a creator.

If you could steal the wardrobe of one celebrity, who would you choose and why?

This one model named Simran Randhawa. Her fusion of South Asian cultural and American street wear is really sick.

5/25: LUKE JOYCE

Full name: Luke Joyce

Grade: Sophomore

If you could live inside any movie which would it be and why?
X-Men because everyone has powers and I would enjoy living in a world where everyone has the power to do cool things–and possibly kill each other.

Describe one of the best days of your life.
Having a birthday in New Zealand and getting to experience that. We went to a Maui feast and had a celebration at a hot water pool. It was a really fun day.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen in public in NYC?
I saw someone defecate and puke on themself at the same time on the train.

Would you say that you’re an introvert or an extrovert?  
I would say I’m an extrovert and I think that’s helped me.

What would you say is one of your greatest skills? How has that helped you so far?
Being able to compartmentalize. I can pretty easily handle stress and stressful situations because I can sort them out quickly.  

5/18: ZACH SCHILLER

Full name: Zachary Schiller

Grade: Junior

What is your spirit animal?

It’s a bear because I can be mean and tough, but I can also be fluffy and cute.

If you had to choose one song to listen to for the rest of you life what song would it be and why?

A Tale of 2 Citiez by J Cole. I really like the lyrics and the beat.

If you were on death row, what would you choose as your last meal?

Mashed potatoes and fried chicken with corn. For dessert, chocolate cake with raspberries and root beer.

Who has your favorite Beacon teacher been and why?

Ms Schmidt. She’s dumb chill and relates to the students in a way that other teachers don’t

If you could have lunch with any celebrity, who would you choose?

Lebron James because he’s my favorite player of all time. I love and respect him.

5/3: MAVI ÇELEBI

Full Name: Mavi Elizabeth Çelebi

Grade: Sophomore

Who are three artists that you really like listening to?   

The Beatles, Cage the Elephant, and The Kinks.

How would you spend $100 on yourself?

Thrift stores, clothes, and anything with chocolate!

What would your ideal weekend look like?

It would be really warm, but it would rain a little. I would go to the beach with all my friends and sleep in a tent on the sand, with a really loud speaker, and we would eat a bunch of food and swim.

What are your worst fears?

Blood and time. Okay–blood is running through your veins and being pumped by your heart but then the next second [if you get cut] it’s just OUTSIDE of your body. Your vein has been literally ripped open and what was once inside of you is now just outside, but you’re still living–until ALL of your blood rushes out of you and you die of exsanguination. Also your veins can pop open and blood can spill out inside of you BUT YOU CAN’T EVEN SEE IT. Like. blood is still rushing through your body, but it’s spilling through all your organs and cells and just what the f***?! Why does it happen?

What is the funniest thing in the world to you?

Vine compilations of children falling.