Aneli Bucco-Sturla
What is a favorite memory from your time at Meridian? (make this an appropriate moment)
I have so many favorite memories! I think one of my favorite memories was just having lunch all together. Sometimes it was only a few people, sometimes a big circle, sitting outside or in the lounge and just talking, laughing, telling stories, and just enjoying each others company. Also in Spain when we had a competition to see who could crawl under the bed in the hotel room the fastest (it was close, but I won).
What will you miss the most after you leave Meridian?
I will miss the infinite amount of creativity, patience, encouragement, passion, and sensitivity of all of the teachers that I have been lucky enough to learn from and get to know at Meridian. They have always supported me, throughout both the most difficult and the most rewarding parts of my years at this school, always pushing me to persevere and embrace new challenges and ideas. I will forever be grateful for the unique concepts explored, amazing discoveries, and wonderful people that I have met here!
What is a parting thought you have for younger students? Words of wisdom?
In a world that is so divided, where everything is placed and labeled into categories, trying to find connection through understanding is really important! School can be really frustrating sometimes, really frustrating. And in these moments of working hard to find your way through a certain class or assignment, communicating with other students and your teachers can make a world of difference. Even when it’s scary, make sure that teachers better understand the things that you are still working on or struggling with. It builds connections that will help to catch and support you when you fall, and boost you up when you climb back up again, and do the same for someone else.
Quotes from Aneli’s peers:
Aneli is one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. She is a talented artist, writer, and listener, with enough emotional intelligence and a heart of gold to fix any difficult situation.
Aneli is one of the kindest and most perceptive people I have ever met. She has the very rare ability to know exactly what someone needs if they are feeling down. In addition, she herself has a constant positive attitude, and will persevere through difficulties with a smile still on her face.
Aneli radiates warmth, empathy, and positivity 24/7 - but it is always truly genuine and laid-back. She is universally loved at Meridian, and appreciated by all. Her occasional outbursts of energetic humor complicate her relaxed demeanor and can make whole rooms die laughing.
Aneli!!!!! Aneli is so kind and caring, and I always admire her perseverance whether it’s in gym class or in math class. She is so supportive and I always look forward to her long text messages asking how I am doing. I also love Aneli’s fashion style. She always rocks her outfits!
Last year, Lenny asked us to do an appreciation circle for Aneli’s birthday, a mortifying but excellent tradition of his. I realized how much we all appreciate Aneli — her patience, kindness, smile, thoughtfulness, and wisdom — and how insufficient our thanks are for her consistently bright presence. Thank you, Aneli.
Aneli is so kind and so sweet. She was quiet when she first started here, but getting to know her has been a gift. She is a really strong-minded person, and hearing her speak in discussions is always a privilege. Beyond that, she has so many skills that she has hidden away, like her art and singing. I'm really grateful I got to see that before we left.
Aneli has a really rare and special skill of being able to hold the space for anyone and everyone, and she makes everyone feel listened to and heard. She is curious about what others think and feel as she moves through the world.
Aneli, you are an incredible artist with a comforting aura. You have such a kind heart and contagious smile, and you're so fun to joke around with. Your handwriting is enviable, and you have such a unique style. Anyone is lucky to be friends with you!
