Senior Spotlight: Bella Miller, Class of 2024

What is your thesis topic and why did you choose it?

“America Needs to Catch Up: The Sliding Switch that is Bilingualism.” My thesis is about the lack of foreign language study in the United States in comparison to other countries, and how we must incorporate more languages in our education system at younger ages. I also discuss the benefits of being bilingual or multilingual, especially from a younger age, and how the brains of bilinguals are affected in a socio-psychological aspect. I chose this topic because I am half Brazilian and half American, and growing up, my parents spoke to my sister and I in both languages, which has allowed us to now be fluent in English and Portuguese. Being able to learn more about this topic has been exciting for me because of how much it is teaching me about things I have gone through in my life.

How might your learning in a Christian environment at FCS positively affect you?

Being able to freely pray and discuss Christianity outside of a church setting is so freeing and such a blessing. Our Christian community is so valuable to me because you can go up to almost any teacher, staff member, or friend and just talk about the Lord or ask them to pray for you without any problem. 

Has there been a teacher at FCS that has impacted your faith, education, or personal growth in a significant way? If you were to say thank you to this person, what might you say? 

I would say a huge thank you to Mrs. Hopkins and Ms. Weeks. I had Mrs. Hopkins for ninth-grade literature and tenth-grade history and literature, and on occasion she would fill in for some Latin classes. Mrs. Hopkins has a way of explaining things like no other, and I am forever grateful for what she has taught me. Without Mrs. Hopkins, I don’t think I would have survived my literature classes because she made sure that we knew how to write a paper and write it well! I am also so grateful for Ms. Weeks as a history teacher this year, but especially as my thesis advisor. Thesis is quite a daunting task, and Ms. Weeks has made it feel possible for me! I love just being able to talk to her during Thesis class about all my school events and dance competitions and all her Search and Rescue action stories!! Her knowledge and fascination with languages has also been extremely helpful with my thesis, and this process would not be the same without her!

What might it mean to you to have attended both a classical and Christian school?

I have been able to engage in deeper theological conversations with my peers and have learned how to ask good questions about all sorts of topics. Also, with our school being smaller, I am able to more personally seek help from my teachers, and it is obvious that they want us to succeed and do well academically and in our walk with God

What are some things you would like to tell younger students as they continue their education at FCS?

I would say to cherish every moment with your classmates and other friends because it will all go by so quickly. Having a smaller class size really allows for everyone to grow so close to each other, and this is something so valuable. Also, do not be afraid to try new things, especially in middle and upper school, and instead of complaining about different things, do not be afraid to get up and be the person who makes the change happen! Join a club, play a new sport, start a club! Whatever it is, do it, because throughout my years here, some of my favorite moments have been through these things that I am involved in! 

What are your plans for after graduation?

I will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall where I will be majoring in Exercise and Health Science with the hopes of going into either pre-dental or pre-med in the future! I am currently very interested in the dental field, but with my background in dance and sports, I am also considering something like Sports Medicine. Either way, my desire is to serve others for the glory of God!