Name, age, grade, city of residence
Noah Raymond Tervalon, age 18, grade 12, Watsonville
Grade you started at MMS
Preschool
What inspires you?
The beauty in nature. Sometimes life can feel dull and mundane, but going out and seeing nature inspires me to live my life more openly.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
Definitely math, it feels like it works. Other subjects can be so subjective, whereas with math, you always have a right answer. You might get there in different ways, but there is one answer.
If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I would want to take away pain. Not just physical, but emotional as well. Even though I have learned so much from my own pain, I would not wish it on anyone.
What is your dream job and why?
I always wanted to be an astronaut. I am not pursuing it, I have always loved looking at the stars and thinking about how infinitely big and beautiful things are. It brings into perspective we are and how important everything here is.
What are your three favorite things?
Volleyball, music, and nature.
Favorite book?
I don’t really have one favorite because I don’t like prioritizing one over the other, but a favorite book would be “Shadowmarch” by Tad Williams.
What do you want to do after high school?
I am going to Tufts University and will be a biopsychology major which is their way of saying neuroscience. After that, I do not have any plans. I know I want to play volleyball in college, either club or intramural.
Something that makes you smile?
Art!
A favorite MMS memory and why?
Definitely something with Ramayana! or performing arts in general. While one thing does not stick out, the whole performing arts experience and the ability to connect with everyone through it is my favorite.
Who inspires you and why?
On a big level, Barack and Michelle Obama. On a smaller level, Shannon Kelly and SN Ward Mailliard inspire me because they help make the world better in whatever way they can, with whatever means they have.
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Alumna Zoe Kelly (’15) interviewed Noah for this spotlight feature.
