Annie Hines
Class of 2009
Annie Hines attended FISW from Petits through Fifth Grade. The same spirit of adventure that Annie embraced as a bilingual student at FISW continues to open exciting experiences as a sophomore at Boston College. Her favorite college course is PULSE, a unique class at BC that combines philosophy, theology and community service. She enjoys being able to take what she learned in class and use it to better serve the greater Boston community. In May, Annie will be hiking to the base camp of Mt. Everest with 14 other BC students to fundraise for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. In addition to leading to unique academic opportunities, Annie's experience at FISW fostered meaningful relationships that persist to this day:
"I met my best friend of 14 years in kindergarten at FISW. We remained close even after going to different middle schools, high schools, and colleges. She flew all the way to Boston from Seattle to visit me for a weekend at college this year!"
How would you describe the education that you received at FISW?
The teachers fostered a caring and encouraging environment that made me excited to learn every day. The small class sizes allowed us to develop our genuine friendships from kindergarten to 5th grade. I learned from my peers, as well as my teachers, while also having a lot of fun.
What is the impact for you of being bilingual?
My knowledge of French at a young age has set me apart from my peers and has helped me take advantage of certain opportunities. For example, I studied abroad in Nantes for six weeks as a sophomore in high school. I also satisfied my university’s language requirement prior to beginning college and was therefore able to enroll in advanced French courses as a freshman. I will be graduating with a minor in French.
What were the most memorable aspects of your education at FISW?
The teachers. I always felt that the teachers had the students’ best interests at heart. My relationships with teachers extended outside of the classroom, and I keep in touch with some of my teachers to this day. When I traveled abroad, I visited a few of them that had moved back to France.
What is your fondest memory at FISW?
The trip to France with my class and our teacher, Thomas. I loved staying with my host family, visiting our pen-pals’ school, learning how to play handball and sight-seeing in Paris. I also loved participating in the traditions, such as “la kermesse,” “le spectacle,” and croissant sales!
How do you remember your teachers?
I remember my teachers to be supportive, constructive, caring and engaging.
Did you keep in contact with your FISW friends?
Yes! I met my best friend of 14 years in kindergarten at FISW. We remained close even after going to different middle schools, high schools, and colleges. She flew all the way to Boston from Seattle to visit me for a weekend at college this year! Some of my other friends from FISW I do not see as much, but once we are back together we pick up right where we left off!
What did you do after you left FISW?
I went to middle and high school at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. I am currently a sophomore at Boston College pursuing a major in Accounting and Business Analytics and a minor in French.