Lara and Maya Hammoud, two inspiring sisters, are redefining inclusion through their non-profit, the Perception Foundation, which focuses on creating sensory-friendly spaces and advocating for accessibility. Their journey began over ten years ago when they formed a lasting friendship with a classmate on the autism spectrum, which opened their eyes to the unique challenges faced by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Throughout this episode, they share their growth, the impact of their foundation, and how they are dismantling stereotypes while fostering a sense of community. With a mission to build “our new normal, one sensory space at a time,” Lara and Maya not just changing environments; they’re changing lives. So grab your headphones and explore how these two Detroit Country Day seniors are making the world a more inclusive place.

Links referenced in this episode:

• perceptionfoundation.org
• duckrabbitbook.com

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of authentic experimental biology research with DCDS StanX students as they share their experiences. This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Brian Lu, Claire Heller, and Henry Jiang, who share their journey navigating the inaugural StanX class—a unique blend of research, collaboration, and a bit of unpredictability. In this episode, these scientists reflect on their personal growth as well as contributing to a broader scientific community. From hands-on learning to the challenges of genetics research, these students reveal how working with fruit flies has opened their eyes to the real-world implications of science. So, grab your lab coats and get ready for some insightful stories!

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of authentic experimental biology research with DCDS StanX students as they share their experiences. Zara R., Rooney K., and Obafami T. share their experiences, revealing not only their personal growth but also the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. From partnering with scientists at Stanford University and other research institutions, connecting with other student scientists, and contributing to ongoing research projects laid the groundwork for navigating challenges in the lab and celebrating those "aha" moments. These Detroit Country Day students highlight the importance of resilience and collaboration in science. Whether you are a emerging scientist or just curious about the StanX class , their insights are sure to spark some inspiration. So, let’s jump in and celebrate the voices that make our Detroit Country Day community shine!

Get ready to be inspired as we dive into the remarkable journey of Addison Garn, who shares her incredible insights and experiences that go far beyond the typical high school story. Addison’s narrative isn’t just about overcoming adversity; it’s about finding strength and faith in the darkest moments of life. From battling a rare and aggressive cancer since she was just a toddler to discovering a profound sense of peace through prayer and community, her journey is a testament to resilience and hope. As we listen to her story, we’re reminded that even in the toughest battles, we’re never truly alone—there’s always love and support surrounding us.

Carrie Moore, a proud alumna of Detroit Country Day School's class of 2003, takes the mic to share her insights and encouragement with the graduating class of 2025 in this heartfelt commencement address. Her message is a powerful reminder of the resilience and grit that will guide these young graduates through their next chapter in life. Carrie reflects on her own journey from a wide-eyed freshman to a confident leader, emphasizing that success isn’t always about accolades but rather the lessons learned along the way. With a mix of humor and sincerity, she challenges the graduates to embrace the tough times and leverage their experiences as stepping stones towards greatness. So, whether you’re a seasoned alum or a curious listener, Carrie’s words are sure to inspire you with ambition and heart.

Get ready to be inspired as we dive into the journey of Ibrahim Zini, who takes us through his transformative experience at Detroit Country Day School's Conservatory Program in Visual and Performing Arts. Ibrahim shares how vocal music became his sanctuary amidst personal struggles. He reflects on the power of finding his voice, both literally and metaphorically, as he navigated the highs and lows of the upper school. With a fresh start in choir and the encouragement of his teacher, he embraced his passion, leading him to an acceptance to University of Michigan's competitive vocal performance program. His story is a testament to resilience, identity, and the power of music—so tune in and let's celebrate this incredible journey!

In this episode, Addie Hartley shares her vibrant journey through the Conservatory Program in Visual Arts at Detroit Country Day. She dives into the lessons she's learned along the way, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and the value of community in nurturing creativity. She recounts her artistic evolution, from doodling on everything in sight to aiming for a career in animation and storytelling. Addie's reflections highlight how the support from her peers and teachers—especially her advisor—has fueled her growth and confidence as an artist. So, grab your headphones and get ready to be inspired by her heartfelt insights and the unique experiences that have shaped her artistic path!

Jacob Hopkins takes the spotlight in this episode, sharing his thoughts on the often-overlooked mindset of a Detroit Country Day student. With his unique blend of insights from sports psychology and personal experience, he dives into how a positive outlook can drastically shift our performance in school, sports, and life in general. He highlights the importance of recognizing that every stressor presents an opportunity for growth, not just a reason to panic. As he navigates through the pressures of being a senior, he challenges us to move beyond negativity and embrace a mindset that celebrates effort and resilience. So grab your headphones and get ready for some enlightening perspectives that might just change the way you tackle your next challenge!

Jacob Hopkins, a senior at Detroit Country Day, captivates listeners with his reflections on the mindset of D.C. students and how it shapes their daily lives. He shares a memorable lunch meeting with Coach Amber, who was pursuing her PhD in sports psychology, which ignited his passion for understanding the psychological aspects of performance. Jacob’s casual tone and relatable anecdotes draw listeners in as he explores how sports psychology can be applied to both athletics and academics. He highlights the importance of mental endurance, goal setting, and motivation, familiar themes for anyone navigating the rigorous demands of student life.

However, Jacob takes a twist as he shifts the focus towards positivity and the often-unseen impact of our mindset on our performance. With a humorous touch, he introduces a study from Samuel Marcona that demonstrates how physical expressions, like smiling, can enhance our experience and performance in various activities. This leads to an engaging discussion about the pressures students face — from academic expectations to athletic competitions. Jacob encourages his peers to challenge their negative assumptions and to recognize the power of small positive stimuli in overcoming daily stressors. His insights resonate deeply, especially as he reflects on how easily students can fall into a pattern of negativity when faced with challenges.

The episode is peppered with witty remarks and a friendly vibe, making it both enlightening and entertaining. Jacob’s narrative culminates in a call for his fellow students to embrace a mindset of positivity and self-encouragement. He emphasizes that while it’s natural to face ups and downs, cultivating a positive outlook can significantly influence our performance and overall happiness. As he wraps up, he encourages everyone to celebrate their efforts and journey, reinforcing the idea that our worth is not solely defined by grades or outcomes. This episode serves as a reminder that with a little humor and a lot of heart, we can navigate the complexities of student life with a smile.