Meet Tali
Learn more about Tali Golergant, Alumna (Class of 2019)
Where are you living now and what are you doing?
I moved to NYC in Manhattan to study Musical Theatre (a combined major with singing, acting, and dancing) at Marymount Manhattan College. On the side, I love to write songs!
Do you feel that ISL adequately prepared you for this next step in your life?
Academically, ISL has prepared me incredibly well. I find that I still use a lot of the knowledge I learnt in High School in my academic classes here.
Artistically, yes, but I did have to take a lot of extracurriculars outside of school to keep my skills up. The school musicals were always so fun as well as choir and its festivals, but I do wish the music and theatre department was a little more developed and funded.
What advantages has studying at ISL given you?
The school is so supportive all around. I was so thankful I had such incredible teachers that were willing to help me with everything and anything at any point. I think studying at ISL has also made me a more open-minded thinker. If I wasn't immersed by all the cultures, perspectives, and friends from all over the world, I don't think I'd be the person I am today.
What advice would you give students to help them make the most of their time at ISL?
This is probably told to students all the time, but truly, study one step at a time and start the studying process early! It's never too early to start. Also, join the clubs or pitch for new clubs. The clubs, such as the debate team, choir, and the variety of sports teams, are all so fun and a great way to make friends.
Were you involved in any clubs/activities at ISL? What did you enjoy about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?
Yes, I was involved in choir up until the end of High School. I loved my teacher, Mr.Libbey, and also loved the people in it. I specifically loved the Honour Jazz AMIS Trip we took to The Hague. It was beautiful. We were 10 people from all around the world singing jazz together. I will never forget it. I also took part in all the musicals and most of the plays. I grew there immensely and it led me to do it full time now in NYC!
How did your time at ISL help shape you as a person?
It made me a well-rounded individual. Volunteering through CAS, learning about things I didn't quite enjoy (like physics), and having to take 6 different subjects in the IB ensured that I learned about many different fields and not just limited to one passion/interest.
What do you think is unique about ISL?
I think the international environment makes the school so special. Moreover, I was encouraged to learn new languages, including German and French, which has been very useful.
If you could thank a teacher or staff member, who would it be?
I had such incredible teachers all around. Specifically, music and theatre wise, I would thank Mrs.Hunt and Mr.Libbey. I truly wouldn't be doing what I'm doing without their constant help and support during school and out of school still now. Academically, Mrs.O'Connell inspired me so much with the way she taught language and plays as well as Mr.Ertel who I had for chemistry. He made me fall in love with chemistry in a way I never thought I could.
Describe ISL in 5 words:
Intense
Well-rounded
Inclusive
Friendships
Academic
Follow Tali on YouTube here
- Alumni