Meet the Prefects: Abigail Francis (’22)

The article below is part of a series introducing students and their families to the prefects for the 2021 Great Books High Summer Program. To read the series in full as it published, visit the Summer Program Blog.

“One of my favorite memories from my own Summer Program was when I sang with a group of guys for open-mic night,” reminisces Abigail Francis (CA’22). “We met the day of the auditions, moments before we actually decided to audition. We hadn’t spoken with each other before that, but instantly bonded, and decided to perform ‘Home’ by Phillip Phillips together.” 

Hailing from Suffolk, Virginia, Abigail is looking forward to witnessing similar connections form on this year’s program, both at social events such as open-mic night and also in the classroom. Having spent three years at the College, she encourages students to take full advantage of the Discussion Method. “Ask yourself — what do I do in normal conversation, and how can I apply that in class?” she advises. “For me, I share my opinion while respecting and listening to others when they speak; I ask questions when I don’t understand; and maybe I crack a few jokes here and there, when the moment calls for it. Just be honest, and be yourself.”

In the weeks before and after this year’s program — her first as a prefect — Abigail will work on the College grounds crew, helping to keep the California campus beautiful. She also plans on sneaking away to a national park or two over the weekends to explore. Besides that, she can’t wait to make memories with the 2021 programmers come July 10!