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I went to a lot of other schools before Maharishi School, and what stood out the most for me at Maharishi School was the emphasis on personal development. Instead of just filling up my brain with facts, the unique programs available at Maharishi School gave me the opportunity to develop my brain and actually increase my intelligence and creativity.By the time I graduated, I was not simply more erudite; I had expanded my capacity for knowledge. I noticed that I learned things more quickly, performed better under stress, and enjoyed a higher quality of effectiveness in my life overall.

While at Maharishi School, I was named a State of Iowa Scholar and a National Merit Scholar Finalist, I received honorable mention in an international photography contest, and I starred in a number of high school and community theater productions. However, more important than any of these achievements, I developed a strong sense of who I was and what I valued in life. I developed a new level of happiness that I have carried with me.

I can't think of anything in particular I would have done differently. I feel fortunate to have had such an amazing host family. For other borders, I would suggest eating in the cafeteria to make closer friends.

The way it gave me the chance to develop myself, my ability to learn and grow, and the full spectrum of my personality.

Someone needs to start up the senior pranks again. I hear they've lapsed in recent years, and this is simply unacceptable.

I most enjoyed the small classes and their unusually attentive and dedicated professors. Before my time at Maharishi School I had never encountered teachers who would take the time to truly explain--in depth--the answers to all my questions about "why" and "how," instead of just insisting I focus on the "what."

I did not participate in team sports; instead I took dance classes and other extracurricular P.E. substitutes. I'm not sure if that option is still available or not.

The theater program was one of the best in the state. We often took home multiple "best in state" banner awards at Iowa High School Speech Association competitions. Subjects of theatrical focus included mime, singing, dance, and a heavy emphasis on Shakespeare and other classics.

Theater was my main focus. I also participated in an extended meditation program that was offered through the school, which was one of the most significant experiences of my life. In my senior year I was also a short-term member of the school's small physics club.

I lived with a host family that, to this day, I totally adore. I still visit them from time to time. I took lunches with them or at the school (depending on our schedules), and they provided breakfast and dinners that were absolutely delicious. My curfew with them was often 11:00pm, with some exceptions. They took amazing care of me when I was sick for two weeks my junior year.I knew another border at that time who stayed with a different host family and stayed out later, especially on the weekends.

I most liked the chance to sit and eat with my friends for a full hour over lunch. I enjoyed the vegetarian food; it was far better quality than anything I'd eaten in any other school cafeteria, and often with more options too. I also liked the freedom to go out to eat over lunch when I wanted.

I most enjoyed the friendly and culturally sophisticated community. Between the various theaters around town, the galleries, and local music joints, there was always entertainment going on. Fairfield was large enough that I got to see and do everything I wanted, but small enough that I felt at home.

I loved my social life at the school. I cannot emphasize enough how high quality the kids were. The angsty cliquishness I encountered at other schools was completely absent in my grade at Maharishi School. Everyone was so confident, friendly, and accepting. I felt right at home and have maintained many of the friendships I made there.