Portraying the rose in her dance studio’s performance of “The Little Prince,” Paulina Gicqueau (12) glides across the stage with graceful fluidity, the red tulle of her dress flowing behind her. With each precise body movement and poignant facial expression, she captivates the audience, displaying her mastery of contemporary dance. Paulina fondly recalls this performance, which allowed her to showcase her newly learned hip-hop skills. 

Paulina began her journey in dance at 6 years old when she joined her first studio, Firebird. As she grew older, she dedicated more time to dancing, performing in the annual Harker Dance Production and taking classes in a variety of styles, including hip-hop and lyrical. For the past four years, Paulina has also worked alongside her teachers to choreograph dances for younger students. Through her experiences in dance, Paulina has learned valuable lessons, such as how to grow from criticism, that she now applies in her daily life.

“Dance has taught me how to take criticism, and how to not break down in the classroom,” Paulina said. “As I’m getting older, [I’m] learning to take that criticism, and I’m using it to push forward.”

Although Paulina struggled with injuries that forced her to put a hold on dancing, she saw these setbacks as an opportunity to learn. During these times, she took a step back and reflected on whether she was overexerting herself. Since then, she has learned to establish a balance between her schoolwork and activities by dedicating her time and energy to what she loves most.

“I’ve had a total of six or seven knee dislocations, and that was really difficult because I’m itching to dance, itching to move,” Paulina said. “Having to realize what my boundaries are has been challenging.”

Outside of dance, Paulina continues to express herself through acting. She began acting in middle school and has continued to pursue her interest in high school as a theater certificate. When Paulina first joined Harker as a ninth grader, theater provided her with an immediate connection to a group of peers, helping her feel at home in a new environment. 

“Theater gives me a really good community,” Paulina said. “That’s one of the reasons I still do it. I love embodying a character. I love the costumes and the stage, and I think it’s really fun to build that tight-knit group.”

Close friend Aniket Singh (12), who met Paulina through their freshman year Study of Theater class, admires Paulina’s determination and positive energy even during difficult times. Her upbeat and optimistic mentality uplifts others as well, making her a natural leader among her classmates.

“She has really great leadership skills,” Aniket said. “She’s also really driven. Even if it’s something that she has a hard time with or just finds difficult, if she’s passionate about it and dedicated to it, she’ll keep on pushing. That also contributes to her strong presence as a leader, both inside and outside of the Harker community.”

Using her leadership skills, Paulina connects and engages with the Harker community through spirit. As the president of Spirit Club and the vice president of Harker Spirit Leadership Team (HSLT), Paulina spearheads activities that provide students with exciting opportunities to bond with one another. 

“I want to reach out to as many people as I can while I’m here and improve their lives just a little bit — because that’s all we can do,” Paulina said.  “I’m not going to be able to change the school and force them to love spirit. I’m just trying to temporarily give them some happiness or joy or entertainment while they’re here with us.”

In the classroom, Paulina’s vibrant personality leaves a lasting effect on her teachers and classmates. Upper school English teacher Brigid Miller, who taught Paulina in her junior year, recalls Paulina’s passionate nature that stood out to her immediately.

“My first impression [of Paulina] was that smile,” Miller said. “Big smile. Energetic, totally engaged with the literature from the first minute. I thought that she was clearly a student I was going to want to work with.’”

Close friend Ananya Bammi (12) recalls that even during remote learning, Paulina’s infectious personality shined through. During their ninth grade French class, Ananya was drawn in by Paulina’s lively spirit and impeccable music taste. Whether they’re attending concerts or simply chatting about their lives, spending time with Paulina remains a highlight for Ananya. 

“She’s one of those friends that always seems to have her life together,” Ananya said. “She’s really organized, and she seems to always know what she’s doing. She’s also really good at giving advice.”

At the end of the day, performing on stage helps Paulina develop her mental resilience, enabling her to confidently take on a leadership role in school spirit activities. Coupled with her passion and drive, Paulina’s outgoing nature and optimistic outlook allow her to excel in life while deftly managing her various responsibilities. 

“My mom always tells me this one thing: whenever I feel sad, she tells me that everything always works out,” Paulina said. “And it’s true. Knowing that what is happening now is temporary and that it will always end up on a better path helps me keep a better outlook on life.”