While subbing in the Upper Adolescent program earlier this year, GRS alum Kunle Ajao,'15 (he/him) sat for a quick interview to tell us more about his high school experience, how Great River has changed, and what benefits he sees from his GRS education.
Kunle is now working for Sierra Space on their Dreamchaser team, designing and building a Spaceplane to supply and support the ISS and the new Orbital Reef program.
Name and graduation year
Kunle Ajao, 2015
How did you end up coming back to sub at GRS?
I’d heard from another alum that Great River was looking for subs and I really liked tutoring at college (Kunle attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a degree in aerospace engineering). I’m excited to sub for more CAS and social studies classes.
What do you remember about going to school at GRS?
I attended 7-12th grade at Great River. I remember the little dining area (in what is now Michael Flood’s classroom). We would eat outside a lot if the weather was nice. There were 55 kids in my graduation class - that was the largest class GRS had ever had.
I remember using the Multi-Purpose Space for plays, concerts, and coffeehouses. I definitely remember the Key Experiences - I went on both Odysseys, both Bike Trips, and I made some of my best friends, still to this day. In 9th & 10th grades, we went to the Lake Country Land School, then the 11th grade Northstar College Trip and the 12th grade Namekagon Canoe Trip. On our senior canoe trip, it rained a lot and the river was too full for us to camp, so we got to sleep in cabins instead! The Key Experiences were great - you suffer a little bit together and you come out stronger.
Do you remember any favorite classes?
I really enjoyed Physics with Sheila, especially the experiments. I remember momentum experiments with rail cars. At the time, it wasn’t IB curriculum. The students today are learning quantum theory. I think they’re way more prepared for college.
How did the skills you learned at GRS affect your life after graduation?
This place is all about getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things - J-Term, Key Experiences, CAS, spring intensives, etc. You never have time to settle and get super comfortable, you are always just a little bit out of your comfort zone. I think it helps later in life. I was definitely more adaptable at college- I was down to roll with it.
The GRS model really helps in transitioning to the college experience - I had lots of skills to be self-guided. GRS students are responsible for themselves and their work. Engineering is hard - it’s made harder because people don’t know how to manage their time and workload. I was a lot better equipped than my peers - I knew how to pace myself and finish my work.