Few students can juggle the difficulty of the IB diploma, a packed extracurricular schedule, and still graduate with a 5.2 GPA, but Ella Rosen does it with quiet determination and a smile. Ella Rosen walked across the stage last spring as the Class of 2025’s valedictorian. Now, her cap and gown are traded in for Duke University blue, continuing that same brilliance that existed in her high school years.
Every student has their strengths and weaknesses, and Ella is no exception. Ella shares a time where she doubted herself and her academic ability. When she talks about her AP calculus class, she remarks, “It was my first time really being put to the test in math, so I had to adjust my study habits and be open to change.” She understands that being pushed out of her comfort zone is an opportunity to grow, rather than a time of failure. From a young age, Ella prioritized her academics, which carried on as she got older; her drive to succeed is her ultimate motivation. Ella notes, “A lot of it is intrinsic motivation. I value my education highly and have a drive to do well, so that’s always just kept me disciplined. I know it’ll just make me feel worse if I completely give up and succumb to stress.” Ella’s mindset is one of the many things that prompt her success in high school.
Ella had a smooth transition from being an Eagle to becoming a Blue Devil, this is because of the opportunities she chased during her time at North Broward. Ella is no stranger to a demanding schedule. At North Broward she was an IB diploma student, which means her schedule consisted of rigorous classes, along with commitments outside of school. She balanced this with her many extracurricular activities. As a result of this Ella developed habits and skills that carried over to her collegiate years. “Every Sunday I like to check canvas and the syllabi for my classes to see what is due for the week.” Ella continues, “I then plan out what I’m going to do each day so that I’m not cramming everything all at once. I did this on a smaller scale in high school which definitely helped prepare me.” Routine was of great importance to Ella throughout her formative years and contributed immensely to her later achievements. Still, college brought inevitable change. High school is very structured in comparison to college, so entering this new chapter was different than anticipated for Ella. Through it, Ella deepened her independence and learned to take initiative.
From the moment Ella stepped on Duke University’s campus, she knew she had found what she was looking for. Duke is a highly prestigious university with an acceptance rate of 6.8%, and they also offer excellent student life with their renowned facilities and legendary athletics. Ella recognizes this was the school for her because it provided the exact academic to social harmony she longed for. Lucky enough, in the Spring of 2025, Ella received the acceptance she had yearned for. Ever since arriving at Duke, not everything is exactly what she had envisioned, but that does not mean it was for the worst. For instance, Ella admits, “I still want to go to law school like I have since high school, but being in college has also made me want to take some psychology and entrepreneurship classes which don’t necessarily pertain to law and policy.” College opens up a world of opportunities, some even unexpected. This exploration of new interests has allowed Ella to grow beyond her original plans, discovering passions and skills she hadn’t foreseen. Whether it is her taking her first public policy class or chanting to “Everytime We Touch” in their historical basketball stadium, there has yet to be a dull moment for Ella.
Looking back at Ella’s time spent at North Broward, she offers heartfelt advice to students. Ella’s message to students is simple but carries meaning. “I would say to always work hard and trust yourself, don’t let other people make you feel bad for wanting to succeed and do well.” Ella reflects, “…always be open to balance and definitely have other priorities besides school, but it’s also okay to want to achieve your academic goals.” Ella stresses the importance of balance amongst social and academic life. Her advice emphasizes that success is not just measured by grades and accolades. It’s about finding a rhythm that allows students to excel academically while also fostering relationships, exploring interests, and enjoying the high school experience, just as Ella did.
