Senior Profile: Jane Atkinson '24

           “Caring, friendly, and thoughtful.” These are the words II Formers Rory Laubach and Selena Yu used to describe Jane Atkinson ’24, a Dawes House prefect approaching graduation. A curious scientist, supportive friend, and melodious cellist, Atkinson’s contributions to the Lawrenceville community hold great value.

           Atkinson’s journey at the School cannot be discussed without mentioning science. Ever since she watched the popular TV series Grey’s Anatomy in middle school, she has had a keen interest in the field. At Lawrenceville, she has found several different ways to pursue her passion. She serves as a Hutchins Science scholar, a biodiversity researcher, the leader of multiple science-related clubs and publications, and has taken two science classes during both IV and V Form years. Atkinson is especially interested in chemistry and molecular genetics. Recalling her experience with the sciences at Lawrenceville, Atkinson thinks she has “found success in [determining] what [she is] passionate about.” Atkinson is excited to carry the knowledge she has obtained through Lawrenceville to college and beyond.

           In addition to her academic achievements, Atkinson dedicated herself to her character development throughout her time at Lawrenceville. “Overall, my definition of success [has] changed,” she recalled. As a II Former, Atkinson felt she was “losing” as any confrontation with rejection or failure would upset her. As time passed, Atkinson “fell into a cycle of perfectionism and toxic work culture.” However, she soon realized that isolating herself from her peers and social activities didn’t help her get any further academically. Instead, Atkinson worked on redefining “success” for herself, and focusing on the people she cared about. 

           During her time at Lawrenceville, Atkinson tried eight different sports in total. She participated in cross country, track and field, lacrosse, House Handball, dance, Senior Spinning, Senior Fitness, and yoga. Although she did not focus solely on one sport, Atkinson noted that being able to experience the different athletic opportunities offered at Lawrenceville helped her bond with various groups of people in the community. “I could understand what people were talking about when they [discussed] their experiences in different sports,” she said. Atkinson especially enjoyed dance and yoga and looks forward to continuing yoga beyond her time at Lawrenceville. 

           Atkinson has also contributed to performing arts. She started taking cello lessons in middle school and has been a part of the Philharmonic Orchestra since her II Form year. She recalls her “weird” Zoom rehearsals during the Covid-19 pandemic and appreciates the in-person rehearsals that take place now. Atkinson explained, “I liked playing the instrument, but there’s something about listening to other people play…I like being in a room filled with music because it’s very satisfying. I also like contributing to the music and bonding with the people in the orchestra.” Atkinson’s love for the orchestra encouraged her to start giving music lessons to two middle school students in her IV Form year.

           
          As a music teacher to two younger students, Atkinson has always enjoyed interacting with students from different Forms. “Prefecting is 100% my favorite thing at Lawrenceville,” Atkinson commented. As a Dawes House prefect, she has bonded with the underformers and strived to be a part of their “support system.”  “I think I have been through a lot at Lawrenceville…I wanted to be able to guide younger generations through the similar struggles I went through, and I hope to be a person whom younger people wouldn’t be scared to seek advice from,” Atkinson stated. 

           Atkinson describes her time at Lawrenceville as “transformative, challenging, and full.” Recalling her most significant memories, Atkinson’s advice for current and future underformers is to not “ force anything.” “Don’t try to force relationships with people that you can’t be your best self around. Find people who you want to be around and want to be around you, and never let them go,” she advised. Atkinson also believes students should not “force” themselves to explore subjects they are not passionate about. “I fell into the trap of doing things for resumes, and they would turn out horribly. The main thing is to find your support system and the people you enjoy being around. Find the people who lift you up, make you happy, and take you through your time at Lawrenceville,” she explained.