Janet Chen: Janet from the Block
Co-editor-in-chief of Exeter’s yearbook, PEAN, captain of the girls’ varsity water polo team and the girls’ varsity swim team and a proctor of Bancroft Hall. While these responsibilities are rarely undertaken simultaneously, senior Janet Chen manages to do so with unparalleled care, leadership and affability.
Chen’s decision to attend Exeter was one that arose from multiple facets of the Academy which she found attractive. Along with the challenging academics and the Harkness pedagogy, Chen said that she was drawn to the unique dorm culture and the school spirit apparent in the student body.
“On my revisit day, I was so impressed by how well-spoken and thoughtful Exonians are, and knew I wanted to be a part of this community,” Chen added.
After joining the Academy as a prep, Chen quickly adjusted to life in Exeter. She said that one of the catalysts of such a successful adjustment was being part of the swim team, for it provided her with some of the long-lasting friendships she built at Exeter.
“I'd been swimming for several years before Exeter, and the sport has always given me the best friendships. The team at Exeter is great. We push ourselves and each other in practice, and we're always the last ones in D-Hall, laughing and singing along to [the song] ‘Closing Time,’” Chen said.
Chen said that joining the water polo team as a prep allowed her to discover her passion and interest in the sport, which helped her to become more persistent and grow as an athlete.
“I started playing water polo my prep year, mostly because many of the girls on the team also swam,” Chen said. “Learning water polo was fun and refreshing because it's so different from swimming. I've learned so much from my teammates on both teams— they have incredible work ethics and are always there for each other.”
Upper Tan Nazer commented on Chen’s zeal for both sports and her willingness to help the team reach its best potentials.
“She demonstrates leadership and enthusiasm,” Nazer said. “She pushes herself during practices, and that motivates us. Her energy is contagious. She helps everyone in her lane work through those tough sets by staying focused and motivated. She's always been super focused. When she's quiet, she's thinking of ways to improve. She makes the most out of every set and every practice, and I respect that a lot.”
Nazer also added that Chen’s sincerity and care is appreciated by all members of the team and that her leadership as one of the captains this year will help the team reach higher grounds.
“Her hard work always shines through at meets. Janet is honestly one of the most sincere, genuine and caring people I've ever met. She has the biggest heart and is always willing to help her teammates out. I'm so glad she's captain this year— I know she's going to help us all reach our peaks and shine at Interschols,” she said.
Another major facet of Chen’s Exeter career is her involvement in PEAN, an interest she developed as a prep when she was first introduced to it by one of the co-editor-in-chiefs. Chen noted that as she further pursued her career in PEAN, she was more drawn into the idea of preserving memories for all members of the Academy community.
“As I did more work with PEAN and got to know the board and advisers, I realized how special it is to be a part of something that lasts longer than our time at Exeter,” Chen said. “I love PEAN because it joins individuals from different parts of the Exeter community—faculty, day students, boarders—with the common goal of preserving memories that we will look back on years from now.”
Senior and another co-editor-in-chief of PEAN Caroline Lu said that Chen’s fervor of the publication is what makes her not only a successful leader, but also an irreplaceable colleague. Lu emphasized that Chen’s responsibility and commitment allows each day in the office to be productive and pleasant.
“Janet is driven and responsible,” Lu said. “She is a natural leader who brings out the best work in those around her. I think that her strong work ethic stems from her genuine love for what she does and her grounded personality. Janet's level-headedness and reliability in combination with the sincere and caring person that she is makes her one of the greatest people I've ever had the pleasure to work with.”
Mathematics instructor and advisor of PEAN Joseph Wolfson commented on Chen’s leadership as well as her ability to work productively with her colleagues.
“Janet is a clear thinker and an excellent listener. She is as reliable as anyone I've ever worked with. Her design sense is constantly growing. She's smart, she's kind and she's supportive. She's willing to lead, and she does so gently and firmly. She also works seamlessly with Ellen and Caroline,” Wolfson said.
Chen’s leadership is also recognized in her dorm as well. Chen is one of the proctors in Bancroft, and residents commented on Chen’s unmatched ability to support her dorm mates.
“Janet is one of the sweetest people in Bancroft and on campus,” upper Audrey DeGuerrera said. “She's always ready to help, even though I'm sure she's swamped from work and NEGS and PEAN. I love hanging out with her and joking with her. Janet works hard as well. I'm always impressed by her in everything she does, and she's been a role model of mine since prep year.”
“She is smiley, loving and gullible in the best of ways,” DeGuerrera added.
Chen said that dorm life has been one of her favorite facades of Exeter life and that it is one of the things that she’s grateful for, along with all the memories and knowledge she has shared with her classmates, dorm mates and friends.
“I'm so grateful for my time at Exeter, because I've learned so much from my peers, in and out of the classroom,” she said.