Juni: Baker Extraordinaire

It’s 8:30 on a Thursday evening, when the scent of freshly baked cookies wafts down the halls of Wheelwright. Enticed by caramelized edges and molten chocolate bits, the girls of Wheelwright Hall make their way down to the common room for a sweet treat courtesy of their very own Juni Terry. Throughout her four years at Exeter, Terry has brought energy and warmth to all aspects of her life at Exeter, from the women’s cross country team to ESSO Gal Pals. With running season in full swing, Terry has The Exonian spotlight this week as an accomplished athlete, student, baker and friend.

In the fall, Terry is a member of the varsity cross country team, in the winter the junior varsity swimming team, and in the spring the varsity track and field team. Gwynneth Coogan, coach of the cross country team highlighted Terry’s effect on the team. “She downplays her own fatigue and disappointments and focuses on what she can do and how she can enjoy this moment with her teammates,” she said. Coogan further highlighted Terry’s positivity, saying “Juni is a hardworking, positive, down-to-earth kid who comes to every practice and race with a can-do attitude.”

Terry’s teammate on the cross-country and track teams, senior Sarah Brown echoed those sentiments. “She brings spirit to our team every day,” she said. Terry’s adviser, Amy Schwartz of the history department, noted how unusual Terry’s dedication to running is, saying, “she has trained for at least one marathon in her time here; she likes waking up really early and going for a long run.  Right away, you know you are not dealing with a typical Exeter student when you are talking about a 6 a.m. voluntary workout!” Terry plans on continuing her dedication to an active lifestyle beyond Exeter, wanting to hike the entire Appalachian Trail after she graduates.

In addition to her involvement in Baking Club, running and Gal Pals, Terry spends school nights in the Peer Tutoring lounge helping fellow Exonians with their math homework. When asked about what she enjoys about peer tutoring, Terry responded, “I think the whole study of how people learn things is really interesting.” In her remaining free time, Terry tutors a local sixth grader.

“Juni never tries to be someone she is not. She is herself, and that makes everyone around her comfortable.”

Terry has additionally proven herself to be an adept student, tackling the difficulties of Exeter life with a cool focus and tenacity. Coogan, who also taught Terry in class noted her ability to work out difficulties and work with others. “Juni is an insightful and adept problem solver and team-player who again focuses on learning and sharing,” she said.

Schwartz noted Terry’s positivity, and the positive effect she has on those in her life, especially at Exeter where it can be easy to get lost in stress. “She doesn’t get too stressed out, or if she does, she doesn’t share that in a way that drags others down.  She is usually quirky and upbeat and encouraging and funny and positive ... I think she just enjoys her life and the people around her,” she said.

Schwartz went on to praise Terry’s approach to troubles. “When she struggles in a class or on a test, she shakes it off; she is philosophical and doesn’t dwell on it too much. I wish everyone (including me) knew how to do this.  It’s so fundamentally healthy. She has an ability to double down and improve her work in a course without getting freaked out about the need to do so,” she said.

Throughout all aspects of her life, teachers, coaches, and friends have all mentioned Terry’s incredible ability to be comfortable and happy in her surroundings, whether it be on the track, dorm, kitchen or in the classroom. Schwartz says it the best, “Juni never tries to be someone she is not. She is herself, and that makes everyone around her comfortable.” Good luck to Juni as she embarks on her senior year at Exeter, onto college and off into the world! We are sure she will do big things.