Emily Robb

As a fifth grader, Emily Robb was introduced into the realm of music when her best friend convinced her to join the school choir. In sixth grade, she developed her passion in debate with the suggestion of her history teacher. Back then, she had others to lead her into new passions; but now, as a senior at Exeter, she takes further steps on her own to develop her interests. As a co-head of the Daniel Webster Debate Society, Student Council’s services committee and acapella group PEADs, as well the vice president of Exonians Against Sexual Assault, Robb has shown herself to be an active leader in the community.

Since being introduced to singing, she hasn't stopped pursuing music. Currently, she develops her passion in music on campus through PEADs, concert choir and her chamber group.

Other peers in her music groups describe her as a dedicated leader who is committed to her passion of music. Senior Maya Pierce said, “In concert choir Emily is definitely a leader. She is the one who tells people to put their phones away and warm up to stop talking when we are getting a correction. She also has a beautiful voice and is very musical and leads in that respect.”

“I’ve become a lot more confident and more outspoken and that’s probably because of the whole Harkness method at our school. I think I’ve also become a lot more aware of everything that happens around me because it’s really fast-paced here. Although my three years have definitely been a rollercoaster term by term, things change for me and I’m so grateful to have come here.”

Even during school breaks, Robb finds a way to pursue her passions. For the past two summers, Robb worked on a documentary about fiddlers. Not only did she transcribe and write press releases, but also continued expressing her love for music through this unique opportunity.

“I was at the 80th annual Fiddler’s Convention in Virginia and it was just really neat to see 5-year-olds connect with 85-year-olds who still play the fiddle through music,” Robb said.

Robb also had a volunteer internship at the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, something she thought was a valuable experience for her as a debater. She did research and indexed an old case for her boss’ Supreme Court case, which was about securing educational rights for illegal immigrant children.

“What I did during my internship was something that I really value about debate: forming and listening to arguments about something that I am passionate about, picking them apart and figuring out how to respond to them,” Robb said.

Outside of her extracurricular activities, Emily Robb is known for her bubbly personality. Senior Austin Scronce said, “She has a way with people in which she makes everyone feel like someone. Whether or not she knows the other person doesn't matter, she is always genuine and kind. She has given me a greater appreciation for what I have and she has shown me how simply a smile can change someone's day.”

Senior Bokyoung Kim, who works closely with Robb on the debate team, added, “I really admire Emily’s optimism and ability to stay level-headed even during the most hectic of times. She gives off a very happy vibe to others and she always makes you feel very at ease. Both in and out of debate, Em is a very bouncy individual who is very fun to be around.”

During her three years at the Academy, Robb believes that Exeter has provided her with a life-changing experience. One of Robb’s favorite parts of life at Exeter is the opportunity to share very personal memories with the people here. She has established a tradition with one of her closest friends, senior RC McShane, in which whenever they are both stressed out, they just look at each other and say, “Stillwells,” before sprinting to the ice cream place before check-in.

“I’ve become a lot more confident and more outspoken and that’s probably because of the whole Harkness method at our school. I think I’ve also become a lot more aware of everything that happens around me because it’s really fast-paced here. Although my three years have definitely been a rollercoaster term by term, things change for me and I’m so grateful to have come here.”

History instructor and McConnell Hall affiliate Michael Golay added, “She has grown academically, and I think personally too, seeing how much of a big figure she is in the dorm. She always gets along very well with the newer kids in the dorm and pays attention to them.”

As a senior, Robb gave advice to younger students about the challenges Exeter may bring, but how important it is to pull through those hard times and always remember that there are always people in support.

“Although it seems like the longest and hardest, it will also feel like the shortest time of your life once you hit senior fall, so just appreciate all of it,” she said. “It’s hard to appreciate all of the small things, but you just have to keep chugging along and go pick some flowers in the forest, like I do whenever I’m stressed.”

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