Jack Hirsch
“He’s one of those people who just shine,” senior Ariel Kim said describing senior Jack Hirsch. Indeed, Hirsch is known unanimously among his friends for being a kind, selfless and driven individual. To many, he is the ideal Exonian, and embodies non sibi while also achieving high successes.
Originally from Oakland, Calif., Hirsch arrived at Exeter and fell in love with the Harkness method. Before he came he had hoped to be a mathematician, but he now credits Exeter for introducing him to more possibilities. In fact, it was during the process of writing 333 that Hirsch realized his passion for analytical writing, which he plans to pursue this in his future.
Although he is perhaps best known for being the former Editor-in-Chief of The Exonian, Hirsch participated in a variety of other hobbies. In addition to being a fantastic writer, he is an accomplished saxophone player, Democrat club and math club member, peer tutor, and a member of the tennis, squash, and cross country teams. While he gave up many of these activities due to the taxing nature of The Exonian, his passion for these subjects has not diminished. In his senior spring, Hirsch is enrolled in two Math 999 courses and a poetry class, both of which he says he very much enjoys.
Over the winter, Hirsch took a term abroad in Ecuador with a small group of other Spanish students. After graduation, he is planning on taking a trip to Argentina to further practice Spanish and explore. The rest of his summer he is also planning on training for a half-marathon, studying finance and teaching chess.
In Ewald, he is known for dedicating time out of his studies to lending an ear or cheering up fellow dorm mates up. Upper Eric Tang recalled a time when Hirsch lead a group of friends to bake him a cake when he was feeling down.
“He’s always there to listen if you’ve got troubles or something on your mind,” Tang said. “He gives great, well thought-out advice.”
What Tang will miss most about Hirsch is his dedication and drive. “He has consistently pushed me to work harder and reach my full potential.”
Upper Jesús Rivera agreed with Tang. “He’s willing to do what it takes to have things done in a manner that’s acceptable to him,” he said. “It’s because of the fact that he genuinely wants the best for people,” Rivera said.
Kim recalled some fun memories with Hirsch. Just last weekend at Hoyt tea, the pair both ate flowers off of a tree. Senior Kaitlyn Tonra also brought up a funny anecdote during their shared time in Ecuador, when he got an earring without telling anybody and waited three hours for everyone to notice.
“He almost always has a smile on his face,” Kim remarked. “On the days he doesn’t, he always knows how to keep things in perspective for himself and for others.” His friends also admire some of Hirsch’s unique idiosyncrasies such as his ability to fool you with a card trick, as senior Kaitlyn Tonra mentioned.
Hirsch will attend Brown University next year where he hopes to study more analytical writing, which he has learned to love here at Exeter. When asked what he is most grateful to Exeter for, he responded, “Exeter has instilled in me a passion for learning. My time here has taught me to appreciate the many faces of academia and learning and broadened my mindset on what I want to do with my life.”