Brooke Riley (Class of 2015)
Wisdom with determination is a powerful combination. Brooke Riley prayed for and practiced both over and over again during her thirteen years at The Geneva School. After graduating as salutatorian of her senior class and earning a BS in Physics from Davidson College, NC, she is now pursuing an Actuarial Studies Certificate at University of North Carolina at Charlotte and recognizes what a gift her Geneva education was for her.
When asked how Geneva prepared her for college, Brooke says, “Everything I learned at TGS, whether in the classroom, on a field trip, or through sports was valuable and shaped me into the person I am. The substance of the curriculum was incredible, and it is what makes Geneva different. It taught me to look at everything in light of Christ, to think philosophically, and not accept things at a surface level. I am well equipped to vocalize my thoughts and ideas, as well as defend my faith.”
“Geneva gave me so many ‘God moments.’ Studying theology was an amazing opportunity, one that many schools don’t offer to their students. I’m a very analytical person so this helped me to grow in my faith. At Geneva, we learned to incorporate God into our thinking. Even math class was linked back to God and his work here on earth,” Brooke says.
Ravi Jain, who has taught Scientific Revolution, AP Calculus, and AP Physics at Geneva since 2003, called Brooke a fearless analytical thinker. He says, “Brooke approached problem solving much like mastering her volleyball serve. She just kept at it until she got it, hit a new rhythm of understanding, and then helped others get it too. With respect to academic pursuits, she valued the community and loved to help her classmates.”
A leader on the volleyball court, Brooke and the Geneva varsity Lady Knights competed in the 2A Final Four state competition in 2013 and reached the final 16 in 2014. Her experience on the volleyball court had important take-aways. Brooke says, “Playing volleyball taught me the value of teamwork, discipline, and selflessness, which can all be applied in the classroom, in learning, and in helping others. You can make a big difference in someone’s life by just setting a good example.
Brooke completed her Actuarial Studies Certificate from UNC Charlotte and is currently an actuarial associate in the Actuarial Development Program at Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America in Orlando.
