Gaia Giuliani '26, a dual citizen of Switzerland and Italy, has committed to pursuing a degree in Biology at Brown University, selecting the Ivy League institution over offers from the University of St Andrews, Queen Mary University, American University of Paris, and The New School. A long-time student who first joined TASIS in grade one, Gaia is now fluent in Italian, English, and French. She earned an International Baccalaureate Diploma with a solid 35 points, complemented her studies with Advanced Placement courses in European History and 2-D Art and Design, and was honored at the Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony with the Cynthia Whisenant Award for Excellence in English Literature. Beyond her academic achievements, Gaia embraced several creative and leadership roles during her time on campus. She co-edited the 2026 edition of ANIMA, a student-produced literary magazine, served on the TASIS Speaker Series Committee, and spearheaded an Aztec Fashion Show Initiative as far back as grade five. Her campus involvement also included active membership in both the Psychology Club and Dante Club, as well as a service trip to Mission Bambini through the Opsahl Global Service Program. In a reflective interview shortly after her graduation in May 2026, Gaia shared insights into how her twelve years at the school shaped her readiness for university and her future aspirations.
When asked whether her time at TASIS prepared her well for college, Gaia credited the IB Diploma Program with teaching her the importance of time management. Managing six simultaneous courses, three at higher level, required constant planning weeks in advance and balancing internal assessments with revision schedules independently. She also praised the College Counseling Office, specifically Ms. Fishbein, for providing guidance, feedback, and reassurance that made the application process less stressful and helped her achieve her goals. Among her most inspiring experiences, Gaia highlighted the Academic Travel opportunities, which took her to Florence, Zurich, Tuscany, Malta, and many other places where learning extended beyond the classroom and created cherished memories. She remembered Dr. Love's English class most fondly, having been in his class for four years and growing as a student and writer. A standout moment was a 10th-grade trip to Florence while reading Dante Alighieri's Inferno, which allowed her to immerse herself in the settings connected to Dante and made the material feel more real and meaningful. Finally, Gaia noted she will miss the connections and relationships she formed, as well as the beauty of the campus in Lugano, surrounded by incredible mountains, which became like a second home after being there since first grade.
