When Adelaide Judy arrived at Colorado College, she brought with her a deep curiosity about the world, the kind that notices details others pass by. Today, as a biology student deciding between molecular and organismal biology (and considering a math minor), Adelaide finds herself pausing to observe moss on the sidewalk, wondering about species, systems, and the processes that sustain life.
“Biology has kind of changed the way I interpret the world,” she says. “I now walk by a cluster of moss and find myself thinking about how it reproduces or what role it plays in its environment.”
That habit of noticing – asking good questions, lingering with complexity – is something Adelaide traces back to her time at Daystar.
At Colorado College, known for its rigorous Block Plan where students take one immersive course at a time, Adelaide has found herself well prepared. “IB played a huge role in setting me apart during the application process,” she shares, “but more than that, it prepared me to work hard and think critically. I may not always have the same background knowledge as some classmates, but Daystar taught me how to learn.”
That confidence has mattered. Though Daystar did not offer every advanced science course available at larger high schools, Adelaide says she has never felt incapable or behind. Instead, she feels equipped, able to digest complex ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and engage deeply with demanding material.
Beyond academics, Adelaide reflects fondly on the relationships that shaped her experience. “As annoying as it sometimes felt that teachers knew everything about everyone,” she laughs, “I’m so grateful for how known I felt.” That sense of being seen has translated directly to college life, where she’s made a point to build relationships with professors, opening doors to mentorship, research opportunities, and support.
Adelaide also carries Daystar’s call to “notice what needs mending” into her life beyond the classroom. At Colorado College, she’s part of a mentoring program that partners with a local middle school, supporting under-resourced boys through weekly connection and care. “Daystar really stressed seeing problems and making an effort to help,” she says. “This has been a meaningful way to keep living that out.”
Looking ahead, Adelaide is exploring graduate school, study abroad in Chile, and the many directions a life shaped by curiosity and service can take. Her advice to current Daystar students is simple and encouraging: don’t shy away from subjects you feel underprepared for.
“I was worried my education might be limited by Daystar’s size,” she reflects. “But I’ve yet to feel ill-prepared.”
Her story is a reminder of what Daystar aims to cultivate: students who know content, but also young people who know how to learn, how to listen, and how to step thoughtfully into the world.
