Ainsley Bourgeois, '25

Ainsley Bourgeois, '25, became an ESA student in 9th grade, and made herself at home on the stage here. She performs in ESA musicals and with the ESA Speech & Debate team, as well as with Christian Youth Theater. She also spends time working at Great American Cookie and Marble Slab in Youngsville. She says what makes ESA unique are the community, the opportunities offered here, and the connections she has been able to make.  

Here's our Q&A with Ainsley:

My 6th-grade teacher Mrs. Cunningham at St. Pius was the first person who told me I could succeed in English classes. 

My most challenging moment at ESA was my freshman year. I struggled with adapting to a new school and a significantly different community. But this new community and others in my life supported me as I learned to advocate for myself and find my voice. 

 

If I could study anything in the world, I would like to learn about and photograph wildlife in New Zealand. My friend, Bridget, lives in New Zealand. We met through social media during the Covid 19 quarantine. After hearing about all of her adventures, I have such a strong desire to go and experience the world that New Zealand has to offer. Having the opportunity to see how their wildlife interacts in the environment, and attempt a type of photography I don’t have a lot of experience with would be an absolute dream!

I'd like to share the experience of someone who isn't always surrounded by those who are considered the "favorites" of the class or always in the spotlight. Just giving a new perspective.

Thanks, Ainsley!