The Exeter Bulletin — Spring 2000

Kristin Javaras '95

April 15, 2000

Joins the Elite Ranks of Rhodes Scholars

Twenty-two-year old Kristin N. Javaras'95 is a Harvard University senior, and one of 32 United States students to be named a Rhodes Scholar. She was chosen from a field of 935 applicants nationwide.

"I'm overjoyed," Kristin says. "I'll be studying at Oxford for at least three years. I hope to do a Ph.D. in statistics and apply it to psychology. I am looking forward to new experiences in an educational system that is substantially different from that of the United States."

Kristin credits part of her success to skills acquired at Exeter: taking control of her life, scheduling homework and free time, learning to be organized, developing relationships, and participating at the Harkness table. She values all her teachers but has special regard for two genuinely missed faculty. Mathematics Instructor Anja Greer introduced Kristin to statistics and inspired a passion for mathematics. English Instructor Fred Tremallo showed her a whole new way of thinking. Kristin says, "Mr. Tremallo had a special gift for linking things."

"Academically I was very well prepared. I was glad of my Exeter experience because it freed up my time in the new school environment and I was able to use that time to participate in extracurricular activities."

Kristin, a gifted figure skater, taught Boston school children to skate in Harvard's "Learn to Skate" program. Kristen explored ballet, assisted in Harvard's "Evening of Champions," took on her first administrative fund-raising roll for the University's "CitySteps Program," interned at Lehman Brothers in London and New York, traveled to Russia on a capital market project, and did a Teaching Fellowship in Applied Statistics.

Kristin's academic adviser at Harvard, Joseph J. Harrington, says, "Kristin is a well rounded student with a stellar record. Her enthusiasm, aptitude, and love for teaching shows through."

In 1902, Cecil Rhodes, colonial pioneer, created the Rhodes Scholarship. It is the oldest international study award available to American students. The Rhodes Scholarship provides study at the University of Oxford in England and includes travel and expenses. Women were allowed to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship in 1976. Consistent with Mr. Rhodes's wishes, the criteria for any student requires "high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership, and physical vigor."

Kristin's parents are especially proud of their daughter. Barbara Javaras, Kristin's mother says, "The Rhodes Scholarship is the ultimate reward for her hard work and dedication. We feel like Exeter was custom-made for our daughter."

— Alice Ann Gray