![Andy Tse headshot]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1702402954/standrewsorg/l2vycwevwjqjgyzarfow/AndyTse2.avif","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1702402954/standrewsorg/l2vycwevwjqjgyzarfow/AndyTse2.avif","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1702402954/standrewsorg/l2vycwevwjqjgyzarfow/AndyTse2.avif","width":650}])
Friendship: The one thing that Mr. Tse mentioned many times throughout the interview was the friendships he made at SAES. He felt that these friends have had a lasting impact on him. He still keeps in contact with many of them today, after having gone through years of school together.
Experiences: Mr. Tse told us that Saint Andrew’s was one of the best academic experience of his life. He spoke about several of his favorite occasions, even those un-academic, such as track meets, sports, field trips to plays and museums, dissections, and science camps. Additionally, he told us about a few of his middle school memories, reminiscing about good times with friends: delivering milk with his friend to the younger children, performing a Christmas play in front of the Chapel, running the 3.1 mile, and winning a basketball championship. He also said that Saint Andrew’s taught him “family-type” values through Chapel, such as camaraderie, friendship, and the importance of education.
Preparation for the future: After going to Saint Andrew’s, Andy Tse and his classmates were very well prepared for high school, and not only on an academic level. He mentioned field trips, specifically pointing out science camp, which was the first time that he and his classmates slept away from home, saying it was a blast. He was even able to recall the names of his camp counselors! When he was at Saint Andrew’s he wanted to run a big business. He pictured himself coming to school reunions in a helicopter and a limousine, however, this vision has changed drastically since he’s become the realtor that he is today. His main focus now is his family, health, and the friendships he makes through his business.
Mr. Tse told us about some of his teachers: Mrs. Stark, who taught literature, Mrs. Reynolds the science teacher, and Mr. Adams and Ms. Thornburg for PE. A couple of his favorite teachers were Mrs. Jackson, saying they learned a lot in her class though she was strict, and Mrs. Stark, whose class was described as “phenomenal”. In his opinion, Saint Andrew’s did an especially great job preparing students for math, english, Spanish, social studies, and literature.
Sports: Andy Tse said that sports, which taught him teamwork, was one of the things he remembered most about his time at Saint Andrew’s. He talked about his basketball and flag football teams in middle school, and how some alumni, such as Mr. Bullard, came back to coach a sports team. He also felt that it was beneficial to him and his friends to have built a foundation of running, saying it kept them athletic. He particularly enjoyed track meets.
His advice for current students: “Make the most out of everything here. Make great friendships, learn as much as you can, and have fun!”
We’re so glad that we had the opportunity to talk to an alumni of SAES and hear about his experiences and hope to see him back on campus soon!