Kellett Kaleidescope: OK interviews

Our students are launching a new student newspaper called Kellett Kaleidoscope. The students interviewed two Old Kellettonians, Tabitha Grandolfo (OK2007-21) and Kiera Moran (OK2007-14) who worked on student newspaper Kellett Tell It during their time at Kellett. 

Kiera (OK2007-14) graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre/Theater and East Asian Studies from Wesleyan University. Currently, she is the Head of Communications at I-OnAsia. In addition to her professional role, she is the playwright, producer, and lead actor for her play LIKEWISE, which will premiere this January at the New York Theater Festival.

What do you enjoy most about theatre?
Collaboration is my favorite part of theater, because in writing and acting I get to meet and work with people with different perspectives. Especially in table work! I’m a playwright, so when we’re starting the show and the cast sits down for table work, I get to hear what my director (and the other actors) think about the story we’re telling. We work together to decide how we want to bring it to life. It helps me hear the lines I wrote in a completely new way! When everyone brings their best ideas in, and we listen to each other and build the story together, that’s what I enjoy the most.

What inspired you to explore and learn about East Asian Studies?
My Mandarin teacher at Kellett was my first inspiration to learn about East Asian Studies. Mr. David Wu taught Mandarin at Kellett prep when I was there, and he was so enthusiastic, it made me excited to learn Chinese every day. He told stories about Chinese folklore, sang songs with us, and created elaborate drawings to help us remember our Chinese characters. Wu Laoshi is one of my favorite teachers I ever had, and since then I have loved studying Mandarin and learning more about East Asian history and culture.

How did Kellett help you get to where you are now?
Love of learning and confidence for life! I know that’s the slogan, but it’s very true for me. At Kellett, every day felt like an adventure. Our teachers encouraged our imaginations to inspire us in every class; we weren’t just learning history, we were historians for the day. The environment was such that everyone was encouraged to be curious, ask questions, and take on new challenges with excitement.

Kellett taught little Kiera that working hard at what you love (and reading lots of books) is cool, and it shaped who I am today. Theater at Kellett was so formative for me; the plays and choir concerts helped me feel comfortable performing in front of an audience. Kellett gave me the tools to pursue what I love with confidence. Since then, I studied theater in college, wrote my first play, and in January I’m going to perform it in New York City!

How long were you at Kellett? What is your favourite memory of Kellett? 

Kiera (right) at Beauty and the Beast Jr

I was at Kellett for seven years (2007-2014) from Year 1 to Year 7. I have so many great memories, but some of the best were acting in the musicals directed by Mr. Cox, Beauty and the Beast (login to view the photo gallery) and Nowhere Boy. I loved the shows because I got to perform with my best friends, many of whom I’m still friends with to this day. Georgia Harvey, my best friend from Kellett, is still one of my best friends now, almost eleven years later!

Is there any advice you would give to students at Kellett?
Enjoy your time at Kellett. Slow down, look around, and take it all in when you get the chance. Keep a journal if it helps, to write down your favorite memories and what you do in a day. Your school days are precious! In the happy moments, and even the ordinary ones, take little pictures in your mind (or with a camera!) of the people and places you love. You’ll want them later.

How long did it take you to be fluent in Chinese?
I have been learning Chinese since I was 4 years old (at Southside Kindergarten in Repulse Bay!) and now I am 22, so it’s been nearly 18 years. My Chinese is still not perfect! My Chinese is at its best when I speak it every day. Listening to native speakers and having conversations makes you think in Chinese, which makes your speaking better. Practice with people who are better at Chinese than you---that’s the best advice I can give!