Leo S. (IN A NUTSHELL)

Leo is a Junior at Stanford University studying Russian Literature and Mathematics. Leo was born in Memphis, Tennessee and spent his childhood flying kites on the bluff or outside in the gardens at his Montessori School. Leo credits his love of learning and his student-centered teaching style to his primary education in a Montessori school where he mediated disputes at the peace table and performed science experiments of his choosing. Leo moved to Palo Alto, California when he was 12. In high school, Leo participated in the chess club and was the captain of both the water polo and lacrosse teams. In the classroom, Leo loved every subject, but his weakest was reading and writing. Upon his arrival at Stanford, he decided to do what he was worst at to become a better overall student. He now primarily studies Classical Russian Literature and German Philosophy focused on the likes of Dostoevsky, Heidegger, Lermontov, and Bulgakov. He is fascinated by the intersection of philosophy, politics, and literature in the 19th and 20th centuries. When he's not reading or writing he can be found in math classes to broaden his intellectual horizons and improve his logical reasoning. Outside of the classroom, Leo writes and edits at two publications. For fun, Leo is an avid poker player and placed 25th in the College World Series of Poker last year (despite being only 19 years old!). He also enjoys the outdoors and takes weekend trips to fly fish, car camp, and read in his hammock.