Meet Kir Kraus, a dynamic and accomplished student currently pursuing mathematics at Cornell University with minors in philosophy and jazz studies. From uncovering new patterns in Pascal’s Triangle to performing with elite music ensembles and advocating for civil rights, Kir embodies a unique blend of curiosity, creativity, and leadership.
Enjoy our Q&A with Kir below:
What accomplishment are you most proud of from the last 2-3 years?
I am proud of the well-roundedness I’ve been able to achieve in my accomplishments. I applied and was selected to perform with an elite percussion quartet as part of the Austin Civic Orchestra’s Black Voice Concert, receiving a scholarship towards my college tuition. As the only returning member this year, I stepped up to be the band leader for a jazz combo group that performed and competed around Texas, receiving superior ratings and lots of positive feedback. I went on many mathematical deep dives, one of which landed me with a pattern in Pascal’s Triangle that no one on the internet (it appears) or that I talked to had seen before. I collaborated with my teacher to write a proof for it that now exists in part of a lesson in one of his classes. I applied and was selected for an all-expenses-paid trip to major Civil Rights locations as an ambassador for the ADL Austin delegation, where I spoke with Civil Rights leaders like Reverend Woods, and equally as impactful participants such as people who marched from Selma to Montgomery as children. I created a culminating project inspired by my experience on this trip and delivered a speech to the ADL Austin Board about my trip experience and how it further motivated me in my pursuit of initiating open-minded conversations.
What are your goals for the next few years?
I am studying mathematics at Cornell University, with the intention of minoring in philosophy and jazz studies. I plan to continue my own personal mathematical deep dives, while also applying for research opportunities with talented professors at the university. I have already connected with the student leaders and professors in the percussion department and plan to participate in multiple ensembles such as the indoor percussion group and the big band jazz ensemble. I would also really like to continue pursuing knowledge in jazz theory and expand my repertoire of jazz music and its culture. Outside of school, I would love to continue traveling the world. I originally planned to take a gap year to go to Israel, so when the time is right, I want to spend a good amount of time there.
What are the 1-2 most important things you learned from your experience at AJA?
I learned how capable I am, given the opportunity. In prior schooling, I was a very shy kid who showed little interest in a lot of things. At the AJA, I was encouraged to participate in all these different events, just to try them out. I ended up loving every single moment of it. I tried out for the school musical in my first year and continued to do so all the way through eighth grade (In a full circle moment as well-I think I played Townsperson #4 in Aladdin my first year in high school, and in eighth grade, I played Aladdin). I tried out for volleyball and basketball that same year and continued on those teams all throughout my elementary and middle school careers. Before the AJA, I didn’t know I could do these sorts of things, so I simply didn’t. At the AJA, I was constantly inspired and motivated to try out anything and everything by people who really believed in me.
At the AJA, I was constantly inspired and motivated to try out anything and everything by people who really believed in me.
Who was your favorite teacher at AJA and why?
It would be quite impossible for me to pick a favorite. Each and every teacher played a vital role in helping me become the person I am today. My first teacher at the AJA, Ms. Novy, was the first teacher to notice my interest in mathematics, and tested me on more advanced concepts accordingly, to feed into my interests and abilities. If not for that third grade opportunity, I don’t know how I’d feel about the subject, let alone pursue a college degree in it. Ms. Hidalgo helped me realize that I’m an environmentalist. Working on the farm and learning about sustainable living inspired me throughout my high school career, and I assisted in leading a project to reduce waste in our own and other AISD school cafeterias. Ms. K (Ms. Kantrowitz) was a constant support system for me and everyone, it seemed. Anytime in the Judaics room was a good time, and I could always rely on her and that room to cheer me up and teach me something new and captivating. Prof Risa helped me realize that my encompassing empathetic nature is a gift, and nurtured me in an environment that allows me to use my emotions for the benefit of learning, in understanding the feelings behind the history and literature. Ms. Rosenmann gave me space to shine as a leader. Whether it was for NJHS, the greenhouse, or various science-related projects, she helped me develop my leadership skills in ways that had lasting impacts on the campus and people. Under her direction, I felt like I was able to really create a legacy for myself that I am proud of.
What was your favorite assignment or learning experience at AJA and why?
In seventh grade, we learned about the hardships refugees go through to find a safe place, initially by reading the book Refugee by Alan Gratz. Concurrently, we were selecting our annual NJHS project and landed upon the perfect way to connect our learning to the world. We partnered with Refugee Services of Texas to organize and decorate an apartment for an arriving refugee family. We sectioned off necessary items by grade, so the entire school could be a part of our project. We also collected nonrequired items like potted plants to have a part of our greenhouse with them, and toys for the young boy in the family. After three months of gathering materials and a couple weeks furnishing the apartment, we greeted them in the airport with signs in English and their Native French. At the moment, I don’t think they realized who we were, but when I heard about how they later became very emotional after seeing the apartment, it confirmed for me that we had done a real mitzvah, of welcoming the stranger.
What advice do you have for current AJA students about life after AJA?
The more I integrate myself into the world, the more connected I feel to my Jewish identity. It’s sort of ironic. When I was at the AJA every day, I was constantly surrounded by this community so central to my life and upbringing, that I now have to seek out connections to Judaism more often because I do not attend a Jewish school anymore. I thank the AJA for everything that it taught me because I feel like I have the tools to maintain my connection to Judaism outside of school. My advice here is to really dive deep into the Jewish curriculum at the AJA, for multiple reasons. The customs, the history, the culture is all so fascinating, and is something I suspect you’ll want to keep close to you when you go on to other places. Cherish and immerse yourself within it as it constantly surrounds you, then go out and bring it with you everywhere you go.
