“It has been meaningful to me that I have been able to give back to the international student community. Being an international student has been a big part of my identity here.”

We sat down with senior Claire Kietduriyakul five days before Commencement and wondered what she would be running through her head that day.

“A feeling of pride,” she said. “And I’ll be sentimental because of the connections with teachers and friends. It will feel weird not seeing everyone every day, but I also am happy. I’ve accomplished a lot in my four years students, so [Commencement] is a testament to what I have achieved.”

Some of those achievements: on the co-ed ski team for four years, an International Student Ambassador for three years, co-president of Southeast Asians at Loomis, a tour guide, a Global & Environmental Science Certificate, editor of the Hourglass, a Norton Fellow in the summer of 2024, teaching math and English to children of migrant workers in Bangkok, Thailand. Service has been an important part of her Loomis journey. On spring break, back home, she volunteered with a nonprofit that works with previously incarcerated individuals.

Year: Senior

Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand

College: Cornell University. “I’m very excited. Sad to be leaving [Loomis Chaffee] but optimistic about college and the future.” 

On the importance of being an International Student Ambassador: She remembers her freshman year when two ISA’s helped her move into her dorm room and took her to the Bean, a cafe just off campus. “It has been meaningful to me that I have been able to give back to the international student community. Being an international student has been a big part of my identity here.”

A course that sticks out to you? Environmental science, where an assignment was to choose a spot on campus and revisit it a few times noticing changes. Sitting down for a half hour, by herself, reflecting on what she was seeing gave her a greater appreciation of the environment, she said. “It also motivated me to learn more about sustainable practices on campus.” Her spot was near the Longman tennis courts and the hockey pond.

Favorite meal: A Thai dish called “Crying Tiger,” which she said is steak with a spicy dipping sauce.

If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be? Paul McCartney. “I feel that would be fun, and also growing up my mom would play a lot of Beatles music in the car so I feel that would be full circle and nostalgic. ... Music always uplifts me.”

Favorite place on campus: She has two, the dorm room in Howe and the library, where she would go during a free period to do homework, calling it a productive and calming space with its view of the Meadows.

What sights and sounds do you associate with Loomis Chaffee? For sounds, the train, “which I can hear from my room,” and the Victory Bell, which “feels like a big part of the Loomis culture.” Another part of the culture — rubbing John Metcalf Taylor's nose on the sculpture by Evelyn Longman Batchelder outside Taylor Hall.  Does it work? “I want to think it gives me good luck, but I’m not sure. Sometimes it works.” For sights, the quads on each side of the dining hall.