Andrei, an Avenor graduate from the Class of 2022, is currently in his third year at Harvard, pursuing a double major in Art, Film, and Visual Studies and Economics. The well-rounded profile he built during high school, combined with his passion for film and art, helped him secure a place at one of the world’s most prestigious universities in a year when the acceptance rate was below 4%.

Whenever he returns to Romania, he visits the school, where he is warmly welcomed and excited to share updates about his journey and experiences. 

During his latest visit, he presented us with a special gift – an animated video capturing the essence of what it means to be an Avenorian, featuring an original soundtrack composed by Andrei himself, inspired by his personal experience and academic path.

We invite you to discover more about this project, his life as a Harvard student, and his plans for the future—directly from Andrei.

 

“My years at Avenor were defined by curiosity, enthusiasm, and ambition”

Can you tell us more about the creative process behind the animated video you made for Avenor?

The animation was designed to depict the journey of a child who starts nursery at the age of two and continues their education at Avenor for 16 years, culminating in high school graduation.

The core inspiration behind this project was my personal experience and the strong emotions that connect me to Avenor. My years at the school were shaped by curiosity, enthusiasm, and ambition—qualities that have brought me to where I am today. I wanted to reflect these values through the gestures and flight of the stickman character in the video.

When brainstorming ideas, I sought a simple yet meaningful concept that would be easy to animate. This led me to the universally recognised stickman—a figure every student has drawn at some point. In the animation, a student sketches a stickman in their notebook, which then comes to life, flies out of the school bag, and embarks on a unique journey through the school years. The colours in Avenor’s logo visually illustrate this adventure.

At the end of the journey, as the student graduates, the pencils that shaped and enriched their education transform into the 16 colourful sticks from the Avenor logo. This symbolises both the culmination of their academic journey and the essential elements that contribute to becoming a well-rounded individual.

I chose this representation because it mirrors my own experience—and, I believe, that of every Avenorian. Sports, sciences, arts, and all the projects I was involved in played a crucial role in shaping me as both a student and a person. They not only define the Avenor spirit but also capture the key milestones in every student’s pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

After a complex process combining technical skills and creativity, I successfully completed an animation I am truly proud of—one that I dedicate to the school that had such a profound impact on my life.

For those less familiar with animation, can you give us an idea of the time and resources invested in this project?

Typically, an animation like this is created by a team comprising a director, graphic designers, animators, a sound editor, and a composer. Together, they collaborate with the client to develop a product that aligns with the intended vision and communication goals. Such a project usually takes about two weeks to complete and requires a generous production budget.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to such a team or resources, so I created the entire animation from scratch. My goal was to capture both my personal experience at Avenor and the essence of the school’s brand.

To achieve this, I designed my own visual elements by combining digital drawings with royalty-free images. The animation process itself involved complex, simultaneous movements, despite the main character’s simple design. The challenge was to animate the stickman in a way that conveys a wide range of emotions. Once the animation was complete, I composed an original soundtrack to complement both the motion and the emotions portrayed in the video.

In the end, after approximately 80 hours of work and overcoming countless technical challenges, I created a one-minute animation that I hope captures the essence of being an Avenorian.

 

STUDENT LIFE – FROM AVENOR TO HARVARD

What are the biggest advantages and challenges of being a Harvard student?

One of the greatest benefits of attending a university of this calibre is its reputation and the extensive alumni network—both crucial when entering the industry after graduation.

Another advantage is the Liberal Arts education system, which allows students to explore courses beyond their primary field of study. This flexibility is encouraged and often helps students not only learn new things but also discover unexpected passions. Many students arrive at Harvard with a specific study plan, only to realise later that they are more passionate about an entirely different field, leading them to change their academic path.

The biggest challenge, ironically, is the constant pressure to excel. While the Harvard community is both supportive and competitive, the drive to push beyond your limits can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, I firmly believe that diamonds are formed under pressure, and true excellence is achieved through dedication and hard work.

What advice do you have for Year 11 and 12 students who are deciding on their educational path or university options?

Being 17 or 18 can feel overwhelming, as expectations are high and the pressure to make major decisions is intense. The most important thing is to explore as many opportunities as possible. Find what truly excites you, define your expectations for the future, and choose a path that, while challenging, also brings you fulfilment.

Even if these decisions seem difficult to grasp right now, Avenor is a school that can open many doors for you. It’s essential to be ambitious and make the most of the opportunities available. With determination and hard work, you can reach the heights you dream of.

 

FUTURE PLANS

What are you currently working on? What projects are you involved in?

First and foremost, I am creating numerous short films, driven by my passion for filmmaking. Thanks to grants from Harvard’s Office of the Arts, I direct and shoot projects alongside my friends, hoping to submit them to film festivals.

Beyond my academic and extracurricular film-related projects, I’m also beginning to explore economic research. I want to understand the business side of the film industry, which is why I chose to study Economics as well. My goal is to gain the necessary knowledge and experience to navigate the financial and strategic aspects of the industry.

As for sports, I am a member of Harvard’s boxing club and play squash with friends whenever I get the chance. Fortunately, Harvard students have free access to the gym, which allows me to stay active and train regularly.

What are your goals for the near future?

In the coming months, I plan to continue creating short films and refining my creative skills through an internship in the film industry. My ultimate dream is to direct feature films in Hollywood, so I am constantly working on developing both my technical expertise and creative vision to excel in this field.

Where can we watch your projects?

You can find my work on my website or my YouTube channel.