Whether she’s leading a club of her own founding, writing like she’s running out of time, or turning 50 consecutive cartwheels down a stretch of land, Maya Seagull—sorry, Segal—doesn’t do things halfway.
Maya Segal is an incredibly gifted writer, dancer, leader, and friend who we at The Eagle’s Eye are proud to call our opinionated opinion editor. As a part of newspaper, she’s been editing articles for the past two years and writing them for three. In fact, she’s written at least three articles in every section, for a grand total of 34 articles (and one podcast episode), with one of those being our sixth most read article of all time. But who’s counting? Each and every one of those 34 is deeply thoughtful, analytical, and clearly written by someone who cares about what she’s doing. It’s not a surprise to anyone that Maya is planning on majoring in journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she’s certain to continue to write masterfully crafted pieces for the lucky Tar Heels.
One of Maya’s biggest contributions to Enloe’s community was founding Enloe’s Jewish Culture Club. “I think it was really important to her that it happened, and also that it continued happening,” said Evie Gardiner, her close friend since sophomore year. Ever since the club’s founding back in 2023, it’s been meeting monthly to celebrate Jewish traditions and discuss topics impacting the Jewish community in and outside of Enloe. “She’s really great at building her own communities,” commented Evie. “She’s great at involvement.” JCC welcomes students of all backgrounds to celebrate their own culture or learn about Jewish culture and community, and will continue to thrive at Enloe after its beloved president and founder graduates.
This ability to foster community is evident not just in her building up JCC, but also in her dedication to her temple outside of school, where she works and volunteers, and in her contributions to Enloe’s dance department. Just like in her writing, her dancing shines in its attention to detail and technique without sacrificing feeling or personal expression. After four years of Enloe dance, Maya now has six honors concerts, several student choreographed performances, a performance of her own choreography, and a handful of master classes and intensives under her belt.
Of course, even though she’s a hard worker whose resume is nothing to scoff at, Maya is much more than her achievements. Her friendships are perhaps the highest reflection of her success. “She’s so, so smart. She’s so funny. She’s just so nice to be around. She’s such a lovely person. I feel like you can have deep conversations with her and also have lighthearted and funny conversations with her,” said Peggy Donnelly, who met Maya in the most Enloe environment of all—freshman year C&C. While she might generally give off the impression that she’s always serious, that’s underselling her true well-roundedness. Maya never lets her diligence get in the way of knowing how to make others smile or have a good time of her own. “She always wants to do something. She encourages me to do things I wouldn’t have done otherwise, so I end up having more fun experiences when I’m with her,” said Evie.
It speaks to her character just how much Maya’s closest friends love spending time with her. Even when they’re not hitting the beach or (safely) burning notes to celebrate the beginning of summer, just being around Maya is sure to put one in a good mood. “I think my favorite parts with her are just talking with her. Whether it’s late at night and we’re sleeping over together or during lunch, I just like spending time with her!” recalled Peggy.
Throughout her time at Enloe, Maya has grown and changed, but still stayed her determined, action-oriented self. “I admire and appreciate her drive and her commitment. … She has so much going on, but she’s still always reliable and always there for you and always a good friend, even with all the things that she does,” remarked longtime friend Lucy Bharwani. Whether her effort is going into her schoolwork or into having fun, Maya always, always gives 100%.
Although we will be sad to see her go, UNC Chapel Hill is going to be lucky to see its journalistic output, Hozier and Noah Kahan streams, and general quality of life skyrocket due to Maya’s presence. We are fully confident that she will have the time of her life and go on to achieve great things, simply because she knows no other option. Go Eagles, go Tar Heels, and most importantly, GO MAYA!
maYA,
I am so glad we’ve gotten to be friends over the past three years! You’re truly so inspiring and fun to be around. I owe you several solids for putting up with my ridiculous article writing methods–sorry for that. You really do encourage everyone around you to become a better version of themselves and it’s just so incredible. I hope that you know just how loved you are here at Enloe and by all your friends. I’m so excited to see what you get up to in the future!!!
-Minty
Dear Maya,
From making delicious hamantaschen at JCC to accepting your thoughtful edits for my Ecosia article to just talking to you during class, I’ve enjoyed every minute that we’ve spent together. I’ve been admiring your articles since before I even joined The Eagle’s Eye, and my respect for you has only grown with time. Thank you so much for your unparalleled dedication. Although this class won’t be the same without you, I know you have even brighter things ahead!
-Anna England
