My high school experience was different from that of the average American teenager. Looking back, deciding to go to a boarding school was probably the best and most important decision of my whole life. Coming from a small town, Grand Island, New York, I looked to follow in the footsteps of my older brother and go to a boarding school in New England.
To my boarding school,
SOPHOMORE YEAR:
489.3 miles or seven hours and twenty five minutes away from home I found myself in your dorm surrounded by strangers. The first three weeks of the year were tough to get through and you taught me how lucky I was to have so many friends before I came to you. However, you also taught me that there were so many amazing people that I now had the chance to meet from all over the country and the world. You opened my eyes to different people from different cultures and backgrounds. After those initial three weeks and many awkward encounters I fell in love with you in every aspect: social, athletics, and even academics. I made friends that made my moving into this new place easier. I joined JV Soccer in the fall that was the most fun team and full of amazing people followed by V squad hockey where I was with all of my best friends. As the year progressed I learned your traditions and felt the sense of community. Leaving for each break was exciting but when the break was over, it was not saddening to return to your hilltop. I met so many amazing people and felt comfortable enough to call you home. This year was the hardest but also the most fulfilling year of my life. Leaving to go home for the summer, I knew I had made the right choice.
JUNIOR YEAR:
At the end of Summer 2014, my mom asked me if I was upset school was coming up in a few weeks. To her surprise, my answer was no. I could not have been more excited to see all of my friends after three months and having to communicate through texts. Move in day was greeted with hugs on hugs on hugs on hugs and at the end of that day I knew you would always have a special place in my heart. Walking around the next few weeks, it was strange to see old faces replaced with new ones. I was no longer one of those new ones. New friends were made and the fall seemed to go by quicker than the year before. As classes got harder and the stress of junior year set in, I started to get upset with you. My constant smile turned into worry, anger and sadness, and I could not wait to go on break. This break I lost my Grandfather and I did not want to leave my family at home. I spent extra days away from you, but you did not leave me. I was showered with calls and texts from what felt like everyone at school saying they loved me, missed me and could not wait to see me when I got back. This gave me my smile back and the strength to return to you. I remembered all the good you brought to my life and was so thankful for it. However, the rest of the year we were at a constant push and pull of good and bad feelings towards each other. This time I did not leave you as I did the year before.
SENIOR YEAR:
Summer gave me the time I needed to relax and take a break and I was so excited to see everyone again. Like before, it was strange to see new people where old ones should have been, but these new kids quickly became friends. The start of the year was consumed with everyone applying to college and everyone was stressed. As deadlines approached, I could feel the anxiety. Classes were even more difficult than the year before. I was lucky enough to be close with everyone in my quad, so late night chats and movies got me through tough times. Seniors were all ready to leave you and go to college. One by one people started getting accepted. I was so excited for everyone, but I saw our family breaking with each letter arriving. I got mine in February and could not have been more thrilled. After this I was sick of you and wanted the freedom of college after what felt like being treated like a child. The cold weather was replaced with warmth and as the days wound down and our grade grew closer. We all knew that in a few short months we would never be together in one place again. We looked at the memories we made with amazing people. I know that however mad or sad I felt about you in the past, it was all part of the process. I said I would not cry but saying goodbye to teachers and friends was overwhelming. I knew that I would miss these people so much.
Looking back I am thankful to have been able to walk through the halls and live there. People that were strangers to me became friends and close family. I know we had our differences many times but I want to thank you for all that you have given me. I could not have imagined a better place to spend three years of my life.
