*Insert All Synonyms For “Fantastic”* Teachers at Andover.

Reflecting on the year I am amazed.  I have grown so much.  My writing has improved tremendously because I have found a new inspiration.  I started using imagery and descriptive language in my papers.  I played around with different formats, and most importantly, I took risks.  My English teacher’s suggestions and encouragement has truly made a difference and it is teachers like her who make Andover so remarkable.

In the personal realm, I have learned a lot more about myself and my identity.  I learned that I am 62 percent extroverted and 48 percent introverted, and that I LOVE analyzing movies and looking for symbolism and motifs.  I learned that a simple “Good morning!” or “How are you?” can brighten a person’s day significantly.  And I also learned that I love talking to people I don’t know, whether it’s in the stir-fry line or at the library, because it has allowed me to meet so many new people!

But most importantly, I have discovered that I am so fortunate to experience Andover.  The teachers and classes are absolutely life changing.  Not everything is perfect, especially grades.  Some weeks are stressful but the good and the not so good times are all part of this wonderful experience: an  experience that has allowed me to push myself further than I ever thought was possible.  For example, this term, I started calculus.  My teacher, Mr. Barry, placed me the accelerated course but I was extremely doubtful that I would be able to keep up.  I decided to test the course for a few weeks, knowing that I could drop down.  But then the first test came along and when I flipped the front page to look at my score, my stomach churned and I felt as if a boulder had smashed my heart.  Mr. Barry saw through my expression and before I could say anything, he told me, “You can do it.  You belong in this class.”  I will never forget his words.  Mr. Barry lent me confidence when I had none so that I could stretch myself in the subject that I love.  Today, I had the revelation that my first term of calculus has almost come to an end.  Although my grades are not as high as I wish, I have learned to focus on the experience instead.  I made many mistakes along the way but I have learned from every single one.  I found much more value in the knowledge and skills I have gained from this course than in a number that will appear on a transcript.  I am so thankful that Mr. Barry had confidence in me that day.  He smiles and is super friendly but his tests are the hardest tests I have taken.  I have come to love his tests for the challenge and I have grown a deeper love for math because of Mr. Barry.  He is another example of the absolutely superb teachers at Andover.

As Perfect As A Cup of Tea… The Library!

Studying…  We all come to Andover to learn.  Here are my two words to describe academics at Andover, rigorous and manageable.  These are the exact two words that Andover students told me when I was a perspective student.  They are right.  So, where do we flip open textbooks and hit the keyboards?

As I am beginning my college search, one of the first things I look for are places to study.  Personally, I love studying next to large windows to soak up the ever-so-nourishing sunlight!  Other people enjoy hidden corners with a nice bright light and no noise.  Andover accommodates all types of study preferences.

Our most common study pace is the OWHL library!  Our Library.  Nine foot windows, comfy, comfy chairs, a silent study room, the stacks, and a sky light.  The library houses many students.  Not because of its studious atmosphere but because it’s a gathering place.  All grades gather at the library and I love walking over to the printer or help desk and seeing my friends as I pass them.  The gathering place allows me to reconnect with friends who I haven’t seen recently or with friends who I see all the time.  Laughter makes such a great study break!  And when stomachs rumble, the Den (our snack store) is just 20 steps away.  The different rooms of the library suits all studying styles and the friends feed you energy to study.

A Colorful Welcome Back.

I have never seen the purest, most beautiful shade of green than in the grass that pads our cartwheels and picnics on the great lawn.  I hulled my bright purple suitcase to my dorm and searched through the layers of my favorite snack, dried seaweed.  There it was. Slippers.  My bright yellow slippers (flip flops).  I slipped on my trademark at Andover and flopped down the stairs with a great big smile.  The sound of the flops greeted warm weather back and the beautiful grass greeted me back to Andover!  I am so happy to be back!  Nothing feels better than to look around my spotless dorm (with the exception of a few whites specks on the carpet) and to run as fast as I can to give my friends a tidal wave of hugs at Commons.  Energy overcomes the jetlag and before I know it, I am frolicking around campus again!  Andover is my home and I cannot imagine being happier!  Every minute of fidgeting on the plane was worth this feeling.  A feeling of home and ineffable happiness.  A love for a school, new yet somehow a home. 

End of Winter Term!

            I write this at the end of Winter term finals week, which for me closed with a Thursday afternoon French final.  As soon as I got out, I met friends on the Great Lawn to sit outside on the grass and enjoy the incredible spring weather. 

Congratulations to the 235th Entering Class!

Each morning, I walk through the lush great lawn and past Sam Phil (the building with that glowing blue clock) and I think to myself “I am so fortunate to be a student at Andover!  I love this school so much!  Thank you, thank you, thank you.”  I didn’t figured out who or what I was thanking until now: each and every single person I have encountered.  My family who I see everyday and a lady in line at the grocery store who I have met once.  I thank my community back in Japan who allowed me to attend school as an exchange student, my teachers home in Hawaii who stayed after hours to help me.  I owe thanks to everyone no matter how much or how little I have known them.  

Winter Term Recap

It looks like I’ve missed a couple blogs. But I’m ready to recap what’s happened this term.

Winter term, without the winter part (until recently), has been a term of growth and development. Being on the Nordic team, I absolutely loved learning how to ski and training intensely for the snow we all waited for. It was a great experience to have, trying something new. One readily available with the plethora of new and interesting classes, sports, and clubs on campus.

Perhaps my favorite moment of winter term was the Fete du Courant. At the Addison Gallery, the amazing American art museum  on campus, the literary magazine of campus hosted a large gathering to celebrate its winter publication. Poetry readings, music performances, art exhibitions of the students were displayed throughout the museum. Many students came over to celebrate the rich and growing culture of art Andover embraces.

Another great moment: the Super Bowl. Everyone in the dorm gathered downstairs to watch on a big screen, taking from the usual Sunday night routine. We ate chips and wings, had a blast, and relished in the game.

Other highlights include: casino night, BOSmun the annual thrilling model UN conference in Boston, and Andover-Exeter weekend. Though winter term was one of hard work and snowless cold, there were many opportunities to have a great time with great friends.

 

 

Weekends

Weekends are not all about homework.  Andover students love to sleep in until 3:00 (although I am always a early riser), spend hours at brunch, walk downtown and relax at Starbucks, shop at Whole Foods, take the train to Boston, or even watch movies.  Every week, students are sent “The Weekender” that announces the events for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.  Some examples are Winter Carnival ice skating, gingerbread decorating, casual or semiformal dances, and Drama Labs (student run plays).  There is always something for everyone.  I love going to the events on the Weekender because they are great opportunities to meet new people and to see friends who I haven’t seen in a while.

During the daylight hours of the Weekend, I enjoy spending my time downtown.  I frequent Whole Foods and Bruegger’s (a bagel store) but I love exploring the little nooks and crannies in the town.  Every time my friends and I explore, we discover an exciting new store or restaurant.  I love the weekends here.  They recharge me with energy to attack the coming week! 

Winter Term Perspective

Earlier this term, I started participating in the Bread Loaf Writing Workshop program, in which PA students work on writing with third graders at a Lawrence public school.  So far, I’ve been three times, and it has become a highlight of my week.  Every Thursday, I go straight from my History 300 class to the parking lot where we meet to drive over.  When we reach the school, we split into three separate classrooms and sit with the same students each week.  The four kids at the table I typically work with are always friendly, and I truly enjoy chatting with them and hearing their responses to each week’s writing prompt.

Head of School Day

Head of School day is a day when classes are cancelled unexpectedly.  Ms. Chase, our Head of School, walked into Commons and held up her hockey stick, the symbol of the day off.  There was a lively party in Commons and the Den (our student snack lounge).  Students relieved that they do not have to do homework floated off to town to get a cup of hot cocoa and others sat down with a bag of popcorn and a movie they have been dying to watch. 

A Town and a Community

The town of Andover.  I frequent  the town almost every other day.  Sometimes I want to relax or go for a walk.  Other times I need to replace my gum stash.  Whatever the reason, whenever I go to town, I come back invigorated with more happiness.  The school Andover is a community and the town of Andover is a community as well.  The same people working at CVS or Starbucks greet me and students are scattered throughout the stores.  The cashiers or the people who prepare my steamed soy milk get to know me on a personal level.  They crack jokes and ask me how I am.  The people of the town bring a deeper sense of belonging and home.

Where ever I walk, people smile genuinely.  The town of Andover is special in that everyone is friendly and they do not hide it.  Countless of times, people have started talking to me while I am waiting in line or looking at the same shelf of cereal.  The people here share themselves with their openness to meeting and befriending new people.  With each new person I meet, I feel  myself becoming  more tightly knitted into the community.  Even if I do not talk to someone new, the waiters at the restaurants speak to me on a much more intimate level than anywhere else I have experienced.  My heart swells with happiness because I  feel accepted into this community even though I have only been here for a term and a half.  Having the town to go to for a miniature vacation is always so nice.  I love Andover, the town and the school.