Place to learn beyond the classroom
Print Edition
Growing up in a bicultural environment in a family of four, I learned how to speak both English and Chinese fluently. During the summer before 8th grade, I wanted change and decided to challenge myself by applying to boarding schools in the United States. After a rigorous process, I was accepted to the Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. I was overjoyed, but I had no idea what I was getting into. The fear of living in a boarding school across the world and away from home was intimidating; I was not quite yet mentally prepared.
Through the first few days, I quickly understood that being at an elite boarding school was very different to a private day school. I grew to be very independent and had the responsibility to care for myself because I was living in dormitories with my classmates and dorm parents. At school, learning continued beyond the classroom.
We “live to learn” and spent large amounts of time in learning activities. But we also “learn to live” by carrying the responsibilities that come with greater independence. I believe that boarding schools give an opportunity where we are empowered to experience a measure of real independence, but more importantly, learn how to live with, trust, and respect our peers in a small community. We are given independence we would not have living at home.
Each week, we had the responsibility of doing our own laundry, taking care of our health, maintaining a balance between our academic and social life, and managing our day-to-day schedule. Ultimately, this is an ideal preparation for the challenges and responsibilities we will encounter in adulthood.
Besides responsibility, boarding school prepares us to interact with different people and bond closely with not only our friends and dorm mates, but also the teachers and coaches.
The Hill is also known as the “Family Boarding School,” where Hill students and faculty maintain a strong bond and build off a diverse community. Whenever the student body and faculty gather, whether it is for seated meals, school meetings, or community events such as Pottstown CARES day, it is a great time to build a stronger sense of community that our school aims to achieve.
Taking part in a sports team was one of the best choices I have made. We often traveled long distances to other boarding schools and the road trips were always the highlight during every match we attended in squash season.
I created a special relationship with my squash teammates and coaches because they have become a new family to me. And the small student-teacher ratio brings a closeness with our peers and teachers, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and growth that may have been unprecedented prior to boarding schools. It is a special kind of relationship that I have not witnessed anywhere else. Yet, some of my most remarkable friendships are with teachers, many of whom are certified to teach at colleges as professors, but who chose, instead, to in a truly magical environment.
Hill has given me opportunities for creativity. Many Hill students create unique after-school clubs open to the community. We often participate in several extracurricular activities, whether it is sports, or becoming involved with music, art or the student government.
Going into a new school 11,000 kilometers away from home, I did not know what to expect, But it gave me much more. I have become a more independent individual and created a new, loving Hill family.
The most important life lesson I have taken away is developing a true sense of love and tolerance for a small community like this one, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I am truly proud to call the Hill my second home.
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