Dear new student,
Congratulations on getting through your first month at Choate! As most students can attest, Choate is very different from other schools, so it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed as a newcomer. It’s also just as normal to still feel overwhelmed even after being here for a while. I’ve been here for more than a year, and I’m still learning new things about myself and Choate every day. While the first few weeks of school are filled with back-to-back meetings, ice breakers, and trying to get settled amidst the chaos, it’s in these next few weeks and months that you’ll be able to find your place in the community. Get out of your comfort zone; make sure to try something new this year. There’s a whole community behind you to support you. So, here’s some advice from a sophomore who was once in your shoes:
As Dr. Curtis said during Matriculation, this year brings new changes to the Choate community. Compared to last year, there are fewer Covid-19 restrictions, like no required masking outside academic buildings and no six-feet social distancing. Take full advantage of these new freedoms — hug your friends, high-five your teammates, cram around the dining hall tables! Be grateful that our dining hall conversations will no longer consist of us yelling “what?” at our one friend sitting six-feet across the table. Also, explore Wallingford — there are some great spots to visit around town. Reach out to your prefects or other upperclassmen for recommendations — my friends and I always go into town with the plan of trying something new, but we end up eating Half Moon’s pizzas every time.
It’s still not too late to meet new people! While it may seem like others have already found their friend groups, a lot of students don’t meet their closest friends until years into their time at Choate. Whether for the arts, athletics, or academics, it’s easy to find people to be friends with in and out of activities. The best places to meet people are in classes and afternoon sports or activities, because of how frequently they meet. Special shoutout to Choate Girls’ Varsity Hockey for being the very best team on campus, and for being my go to people for a laugh. So, try to introduce yourself to people in your class, and get to know them! During online school last year, I made friends by telling them Homer was my grandfather. Too many people believed it.
Most importantly, (this may sound cliché) but have fun. Choate, like any other high school, is not perfect, and yet it’s such a special place. While you may often feel stressed from the heavy workload or find yourself suffering from imposter syndrome, keep an open mind and engage yourself. Know that you belong here and that you will find your place. If you’ve had a rough past year and a half, Choate is a place where you can find all the comfort and support you need. Some last bit of advice: learn the school song — you don’t want to have to mumble along when they don’t project the lyrics on the Colony Hall screen. Or, God forbid, pump your fist at the wrong time. That would be embarrassing.
All the best,
Lily
