Featured: Grier SchoolAlumni Review #4, Class of 2002
About the Author:
College Enrolled
Hobart College
Home Town, State (Country)
Winthrop, NY
Years Attended Boarding School
2
Activities During Boarding School
I was introduced to Kent through the vast hockey network. I played both varsity hockey and varsity lacrosse. I was a typical hockey player. I spent my time on the ice or in the gym. Athletics, to me, were primary, although my grades were satisfactory. I didn't participate in any organizations. Had I been there all four years, my experience would surely differ.
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
The Kent School struck me as being very unique. The atmosphere, for the most part, was very laid back. Missing class was not a big deal. Recieving 10 - 20 demerits per term was not uncommon. The emphasis on intellectual development was approached in a very individualistic manner. Teachers expected you to do the assigned work and more. I enjoyed my time in an institution that, although they may not agree, fosters a hands-off approach to development. Although there were several resources that acted as a safety net to one's academics, I suggest that it would be quite easy to slip through the cracks and graduate from Kent without ever applying one's self.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
I grew as a person while at Kent. I wasn't afforded the luxury of having my parents look over my shoulder. I was responsible for myself, and myself only. I think that this type of environment prepares one for college. However, if thrown into this environment too early, nothing good will come of it.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I regret not expanding my horizons. Meaning, I wish I would have taken advantage of every opportunity. Playing piano, rock climbing, attempting to play soccer, etc.
4.) What would you never want to change about your school?
The natural beauty that Kent lies in. Once I stepped on campus I knew that Kent was the place that I wanted to spend the next two years in.
5.) What things could be improved about your school?
I feel that Kent needs to improve on its staff - student relationships. Young students can very easily get caught up in the wrong crowd and pick up bad habits. They dont deserve to be kicked out of school. They deserve to be educated. The one strike policy is harsh for those who are trying to find themselves and for those who need to mature and make mistakes in order to learn from them.
6.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Talking to students is the best way to learn about a school. Mostly because students will tell you the straight truth. They don't care if you attend the school or not.
1.) What did you like best about your school’s academics?
They support from the teachers was great. Office doors were always open. The daily schedule was set up to accomodate students in need of extra help. There was a scheduled office block where all teachers would await eager students.
2.) What did you like least about the academics in your school?
Although the work load was at times challenging, I was able to get by doing hardly any studying. I did what was required to keep my teachers smiling. However, I at no time pusher myself.
1.) What did you like best about your school’s athletics?
Living with your teammates is a great experience. The bonds formed with those people will never be broken. Each team acted as its own clique while in season. I think that we all thrived on each other.
2.) What did you like least about the athletics in your school?
The school spirit was not half as great as I expected it to be. Being that most sports events were played during the day, simultaneously with other sports events, parents would fill the stands. The atmosphere was not that of a wednesday night high school hockey game in northern New York.
1.) What did you like best about your school’s art program?
I was fortunate enough to spend my last semester doing an independent study. I studied Earthworks Sculpture. The freedom I was given was great. I had no deadlines and no expectations. I truly believe that because of this I gained alot from the course.
2.) What did you like least about your school’s art program?
I wasn't big on the arts. I think that the arts at Kent were shown more on an individual level.
1.) What did you like most about the extracurricular activities offered at your school?
As mentioned above, two years is not alot of time to get involved in extraxurriculars.
2.) What did you like least about the extracurricular activities offered at your school?
I observed that there was a core group of students who were involved with the extracurricular activities. These students were the "outgoing" members of Kent Society. They were seen all over campus. I think that more people would benefit if these activities appealed to more than just a small group.
1.) What was the best thing about dorm life in your school?
Dorm life was crazy. Something hilarious was always happeneing. If someone's door wasn't covered in salsa, then an air horn would be going off at 3am to wake up the Dorm Head. I think most would agree that dorm life was one of the best aspects of Kent.
2.) What did you like least about dorm life?
Nothing is worse than waking up to a sink full of noodles. The disrespect on behalf of many of the students was appaling. Then again, what can one expect from a dorm full of wealthy immature kids who can't take care of themselves.
1.) What was the best thing about your dining arrangements?
The food was acceptable. I actually liked it. The kitchen staff was great. The options were great. It was easy, FOR A MALE, to eat at kent. Females are a whole different story.
2.) What did you like least about your dining arrangements?
No comment -
1.) How welcome did you feel by the other students when you first arrived at the school
I think that athletics determined my position at Kent. Your "status" was determined by where you were from, who you knew, and what you did in your free time.
2.) Describe the level of diversity and integration of students in your school:
We had the "table 9ers" who consisted of computer technicians and the smarter crowd. In the far corner of the cafeteria sat the Asian Crowd. The african americans seemed to sit with each other. The rich white girls from Greenwich and Bedforf shared an apple for lunch. Everyone else blended in.
3.) Describe typical fun activities you did on a weekend:
I spent my weekends playing sports and sleeping. I was so tired by the end of the week that I broke down in a big mess on my bed. Athletics were demanding.
4.) What was the town like?
The town of Kent acted as an escape for those few free hours when we could get off campus. The Kent Market was a favorite. Eating regular food was a must on the weekends. Although small, Kent is a relaxing place to spend an October afternoon.
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