Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Alumni Review #3, Class of 2001

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1. Class of 2006, enrolled at Stetson University
2. Class of 2004, enrolled at Mount Holyoke College
3. Class of 2001, enrolled at Reed College
4. Class of 1999, enrolled at Clark University

College Enrolled

Reed College

Home Town, State (Country)

Years Attended Boarding School

Activities During Boarding School

I was part on the newspaper (The Bell) crew, I participated in the Track and Field team, in the Outdoor Program, as well as the student-directed play.

1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?

A lot of the classes were conference-based, which gives students the unique opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with the teachers and with each other, thus giving them an opportunity to learn from each other and to communicate better. The mandatory sports/activities were a wonderful way to have everybody build a wonderful resume full of achievements.

2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?

I believe that the answer to this question is a combination of all my answers in this questionnaire.

3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?

I probably would have hung out with more of the American students. WMA has a very diverse student body, and as an international student, I initially hung out mostly with other international students. Later on I realized that it is worth the effort to truy and get to know some of the American students. That's how I made my best friends. So no matter if you are an American or an international student, I advise that you spend some time getting to know people of different backgrounds. It will make a huge difference in your life.

4.) What did you like most about your school?

I loved the fact that we had a chance to make life-long friendships while receiving a quality education. I never felt that I was wasting time, even though I was having fun. A lot of the classes were fun!!

5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?

Wallace Blake is the dorm I likes a lot. Hang out in the campus center, they have good pizza.. Check out the bookstore and say hi to the staff there - they are really friendly.

1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?

As mentioned above, I loved the conference classes. Furthermore, all the teachers were available for help. There was a specific time in the schedule set aside for extra help when you could go to the teacher's office and get your questions answered in person. The school has a lot of AP classes and prepared us really well for AP exams.

1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?

Wilbraham and Monson Academy has an excellent academic program. Students are required to take at least 2 PE classes per year, with classes meeting every day, thus giving students intensive preparation in the chosen sports. The school has very highly competitive soccer, basketball, lacrosse, football, track and field teams that are some of the best ones in the area. I loved the consistency in the sports preparation.

1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?

I only took one keyboard class, a basic acting class, and I participated in the student-directed school play. During the one year I was there, I learned how to appreciate art and theater - areas that had always been overlooked at my other high school. I liked the fact that the Arts, Music and Theater were an integral and very important part of the program. This definitely makes the students more well-rounded individuals

1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?

There are a lot of extracurricular opportunities. The ones I enjoyed the most was the community service program, which gave students an opportunity to work with elderly people and children, giving them a feeling of instant satisfaction from helping the community they are apart of.

1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?

The dorm life was very well-organized. A lot of dorm parents were always available, be it to chat with you, or to help you with a problem you are having. This created a very supportive environment to work and live in.

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.

The food was always diverse, and you can always go for refills without having to pay extra. The people working there were extremely friendly.

1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.

The town of Wilbraham is fairly small and quiet, but yet close to some bigger cities. Weekend trips to Northampton, to the Eastfield mall, Springfield etc. have always been a pleasure.

2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?

The schedule was very conducive to making long-lasting contacts and friendships. The discussion based classes, as well as the mandatory sports/activities requirements were a great way of meeting other students and making friends. The campus center was always a fun place to hang out or study. I have made some of my best friends at this school.

Weekday

8:00 AM	PreCalculus
9:00 AM	World Religions
10:30 AM	Extra Help
11:00 AM	US History
12:00 AM	Lunch
1:00 PM	Basic Acting
2:00 PM	Environmental Science
3:30 PM	Track and Field
6:30 PM	Dinner
7:30 PM	Room Check
8:00 PM	Play Practice
9:00 PM	Homework
10:30 PM	Back in Dorm
11:00 PM	Lights Out