Suffield Academy - Student Review

Suffield Academy

Alumni Review #1, Class of 2004

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1. Class of 2004, enrolled at Smith College
2. Class of 2003, enrolled at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

College Enrolled

Smith College

Home Town, State (Country)

Vietnam

Years Attended Boarding School

Activities During Boarding School

- JV Squash - Amnesty International - International Student Organizations - The Bell (school newspaper)

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

Coming to Suffield Academy, I was amazed by the beauty of the campus and the facilities. The gym was renovated with a new fitness center. Track and field was totally rebuilt during summer. I lived in one of the 5 new dorms with the best facilities. However, what distinguishes Suffield Academy from other prep schools is the faculty. They were there for me. They not only gave extra help whenever I needed but also talked to me about life, career, college choices. I had some long conversations with my teachers about world politics, economics, my family or just my busy life. They cared so much about me that I truly felt at home during my senior year at Suffield.

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

My first year at Suffield was also my first year in the United States. Being far from home was difficult but I was able to overcome all kinds of challenges with the support from my teachers and friends. Getting a scholarship to study abroad at Suffield was the best thing that happened in my life.

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

I'm happy with where I am now. Without help from my college counselor, I wouldn't have gotten into such a good college.

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

Again, the faculty. There's nothing I could complain about my teachers, my coaches, my dorm parents, my college counselor and all the staff. Suffield became my home because of them.

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

Sit at different table every meal. Talk to everyone. Make more friends and have more fun.

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

It was challenging. The teachers didn't baby their students. My teachers were all hard graders but I love that. I had a chance to push myself and then felt good about it. However, they were always willing to help because the ultimate purpose was to make me understand the materials. Debates were encouraged during classes. Suffield has an amazing leadership program. The most important quality of a leader is confidence. Suffield has prepared me well for that.

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

There is a diversity of sports available so everybody has a chance to play what they like. It's mandatory to participate in at least 1 sport. Sports are crucial part of Suffield. There was a great team spirit in all of Suffield sports teams.

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

Suffield has one of the best Theater programs with one big play every term. Also, the facilities for Visual Arts and Music can be compared with the top colleges. I took photography at Suffield and totally loved it. I could take pictures, develop films and print pictures all in class.

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

There is at least 1 club for everyone, from academically challenging like Quiz Team to cultural club like Italian Club, from religious to political.

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

We had dorm parents who were very close to the students. They could be your teachers during the day, your coaches during afternoon practice and your dorm parents at night. I built a close relationship with all my dorm parents. They cared about me and supported me all the time.

1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.

We had formal lunch, which was a very neat tradition. Students sat with faculty and discussed everything during lunch. Seniors were allowed to stand up and get their food first and then juniors, sophomores and freshmen. The food was pretty good.

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

Suffield is a peaceful and pretty town. Although there's not much to do but your school life is busy enough. Plus, Enfield is only 15 minutes away with a mall, a cinema and tons of other things.

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

I still miss all the crazy dances, fun outdoor activities. Because the school is not too big, there was great bonding among students and I really loved it.

Weekday

7:00 AM	Wake up
7:30 AM	Breakfast + Work in kitchen
8:00 AM	Class
12:00 PM	Formal Lunch
1:00 AM	Class
4:00 AM	Squash practice
6:00 AM	Dinner
8:00 AM	Study
12:00 PM	Go to bed