Hometown: Bronx, New York
Current Year: Sophmore
I was introduced to Thacher by the Fieldston Enrichment Program, a program that prepares kids from all five boroughs of New York City to not only attend top schools all around the country, but to excel in them.
What I like best about studying and living at Thacher: If I had to choose, the best thing about studying and living here at Thacher is that the relationships are so close-knit. Even though many of us have different backgrounds, we all come together in a community where everyone is treated like family. The amount of care and interest that everyone here has in helping each other is amazing. People are always willing to lend a hand (or two) — whether you need help on an athletic field, at the barns, or in the classrooms.
At the moment, my favorite class is English. It is amazing to sit and have discussions with students who actually want to be in class and with a teacher that is as bright and energetic as Ms. Witmer. Everyone’s thoughts are heard and respected, and the differences in the way we think makes the class that much more interesting.
People at Thacher- peers, schoolmates, faculty, staff and others- who have influenced me positively and how: The attitudes of everyone at Thacher influence me in a positive way. All the students want to learn and expand their knowledge; all the teachers want to teach to the best of their ability; all the coaches want to help athletes improve in every aspect of their game, and all riding instructors want us to be the best horsemen (and horsewomen) that we possibly can. Everyone’s enthusiasm for what needs to get done in this community cannot be compared in my opinion, and this influences me (and plenty of others) in a very positive way.
Advice for someone thinking about going away to school or specifically coming to Thacher: I can’t say don’t be scared; taking the step from living at home to living on your own as a teenager is a frightening thing. But, don’t let your fear influence your decision. As a fourteen-year old boy from the city, it was probably the scariest decision I have ever made to come to a school 3000 miles away from home; surrounded by mountains instead of buildings. But, I made the decision to attend Thacher nonetheless and have proven my “gut instinct” correct. Only a month into life here at Thacher, I know I have made the correct choice, and I did it by pushing my fears to the side just a little and taking a good look at the big picture.