BB&N Connect

Driving deep into the woods of Western Massachusetts last July, I caught a glimpse of glowing wildgrass wedged between a field of slim tree trunks and felt that I’d arrived at a turning point in my life. The wheels of my heavy suitcase crunched against the gravel of the Simon’s Rock campus as I waved goodbye to my parents; and there, introducing myself to my redhead roommate dressed in pink, I stepped foot into one of the most transformative three weeks of my life. It seems impossible, perhaps, to describe a life-altering experience in any amount of words, but if there was one thing I learned from the Young Writer’s Workshop, it was the writer’s ability to contain infinities in mere sonnets. Why else, other than the feeling of having made timeless the flickering heat of their heart and imagination, does one pick up a pen and write?

Our school days don’t typically leave a ton of time for quiet moments. Usually, this is a good thing; from classes and clubs to sports and theater productions, there are so many different activities that every student can feel stimulated throughout the day. However, quiet, independent moments are equally important during busy days, especially ones that last from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. As a community, we should strive not to forget about that.

Almost nine months ago, I wasn’t taking standardized tests or preparing for my Junior Profile. On January 26 of 2022, I boarded a plane to Colorado, where I wanted to change my life. I’ve been at BB&N since Beginners, and I always thought I knew what the Upper School would look like; I would go to Bivouac, make grilled cheeses in the storied panini press, study biology and global history, wear a short dress to junior prom and a long dress as a senior.