To the Editor: I write with a new idea which would take some time to implement for the 2011-2012 school year. For many years now, I, as a former advisor to the student council and the school president and then as a cluster dean, have felt that we should entertain the idea of electing co-presidents of Phillips Academy’s Student Council. Given our school size, the list of the responsibilities that are heaped on this position (speaking, representing students at the deans table, sitting on committees, running student council, etc) and the diversity of experience that our school embodies, I would like to see us elect a pair of students for this important job. Students would run as pairs and be elected as such. On a few occasions in past years, pairs of students have tried to accomplish this feat, but the timing of the decision to run together always comes at a time when the rules for that particular election have already been set. So I ask the community to send feedback to the student council so that if a change is merited, then we could begin to enact the change – even on a trial-basis – for the elections next winter/spring 2011. Sincerely, Paul Murphy, Dean of Students To the Editor: On a dull evening during winter break, I stumbled across the Phillipian online. My curiosity was piqued. How had my beloved Andover changed in the two years of my absence? Not at all. Sure, I barely recognized any of the Phillipian writers, but the Commentary section seemed nearly identical to what I had read in 2004-2008. Some girl complained about how the teachers had no sympathy for the poor, hardworking student body; countless others described the pressure-cooker “Andover bubble” environment, etc. Retrospectively, I now realize that Andover students are completely self-absorbed. They believe they work harder than any other high schoolers in the country, save for a few prestigious boarding school students in New England. And I, too, once believed my workload to be unparalleled by anyone besides my peers at Phillips Academy. I thought my college experience would be an Andover reprise gutted of its stress, pain, and competition. Anecdotal evidence from young alumni friends had reinforced these beliefs. Turns out, when I actually arrived at college, the transition was much rockier than I had imagined. There were new and strange temptations virtually nonexistent at PA; the hedonism embraced in the lyrics of Asher Roth’s “I Love College” ran rampant in fraternity basements. And though actual time spent in class was dramatically less than that of Andover, the un-enforced attendance policy created more difficulties than initially apparent. (Honestly, who in their right mind would wake up to go to their 9 am class after getting a sold half hour of sleep, with no obvious disciplinary repercussions for cutting? Someone who wants a decent grade.) And the academics themselves are just as, if not dramatically more, challenging. 15-20 page papers became the norm; I remember in Andover I believed a 6-to-8 page paper was unreasonably cruel. However, the perseverance I cultivated during long Upper year nights have served me well throughout my time here, and despite the rough start, I’m now doing relatively smoothly. So, current Andover students, embrace the time you have to develop your strengths, because your teachers know what they’re doing when they assign you a seemingly endless array of tests and papers. College doesn’t get easier, much to your—and my—dismay. Additionally, realize that your peers and professors in college don’t care that you went to Phillips Academy; they’ll only admire you for the skills hopefully honed from the experience. -Abigail Hoglund, PA ‘08
