As John Palfrey’s first year concludes, Andover prepares for a shift in leadership. Faculty move houses, or leave the school entirely for bigger and better things, dorm chemistries change and we grow up.
Juniors discuss their moves into upperclassmen dorms and enjoy their last days as the youngest members of the school. They will leave the confines of the GW mailroom, the second floor of the library and the blue couches of Susie’s with confidence, ready to join new clubs and organizations having weathered their first year at Andover.
Meanwhile, Lowers look forward to joining the older ranks of the school in Lower Right and frantically turning in board applications, hopeful of leading the organizations to which they have dedicated themselves for the past two years.
Finally, we Uppers release immense sighs of relief upon turning in our History 310 papers and brainstorm, mostly in vain, for a class sign that works for the number 14. We, the Class of 2014, have grown into our new roles as friends, mentors and leaders of Andover. But we have big shoes to fill.
Until now, we have looked up to the Seniors for guidance, advice and friendship. Though the winner of “Gotcha” is still undetermined, the recipient of the Yale Bowl is yet to be announced and Extended Period Week still looms between now and the finish line, the Class of 2013 will be saying goodbye to Andover before we know it.
Imagining Andover without the mentors, friends and role models we’ve held dear since our first days as Big Blue is difficult. The idea of leading the school all on our own is daunting. But just as each class has done before us, we will rise to the occasion because the Seniors taught us to do so. We are ready because we have learned from the best.
So in just nine days, when the Class of 2013 dons their white dresses and Andover ties, our friends will gathers in a final circle on the Vista to receive their diplomas and exchange tearful goodbyes. In just nine days, we will be left with their legacy and the example they have led with, forever grateful for teaching us the lessons we could not find in any classroom or textbook.
Best of luck, ’13! We’ll miss you.
This Editorial represents the views of The Phillipian Editorial Board CXXXVI
