Stepping into the blue-ballooned Snyder Center for new student registration, I noticed many missing things: BlueCard photo, fourth Polio vaccination, SWAY concussion test, and most strikingly, confidence. The imposing buildings of the Paresky Commons, Gelb Science Center, and George Washington Hall seemed like unclimbable walls of the Labyrinth. The detailed illustration of the horrors of homework and assignments by returning students sounded like an elaborate prediction of my future. The awkward “hellos” and “nice to meet yous” with classmates in my dorm kept me wondering whether we would ever replace the greetings with a warm hug. When my world partner asked, “What are you looking forward to at Andover?” I simply answered “Feeling at home.”
The first few weeks swept by as if no time had passed. Thankfully, for a good reason. My days were filled with meeting new teachers, organizing notes during classes, visiting the library, painting nails with new friends, and curiously peeking into downtown shops. Whereas the first week felt like exhausting all my energy rowing the sailboat, once the boat picked on the rhythmic waves, I laid down and enjoyed the ride. Everything fell into a routine: I knew the location of my classrooms, how to turn in assignments on Canvas, and my classmates’ names. This was all I looked forward to in my Andover journey — blending in. However, after the full weeks of classes, I felt as though I was still missing something. I had the vaccination, took the concussion test, and regained my confidence. What else could I possibly wish for? Pondering this question for a full hour on the swing next to my dorm, I finally realized I was craving risks. My sailboat needed larger, harsher, and more powerful waves that would send a thrill down my spine. So, starting the day after, I began looking for the bigger waves.
The first current involved new friends. Coming from a culture where strangers usually refrain from small talk or even a short “good morning,” approaching new people for me carried
challenges. I often called people by the wrong names, desperately scrambled for words to continue the conversation, and struggled to introduce myself to people from different grade levels and backgrounds. However, the more I opened up, the friendlier people became. In my German class, I built friendships with Senior and post-graduate classmates from different states. I soon built a firm group of friends who I could message to ask for advice or feedback. Calling people by their names and wishing them a good day truly made Andover home for me.
The second current carried ripples of new interests. I consider myself to be a non-athletic, humanities-oriented student, but surges of opportunities geared me towards not only reading books in the dorm room but also running for EcoLeader, joining the cluster council, and choosing diving as my life sport. These waves sometimes struck the boat hard, metaphorically, when I did not get elected as the EcoLeader and smacked hard, literally, on the water while practicing the front dive tuck. However, the waves sailed me far beyond where I aimed to be by pushing me into cluster council meetings, involving me in exciting diving practices, and teaching me to enjoy the nerves during the election process. I am planning on joining clubs to pursue new dreams and discover passions to craft a unique Andover experience.
The final current developed a drastically new weekly routine. The shift from the living structure in Korea to Andover was massive. During my free time, I could roller skate around campus, clean my room, go downtown, study in my dorm, or have a meal. I juggled these options and responsibilities to figure out the optimal schedule. After finishing homework, I headed downtown on weekends to engage with the local community at the farmer’s market, Andover Day, and local restaurants. Though the huge block of freedom confuses me to this day, I hope the waves carry me as I try my best to row forward.
When I said “Yes” to Andover, I also said “Yes” to the many challenges and opportunities to come. Though the buildings, classes, and assignments are still a tad overwhelming, sailing on challenging seas allowed me to embrace myself amidst the journey. I hope many new students like myself can find their pace and challenge and immerse themselves in the currents of Andover. As William Ernest Henley said, “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”
