After the initial ecstasy of getting into Andover, I began a long period of contemplation. For some, it’s a no-brainer to ‘Say Yes to Andover’ on the first day. For me, it wasn’t. On one hand, Andover was the ultimate success for my middle school, where few students got in. On the other hand, I didn’t know if I could thrive at this unknown place—if I could leave behind the familiarity of my hometown life and my friends with whom I had spent my whole life. Amid my hesitancy, I came to Andover on revisit day. There, I was first exposed to Andover students, and I envisioned myself as one of them. I then knew that because of the people, I would and could only go to Andover.
After I finally said yes, I relished the benefits that Andover’s name brought me. Throughout the summer, I flaunted my Andover hoodie as if I were wearing the robe of a king. When I flew to India over the summer, a stranger at the airport asked me if I went to Andover. When I said yes, a smile glowed on his face, and he said, “Good for you.” I knew, and others knew, Andover’s prestige. Like me, people knew the name, the crazy low acceptance rate, the ranking, and the billion-dollar endowment. Only after coming here, after having spent my first year at this school, have I realized what actually makes it amazing. It is not the things mentioned above. It is the people.
Now, people is a large umbrella term, but I really do mean all kinds of people, both on and behind the scenes, such as the donors who bolster Andover’s growth. Without the people who came before, Andover wouldn’t exist. Without the people now, Andover is just some empty buildings and withering grass. I first tasted the fascination of the people I would grow to love even before my first step on campus, starting with the painted blue-key heads cheering me on as I drove to Snyder. As I proceeded with registration, I picked up on the little acts of kindness on campus; Dr. Raynard Kington, Head of School, greeted every single student waiting in line to pick up blue cards while upperclassmen offered to take photos, show me around campus, and give me small pieces of advice.
In the afternoon, all of us new Juniors met outside on the grass, where we were welcomed to campus. I looked around at the various people sitting at the reception, and two thoughts hit me. First, I realized that these would be the people I would spend the rest of my time here with, and maybe beyond. I would become friends with these unfamiliar faces, and we would spend our Andover journey together. Second, these students truly were diverse; they embodied “Youth From Every Quarter.” I had left my almost all-white school and was suddenly surrounded by people from everywhere.
After registration, I experienced my first ‘lawning.’ From playing nine-square on the Great Lawn to meeting new people, I was enveloped in Andover’s version of fun. The first official day of classes also marked the beginning of many lunches at a table full of kids whom I had mostly never met. I became aware that everyone had their own interests and passions. Some students were recruited athletes in sports I had never even seen before, some were music players, and some were everything in between. These unique and accomplished students are what drives this school’s success, I realized. While these same students have had their ups and downs, we have stuck together and learned together. Now, after only one year, I have become better friends with people than I ever thought I could. Andover emphasizes its value of community, and I can understand why.
In addition, Andover’s community is not only composed of students but of faculty as well. One of the first things you see on Andover’s webpage is how it offers 300+ courses with 150 electives. Behind these classes are the amazing teachers and faculty. Even though I only have these teachers for a couple of terms at most, I grow with their teaching style — I get into the rhythm of their class, and I learn more efficiently and willingly than I have before. They are always willing to talk during Conference period and are quick to help me. Even beyond the role of teachers, many serve as advisors. When I first met my advisor, I knew that he was one of the coolest teachers I had ever met; he was extremely funny and seemed to me much more approachable than the teachers I had had before. Now, I have grown to love our weekly Tuesday meetings, and he continues to mentor and guide me through my Andover journey.
As the year draws to an end, I have found myself reflecting on whether coming to Andover has been worth it. While the legacy that comes with the name can be gratifying, the one key thing that justifies my choice to say yes is the people. The number of learning experiences — whether academic, personalistic, or in any other sense — that have stemmed from Andover’s community is countless. This year has been a stepping stone to the Lower year, where I will face greater challenges and, conversely, greater opportunities. My Andover journey has only just begun.
