For a new student, the first few weeks at Andover are often described as euphoric. But being a new Upper, I found the experience to be slightly different. After the first day of classes, I quickly discovered that, at least for me, orientation had ended. School and all of its work had begun. Thrown directly into the mix during what is supposedly the most challenging year at Andover, I found myself excited, nervous, hopeful and stressed. Yet my optimism still remained intact.
I was amazed by all Andover had to offer. Where else could I take a class called “Global Islams” in high school? Living among such a diverse student body with a wide variety of interests creates an atmosphere that can’t be paralleled. Andover is truly an extraordinary place to be, and I find myself wrapped up in it. Of course, I am always reminded by others that I won’t have this optimistic view after a few more weeks when Upper year is in full swing, but I am trying to enjoy it while I can.
The homework load and the level of expectation hit me immediately. I found myself enveloped in hours of homework on the first day of classes. At times, I felt that I couldn’t possibly finish all of my work, but it always seems that with a little more effort and a little less sleep it can all be accomplished. I find myself becoming more efficient with my time, doing homework and getting ahead whenever I have the chance. This aspect of Andover was something I caught on to the quickest.
However, the social aspect of Andover is much more challenging. At times, it seems that I should lock myself in my room every day to finish all of my homework. But I have begun trying to balance the workload with a little bit of fun, attempting to be as social as possible. After introducing myself and warding off the assumption that only corn comes from my home state, Indiana, I began to meet people. Finding a friendly face at lunch to sit with, or seeing someone familiar on the path made everything seem a bit easier. Of course, I didn’t expect to fit right into Andover’s culture immediately, but I did find a community of people that took a genuine interest in who I am.
I also found that sports played an integral part in my acclimation. As I joined the soccer team, I found friends from all across different grades and dorms. Soccer became an escape from the homework load that continually consumes all Andover students.
Coming in as a new Upper is challenging, to say the least. Finding your way among those who have already been here for two years is daunting, but I’m sure that I will manage to find my place at Andover.
Tyler Olkowski is a new Upper from South Bend, IN.
