The Webb Schools - Review #2

Webb has a clear focus on community and it really shows. When you are a student you become best friends with the faculty and your fellow students, traversing the boundaries of what most schools can offer. For example, weekends were often filled with opportunities for students to go to fun events and places off campus with their teachers. The results of this personal and unique community creates a sense of belonging that makes it very easy to transition into. Over time you will find yourself engaging in discussions, participating in activities, and challenging yourself in ways that you couldn't anywhere else. The intentional and truly all encompassing experience in and out of the class makes for a very educated and very understanding group of growing adults.

There is a lot I can say about Webb developing me into a leader and providing me an excellent education but I think there is one thing that rises above all else. Webb made me think more clearly about the world around me. Being exposed to people of very different backgrounds than myself really opened my eyes to how similar people are no matter their country of origin or any other factor. I learned very quickly to value others and their differences and to cherish the tension that diversity brings into our lives. I learned that understanding others is very hard to do all of the time, but in a global society it is ever more important.

When I went to Webb I tried too hard to fit in, that will come naturally at a place like this. Be yourself right away. Also, when there is a club fair or there are opportunities to engage in the community, do it right away. I joined 15 clubs while at Webb and although that was completely crazy it helped me determine my career path because I tried all of the things I was interested in and

I love the people at Webb. I think most people would agree that Webb just has something different in the water. The people who are there are excellent in every way. I would constantly learn new things about people I had known for a few months or a year during my time at Webb. One of my best friends was very into ping pong and it took me a few months to find out that he was actually nationally ranked in the top 5 in his home country. Another friend was musically gifted with "perfect pitch" and yet another had already started his own business. It is very diverse at Webb and you learn a lot from others.

Try everything and find what you love, Webb is the place to do it without concern for failure. If you want to do something new, exciting and fun you will get support.

I loved my classes because they were not focused on testing as much as knowledge and depth of understanding. My experience was focused on understanding your education through worldly experience and through engagement. The teachers keep you engaged with interaction, cutting edge research and tools and ample resources. No matter what you are studying, Webb teachers find a way to make the subject more interactive and engaging. Interestingly enough the academic environment struck a great balance between collaborative and competitive.

The athletics program was great. Although Webb has not been historically known for athletic excellence in the past, this was not what I experienced. While at Webb I watched many individuals go on to play NCAA sports in college, myself included. All students are encouraged to do sports and engage no matter their level or goals. As always the experience is filled with leadership and support.

The diversity of students really made these programs pop. The theater and arts programs have always been very strong. Most of the community looks forward to any performances and showings that these programs put on.

There is a huge diversity of opportunities for extracurriculars ranging from leadership to an array of clubs. For a quarter I took an afternoon farming class and learned about building a small farm. I was very active on the Honor Committee that worked very closely with the Dean of schools and the administration to develop a strong community. I use my leadership skills and teamwork experiences from this group in my current work and my daily life.

I enjoyed being able to see my friends everyday and night and grow up with a strong group of classmates and role models. Your interactions with your peers and faculty on a daily basis make you responsible for yourself and your own work habits, it prepares you to be a self sustaining and successful college student.

Being a student athlete I loved that it was buffet style all the time. Additionally there were always multiple different options to eat. At a typical lunch and dinner you had at least 3-4 good meal options so everyone no matter their allergy, personal or other preferences had quality meals to eat.

Claremont is a great area. Not only were we very close to the Claremont Colleges, some of the most prestigious colleges in the world, but also we had access to a very relaxed and nice town in the Claremont Village area. If I wanted to go to LA, the beach or the mountains on a weekend we could plan it with teachers and friends and just go. The totality of Southern California was at our disposal.

Everyone knows each other to some extent so this creates a really tight bond as students and as alumni.