Phillips Exeter Academy - Review #4

Using the Harkness Method to learn is unique to Exeter and adopted by many other boarding schools. Through this method, my own preconceptions were challenged on a daily basis, not only in terms of what I considered being effective methods for learning, but also in terms of how I came to understand the content being taught in each class. The Harkness Method taught me to speak with confidence and conviction, but it also taught me the value of listening to my peers in a collaborative setting.

The best thing that happened to me was that I opened my mind up to worlds that I never would have, had I stayed where I was. I have friends from around the world, ranging from Europe to Asia to the West Coast, who I still remain in contact with. I have created friendships with people who have entirely different interests, worldviews, and values, but nonetheless, we share the bond of being Exonians, and that is something that only so many people are able to proudly state. The best part about attending Exeter is that it is Exeter. It is a family that never goes away, and one that you will come across no matter where in the world you end up, as there are Exonians across the globe.

I would have joined more extracurricular activities and expanded my comfort zone a bit more. I think some activities I participated in were close to home or things I had tried before, but I definitely could have pushed the boundaries to meet more people in different spheres of interest from my own.

I liked the fact that there were students from different national, socioeconomic, political, and religious backgrounds, just to name a few. I learned more about myself that I ever could have imagined by learning about the experiences of these other Exonians, and I hope my experience did the same for them. The opportunity to be in one location, yet meet so many amazing people from around the world, is rare, and I am grateful for that.

Join a team or organization outside of your comfort zone! You'll meet amazing people no matter what you try and do not waste a moment! Exeter was the best three years of my life, and I miss it every day. It goes by fast and is something you want to look back on and be proud of.

I particularly enjoyed how the Harkness Method allowed for students to take true command of the class, in which the teacher acted as a rudder for conversation through guiding questions and comments, rather than solidified means through which to reach point B from point A. It helped students to feel empowered and heard when they had a question or comment, and often, I would turn to peers for help in solving problems before my teacher, which showed me the value of collaboration with my fellow Etonian's.

Our athletic programs were competitive, rigid, and expecting. I enjoy the structure and expectation that comes with being a varsity athlete. Everyone would show up to a practice or game, knowing that the competition had been training all year to beat Exeter, because we were among the very best in almost all sports. Comradery was integral to our success, and students pushed each other to be their very best on and off the field, leading to successful teams and lifelong friendships. Our facilities are second to none, and our coaching is the best in its class. I would have changed nothing about my athletic experience at Exeter.

There was a plethora of Arts opportunities available to students, ranging from instrumental lessons to dance to theatre. I did not personally participate much in the arts, but did discover a love for digital photography through a class I took at Exeter. Since then I have taken up photography on my own time and continued working with it throughout college. As an observer, I would say that our arts program is seemingly intense, and extremely gifted. I thoroughly enjoyed the student shows that regularly played and attended as many of them as I possibly could during my time at Exeter.

I was a Head Tour Guide, Senior Dorm Proctor, Environmental Proctor, 4H member, and Relay for Life Committee member while at Exeter. While the commitment was high to be part of all these organizations, the benefits of being part of various student communities within the student body as a whole were immense, as I met students who I would not have otherwise befriended and contributed to others' experiences where I may not have otherwise had the chance. These opportunities I mention do not even scratch the surface in regard to how many student organizations exist. I had friends involved in many other groups that I wish I had the time to be a part of, but it is important to balance your time prudently. The sky is the limit with extracurricular opportunities at Phillips Exeter.

I enjoyed the sense of community within dorms and comradery amongst dorms. We would have soccer matches against other dorms, events with sister dorms, and intramural events every week or month to enhance our sense of community. Everyone knew everyone within their own dorms, and at the end of the day, it was the group you could rely on for anything you need, regardless of external friend groups. Those guys I lived with were always there for me, as I was also for them. Rooms could be set up as you liked, you could order food to your dorm from local restaurants (I'd recommend Supreme's) and as you got older in your time at Exeter, you could choose the best rooms in the dorm, or be in a hallway with all your best friends.

The variety of food Exeter has to offer is beyond what I could have imagined for high school. I came from a high school that required you to either pack your own lunch or spend a lot of money on an average lunch, but Exeter offered several hot food options, food throughout the day such as sandwich/soup stations, and high quality ingredients. I would love going to the dining hall to do homework, as I could go up and get as much food as I wanted or needed.

Exeter is an absolutely beautiful town, and the residents love the students. There are storefronts, restaurants, ice cream places, and pharmacies, just to name a few options. Whenever I had free time on the weekends, I would often go to Still wells for ice cream or to one of the local restaurants like Green Bean and enjoy lunch with my friends.

The best part about the social life at Exeter is that you are away from home, studying hard, but also enjoying that grind with your best friends. Many of my best memories are while hanging out in the library with my friends or working in the dining hall with them over a meal. You could host friends in your room at your dorm, or sit out on the green quad in the spring and enjoy the sun while playing spike ball tournaments with other friend groups. There was no shortage of activities to do with friends.