Senior Speakers [Sep. 27]

Senior Speakers [Sep. 27]

The 2021-2022 Senior Speaker series began on September 27 and featured eight members of the Class of 2022: Connor Smith, Miranda Gao, Jina Lee, Grace Kotchen, Ryan Jacobson, Annabelle Oman, Lauren Carey, and Eli Wiener. All eight of these students are four-year seniors.

Connor Smith, from Greenwich, Connecticut, took us back to his revisit day, when he realized what it meant to go to Suffield. When waiting for his guide to pick him up after his first class of the day, he knew he must’ve looked a little lost, but he shared that everyone who passed him asked if he needed help.“I was not a student at Suffield but they treated me like I had been part of the community for years. That very moment I knew I belonged here.”

From Shanghai, China, Miranda Gao performed a flute solo as a conclusion to her four years of musical achievement at Suffield. Regarding her time here, she stated, “I really appreciate every single aspect of this community that brings me joy, friendship, and knowledge.”

Jina Lee, from South Korea, wrote a letter to her freshman self, saying, “Appreciate everything around you. Don’t take things for granted, even though you won’t get what it means. Even those moments of waking up late and rushing to classes, making morning coffee in thirty seconds, having the best bagel ever in the snack bar, and having daily conversation with teachers and friends.”

From Irvington, New York, Grace Kotchenacknowledged that the transition into boarding school life was more difficult than she had anticipated. Now a senior, she realizes how fast time goes. She emphasized, “It sounds cliché, but never rush time at Suffield, because I can guarantee you will regret it. Take advantage of all the opportunities Suffield has to offer and enjoy your time at this amazing place.”

Ryan Jacobson, from Killingworth, Connecticut, focused on the friendships he has made over the last four years. He concluded by saying, “If I had advice for anyone from Suffield, it is to get out as much as you can, meet as many people as you can, and participate as much as possible, because it’ll be senior spring before you know it.”

From Bronxville, New York, Annabelle Omanspoke about the importance of mental health, reminding listeners to prioritize themselves. “Be kind to yourself. I cannot stress this enough: as hard as it might be, you are the one person you will know your entire life. Speak to yourself kindly and give yourself time and patience.”

Lauren Carey, from Suffield, Connecticut, referenced how she and her siblings have all gone to Suffield, and what a home it has become for all of them. For Lauren, it’s the people who stand out the most. She says, “The best advice I could give you is taking every opportunity Suffield gives you. You never know when or how you’re going to meet your lifelong friends. Go to every dance, football game, and class outing.”

Lastly, Eli Wiener, from Campbell Hall, New York, spoke about his experience with roommates while at school. Each of the five he’s had have brought something different to his life. His freshman year he learned“that you may not be best friends now, but that is just an opportunity to branch out and become your own human,” and in his junior year he learned “the important lesson of staying when times get tough.”

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