A Brentwood November

27 November 2012Lauren A, Allard ‘13

The patter of raindrops on the roof, orange and red leaves falling from the trees, salmon jumping up the Millstream, the warmth of the fireplace in the McNeill Student Center: a Brentwood November.

November brings a melancholy atmosphere to the campus: rain, grey cloud-covered skies, and frosty temperatures. Stress levels rise as the reminders of upcoming December exams and university applications echo in the chilly wind. Students retire indoors earlier as the nights get darker and colder. Common rooms fill up fast with students looking for a place to unwind with their friends in a warm environment. Rustie’s Coffee Shop is visited frequently by Brentwood students craving a warm festive peppermint mocha or gingerbread latté. All are a reminder that Christmas break is not far away.

Annual activities like Air Band are planned to keep students excited and to get them through the long stretch to until the break. Two Red Saturdays take place where students get the much appreciated opportunity to venture outside of Mill Bay for a ‘real weekend’ AKA no Saturday classes! The last of the Parent-Teacher-Student conferences occur ending the first term of academics so the exam prep can commence. To our amazement and critique, many of the boys enthusiastically growth their Movember facial hair.

House bonding is another activity students look forward too; Rogers and Allard have their second movie night together, while Privett and Hope go to the midnight showing of Skyfall. The Concert for a Winter’s Eve is another annual event that showcases the talents of the performing arts students’ at Brentwood; the concert is a great show filled with winter themed songs that get people in the holiday mood.

Heavier sweaters and jackets are pulled out and embraced on the cold November days. On some mornings, the sky is clear with no threats of rain creating a gorgeous bright sunrise; golden leaves on the trees at the front entrance give off a welcoming glow, and moods are lifted.

November need not be melancholy.

Lauren A, Allard ‘13

Where Students Choose To Be