50p
Welcome To A Home Away From Home
The first time I saw Brentwood was on a sunny November day in 2008. It was to be the first time of many that I would be enchanted by the character of Alex House and mesmerized by a view so foreign from that of northern BC. When I returned it was ten months later, a day that (in theory) I had mentally prepared myself for. Secretly, I had been dreading the day, afraid that maybe I wouldn’t make any friends, yet I still went in with a positive frame of mind: I knew that Brentwood was what I wanted, that it would provide me with many new opportunities and a thrilling new experiences, but Brentwood surprised me, it was different from my expectations.
It was neither better nor worse, just different. I shouldn’t have worried. After the initial introductions and small talk, the process began. True to the Brentwood lifestyle, orientation is a busy week, but while touring through the campus and learning about the different aspects that encompass the grounds, it’s hard not to make friends with the other newcomers: everyone is in the same situation, trying to find their footing.
At first the campus seems to be overflowing with people, but when the rest of the students return, it’s clear how false that notion was. The transition is helpful: at first you meet a few people, then the returning students reappear and somehow you magically find that your Facebook page is overflowing with friend requests. What, a few days earlier, had been the daunting task of meeting new people and finding friends has now been accomplished. They all understand about being a boarding school rookie, they’ve experienced it before.
All summer long I couldn’t wait to leave home and undergo this new adventure. I knew that I’d miss my parents and the rest of my family, not to mention my beloved dog, but I never anticipated the first few weeks of a new environment and all of the trials that came along with them. Once the preliminary speed bumps are passed there’s rarely time to dwell on home: the days are too packed with activities for much of that. The first week passes by as a blur, ending with the traditional Welcome Back Dance, and after that, it’s Go Time. There are people to hang out with, classes to attend, and fine-arts and sports to choose from.
As with anything else, it’s always a learning experience: there are new things to encounter every day and, with the help of modern technology such as Skype and Facebook, it’s easier than ever to keep friends and family updated. Once things get settled it seems as though Thanksgiving arrives prematurely, and Christmas break is close on its tail.
Looking back, I find it difficult to believe that I’m entering my third year at Brentwood: the wide-eyed girl who had once been so intimidated by Mr. Healy, and a little curious of the antics of Mr. Collis, is now as comfortable at boarding school as she would be at home. The initial shock wore off. As with all things, comfort comes with familiarity, and while living, studying, playing and creating at school it is nearly impossible to not become familiar with, and comfortable in, your new surroundings.
It was neither better nor worse, just different. I shouldn’t have worried. After the initial introductions and small talk, the process began. True to the Brentwood lifestyle, orientation is a busy week, but while touring through the campus and learning about the different aspects that encompass the grounds, it’s hard not to make friends with the other newcomers: everyone is in the same situation, trying to find their footing.
At first the campus seems to be overflowing with people, but when the rest of the students return, it’s clear how false that notion was. The transition is helpful: at first you meet a few people, then the returning students reappear and somehow you magically find that your Facebook page is overflowing with friend requests. What, a few days earlier, had been the daunting task of meeting new people and finding friends has now been accomplished. They all understand about being a boarding school rookie, they’ve experienced it before.
All summer long I couldn’t wait to leave home and undergo this new adventure. I knew that I’d miss my parents and the rest of my family, not to mention my beloved dog, but I never anticipated the first few weeks of a new environment and all of the trials that came along with them. Once the preliminary speed bumps are passed there’s rarely time to dwell on home: the days are too packed with activities for much of that. The first week passes by as a blur, ending with the traditional Welcome Back Dance, and after that, it’s Go Time. There are people to hang out with, classes to attend, and fine-arts and sports to choose from.
As with anything else, it’s always a learning experience: there are new things to encounter every day and, with the help of modern technology such as Skype and Facebook, it’s easier than ever to keep friends and family updated. Once things get settled it seems as though Thanksgiving arrives prematurely, and Christmas break is close on its tail.
Looking back, I find it difficult to believe that I’m entering my third year at Brentwood: the wide-eyed girl who had once been so intimidated by Mr. Healy, and a little curious of the antics of Mr. Collis, is now as comfortable at boarding school as she would be at home. The initial shock wore off. As with all things, comfort comes with familiarity, and while living, studying, playing and creating at school it is nearly impossible to not become familiar with, and comfortable in, your new surroundings.
75p
