# data[].attributes.body
Attending Pomfret has changed my life. Pomfret is an amazing place, with a caring, respectful, and supportive community. Pomfret has a strong and commendable academic program and the school inspired me to pursue various academic courses. The school provided me with the opportunity to take courses that I truly was intellectually interested in. All of my teachers at Pomfret were great, and I commend their hard work. Aside from academics, I enjoyed playing both varsity tennis and squash. Over my time at Pomfret I made many great friends that I hopefully will stay in touch with for the rest of my life.  I learned many important skills at Pomfret that will help me in college and in my future endeavors.  I am very grateful for all that Pomfret has done for me, and I am honored to be an alumni and a member of the community.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret gave me the skills and the drive to be ambitious. I entered into college unsure of what I wanted to major in. My freshmen year of college, I worked extremely hard by taking different classes, meeting different students, and joining clubs that would allow me to explore majors. Pomfret had taught me that the best way yo learn is to be a risk-taker and to experience. I am now majoring in Public Health and will obtain my Masters in Health Policy in 2024!

# data[].attributes.body
The greatest part about my time at Pomfret were the unique experiences that truly gave the school its identity. The everyday routine like sit-down lunch and advisee dinner made just as much of the fabric of Pomfret as special events like Sundial and Airbands. The uniqueness was not solely Pomfret's events, however. It was the community. The diverse body of people and ideas helped me grow into the person I am today. The community was not only present during school hours, but at lunch, dinner and cheering you on at your weekly sports games. Pomfret gave me an experience unlike anywhere else and I am very grateful to have spent my four years there.

# data[].attributes.body
As an international student who left home to study in the US at a young age, Pomfret was integral to my growth as a person. The people and community at Pomfret truly make it a special place in my heart. I can still remember debating with others in a mock Britain parliament session in Mr. Burke's AP Comparative History class, making animation videos in Mrs. Pinkowski's Motion Graphics course, writing Chinese calligraphy with Ms. Min. Outside of class, I learned to challenge my comfort zone through theatre, sports, and community service. I can still remember the hiking trips in the Outdoor Adventure club with Mr. Martin and Mr. Browne, acting in City of Angels, A Midsummer Night's Dream, the Addams Family under Mr. Lamb's guidance, rowing with others in Crew with Mr. Ring, and having weekly dinner with my friends at Mr. Geyer's house. Oh, and how can I forgot our weekly chapel sessions where we gathered to listen to the wise lessons from Mr. Fisher, Mr. Richards, and others? These are only a few examples of how each person at Pomfret had an impact in my life. There're enough materials and stories to write a book on why Pomfret is awesome! Pomfret instilled in me a passion for learning and service to the community. The community and environment nurtured my academic abilities, developed my character, and taught me many valuable lessons. I am eternally grateful for my time at Pomfret, and I am proud to be a part of the Pomfret family.

# data[].attributes.body
Looking back I can confidently say that Pomfret formed me into the young adult I am now. People like Waddy Rowe, Pat Boyd, and Jim Rees pushed me to find my voice in college and my career beyond. With classrooms of 15 or less, it wasn't easy to hide. To a new high-schooler this was absolutely terrifying, but looking back I couldn't be more happy. It forced me to learn how to speak out and voice my thoughts confidently. Waddy Rowe would consistently break down my walls and encourage more out of me, which pushed my boundaries and grew my comfort zone. Pat Boyd helped me to learn, but learn in a way that didn't feel like learning. Going into Mr. Boyd's class felt like fun, all the while learning. In many classrooms before and after Pomfret this was rarely the case. This taught me the vital lesson that you can be productive, but enjoy it while doing so. And Jim Rees' advisory group instilled in me the need to be a person of character. You'd be hard pressed to find a wiser and better man than Mr. Rees' and to listen to his stories and words of wisdom definitely helped build me into the man I am today. These three are only the snapshot into the community and growth of Pomfret School, and I am very grateful for my time there.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret is my home. It is also a school. Sometimes the line between the two is blurry for me as the growth experienced outside the classroom is equally as valuable as the lessons learned within. Even before attending Pomfret as a student I was shaped by the generosity of the faculty members from Pablo assisting with my gap year in Salamanca, Spain to Burke letting me join in the soccer preseason training. Being part of such an academic, athletic, and community focused place since my childhood instilled within me interests and values that only increased as I attended Pomfret as a student. I had the flexibility to pursue my academic interests in the classroom, support to thrive in athletic fields/ courts, and mentors that made the entire campus seem like my home. It was an environment that was full of opportunities and provided a foundation which enabled growth and exploration. I have taken the lessons learned at Pomfret into my life beyond and am happy I can still call Pomfret my home.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret helped to cultivate in me a love of public service. During my time at Pomfret, I earned my Eagle Scout rank and took numerous classes in the history department that demonstrated the value of public service as well as the crucial role that responsible, noble leaders must play in shaping world events. I still recall how amazing it felt when my classmates elected me to be one of their Student Council representatives for senior year! Even though I have achieved further public office since graduating, that will always be the first election that I ever won. Anytime that I step foot on the Pomfret campus, I feel a tremendous amount of pride and dedication toward higher callings.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret is a place that really helps to find yourself. Whether it is in the classroom, through after school activities, or your advisee group you can find strong bonds with students and faculty. I also found that going to pomfret helped make transition to college seamless and allowed me to know what I was looking for. Pomfret has a strong community feel and is a place where I truly feel comfortable and am thankful for all the people I met while on the hilltop.

# data[].attributes.body
I did every play I could in my time at Pomfret. One of the most notable was the original work 70lb of Books by Chip Lamb, based on the letters of Loring Bailey, a Pomfret alum who died in Vietnam. Though I am not a professional actress, I have worked on numerous productions since then and have a particular love for helping workshop new plays, which I have been lucky enough to do semi-professionally. Pomfret's arts program was a huge draw for me and helped set me up to do this thing I love.

# data[].attributes.body
Prior to attending Pomfret I had bounced around to a number of different schools. While my reasons for doing so were mainly academic and athletically motivated, I never truly looked for a place to call home.  As I look back now, I was never considering what these schools could offer me outside of those two areas, nor any further opportunities they could open up to me... this changed when I arrived at Pomfret. Pomfret afforded me the opportunity to chase the academics and athletics I so badly thought I needed, but more importantly, it gave me the chance to finally get involved and grow as a young adult. If it wasn't for Pomfret and the amazing community I'm not sure that I ever would have found that one place to truly call home. Even now, as a recent college graduate I still find myself thinking back to my Pomfret days and all of the doors that opened as a result of my time there.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret inspired me to pursue a myriad of academic, athletic, and extra curricular interests while on the Hilltop. While most of my focus after the school day was on athletics, Pomfret’s wide array of elective academic classes and student groups allowed me to explore and learn in new and exciting ways. For example, as Co-Captain of the Girls’ Field Hockey and Ice Hockey team, I was also able to take yoga and dance classes, and even take a stab at improv and sketch comedy as Arts electives during the school day. Pomfret fostered my passion for athletics and planted creative seeds that ultimately lead me to pursue yoga teacher certification, play and coach ice hockey, and take improv classes while cultivating a career in Sales & Marketing post-college.

# data[].attributes.body
My journey at Pomfret and beyond will always be guided by the teachers and mentors I've met on the Hilltop. It all started in Mrs. Zimmer's Humanities I class where I found my voice and love for storytelling (while meeting two girls who became my best friends). It was also in that class I began to document my experiences as an Asian student on campus and lead to my involvement with our ASA. Sitting in Mrs. Horst's living room with Ms. Forgue and Dr. Bloch, I organized and advocated for an affinity space on campus for my Asian community. Their endless support continues to embolden my activism and intersectionality. When I was chosen to be in GSD my sophomore year, I had no idea that this class would change my life. O'Sully sparked my passion in environmental science and sustainability as she lead us through (literally) a society embodying sustainability by balancing development and conservation - opposite to what I witnessed in my smog-surrounded childhood home of Beijing. This new found interest compelled me to intern for the Helios Aquaponic Greenhouse and became the start of my journey with Mr. Martin. After making it out unscathed from his Honors Bio, he successfully prompted me to take his Advanced Bio and join his Project Pomfret team where I got to apply the conservation and ecology knowledge I learned to develop a conservation plan for our campus forest implemented by the facilities team. Through APES with Ms. Screen, I had the perfect opportunity to weave my interests of environmental science and social justice together by conducting my own investigation on the environmental injustices face by residents in Boston Chinatown - a community close to my heart. This then drove me to volunteer with a local organization in Chinatown over the summer and help found their Youth Environmental Justice Committee. I will be forever grateful for Pomfret and the people that truly makes the hilltop special as I carry on with my path. Additional shoutout to Mr. Lamb, Mr. Aguilar, Mr. Toste, Ms. Forrestal, Ms. Duglin, Pablo, JP, Ms. Joly, Mr. Beckwith, Dr. Chase, D-Litty, and Mr. Freije (You'll be the first person I send that finished short story to, I'm still working on it!).

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret taught me not to be afraid to try new things. Arriving from a small town in South Dakota, I had never even heard of lacrosse, but picked up a stick and managed to score a goal or two my first season on the field. The following Spring, the men's JV crew team was in need of a coxswain, and I fit the bill and stepped in and give it the ol' college try. I have carried this sense of curiosity and willingness to step outside of my comfort zone with me leading to a recent career transition and new hobbies.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret has had an insurmountable effect on the person that I am today; from supportive teachers to encouraging friends the Pomfret community pushed me to try new things, find my voice, and most significantly helped me to confirm my passion for becoming a surgeon. My freshman year at Pomfret, the Fishers helped me to be more vocal, and truly helped break me out of my shell. Sophomore year and junior year, Ms.Cooke opened my eyes to social justice work and further enhanced my knowledge of African American history. Dr. Bloch introduced me to the world of chemistry and biochemistry, and it is from her class that I became more certain that I wanted to pursue a degree in the sciences. In honors biology and advanced biology, Mr. Martin challenged me to be a critical thinker, a scientific writer, and a better student. The friends, teammates, classmates, and peers that I met at Pomfret all helped me become a better community member and person. I can gladly say that I know a decent amount about macroinvertebrates, how to be an advocate, evolution, how to be an active listener, chemical pathways, how to be a leader, titrations, how to support others, enzyme activity, how to grow, and many more lessons. These lessons and experiences all helped me to solidify my passion for learning and the sciences and confirmed my desire to one day become a cardiothoracic surgeon. With that said, I am forever grateful for the people, the lessons, and the memories made at Pomfret!

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret came as a surprise. I still remember the first time I set foot on the hilltop, reluctant, a bit pessimistic, and dangerously naive. But Pomfret changed that: as I made friends along the 3 year journey, I also saw change in myself. I learned to embrace change and throw myself into uncomfortable environments; I learned to learn from my peers; and I learned to take up space and make my voice heard. Pomfret helped me grow from a silent student who didn’t care much for his community to someone willing to stand in front of a crowd and give an impassioned speech. Weekly ASA meetings at Mrs. Horst’s house kindled a warm community where a felt heard and accepted. Advisory meetings at Ms. Duglin’s apartment taught me how to break out of my unrealistic bubble and connect to the real world. And playing on the squash and tennis teams showed me a glimpse of the powers of leadership. As I grew older and felt the responsibility of previous seniors rest upon my shoulders, the experiences I’ve accumulated as a participant prepared me to step into my own role as a leader. I spoke about social justice, to finally open up about the difficulties of being a student of color; I embraced my love for adventure, going on “spirituality” walks in Mr. Fisher’s class and appreciating the moment; and I learned that I too could leave a legacy on those who looked up to me. Though I don’t exactly believe in passions, I definitely do believe in change. Above all, Pomfret gave me the space to learn and explore the countless ways change can happen. Pomfret helped me see that change wasn’t just something that you had to accept as they were pushed upon me, but that I too could be a vehicle for change.

# data[].attributes.body
The three years I spent at Pomfret were the most formative years of my life. It was on the hilltop where I learned the value of community and true friendship. My time at Pomfret helped me become independent at a young age, which prepared me for the years to come. Pomfret taught me not to be afraid to try new things. From field hockey to Grifftones, and rowing to a theatre play, I was given the chance to try things that I never would have tried elsewhere. Pomfret helped me branch out of my comfort zone and by doing so, gifted me with friendships and experiences that have truly been life changing. I have travelled all over the world with my best friends from Pomfret and still talk to these friends daily. There is something so special about the friendships you make on the Hilltop--it's hard to put into words.  Without my Pomfret experience, I can't imagine what my life would look like. Pomfret also provided me with great communication and leadership skills which I learned through being a keyhead, prefect and team captain. These skills have helped me immensely during my time in university and are still helping me in my current career as a nurse. During my time on the hilltop, I had many mentors and people who I looked up to that shaped me into the person I am today. I have countless friends and faculty to thank for my amazing Pomfret experience and for this I am extremely grateful.

# data[].attributes.body
I honestly can’t remember a committee or an organization I didn’t take part in. It was at Pomfret that I learned, the more involved I was and the more people I was surrounded by, the more fulfilled I felt. While I can’t say I discovered my passion for Real Estate and Development during my time there, I can say that Pomfret gave me all of the tools I needed to be successful in the industry. Planning client/tenant events is a breeze thanks to my days working with Ms. Miller on Student Activities. Special Permit Presentations at City Hall…no problem…I took Mr. Rossolimo’s public speaking class for that. Building tours and showings…that’s what Key Club was for. Disgruntled neighbors near project sites…EASY… I was a Prefect for 12+ teenage girls…      At Pomfret I was supported by a team of faculty and classmates who challenged me to succeed and supported my interests, even if there were dozens at a time. I learned how to communicate but also listen, prioritize & manage my time, and lead while still being a team player. Most importantly I found confidence in myself…confidence that no matter how many  tasks/projects I am juggling, I know I will succeed.

# data[].attributes.body
I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to attend Pomfret for 4 years as it opened up many doors and allowed me to grow and challenge myself through many areas. The community is at the center of the whole experience and even though it has been more than 10 years since graduation I still feel a strong connection to the Pomfret family. From the academics to the athletics and from the acting classes to giving tours every part was special and fun in its own way. I look forward to heading back to the Hilltop for reunions and alumni games for many years to come to see familiar faces and meet new members of the Pomfret family. See you soon Pomfret and thanks for everything!

# data[].attributes.body
Even though I grew up in the town of Pomfret, I didn't know how special Pomfret School was until I experienced it myself. Pomfret helped me discover my passion for running, and I haven't stopped since. All the experiences on the fields and courts at Pomfret helped shape me into the athlete that I am today. I discovered that I have a passion for leadership that was molded through many of Pomfret's leadership opportunities including Prefect and Captain. Lastly, GSD and APES were two classes at Pomfret that helped spark my interest for the environment and sustainability, something that I plan to study further in college. I could go on and on about all of the amazing opportunities and experiences that Pomfret has to offer. I also want to shoutout mentors and teachers that made my Pomfret experience so special: Mr. and Mrs. MacLeod, Mr. Ring, and Ms. Screen. Thank you Pomfret!

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret truly changed my life and I will always be extremely grateful. I entered Pomfret as a really shy 14 year old who had never been away from home. I was pushed academically, athletically, and socially in my three years. I grew in so many ways and I was able to be surrounded with motivated people who pushed me to be my best self everyday. The Pomfret community is truly inclusive and I made some great lifelong friends and had amazing mentors. Looking back at my time at Pomfret as I was finishing college, I decided that I wanted to work in a boarding school in New England. Being able to teach, coach, and advisee students whose lives can be transformed like mine was reminds me everyday about how grateful I will always be!

# data[].attributes.body
An often spoken of and clichè phrase that everyone comes to experience during their time at Pomfret is the hilltop’s sense of community. While the school’s academics, athletics, and arts have contributed to my personal growth, it is the community that I’ve come to cherish the most. Pomfret shaped me in not only becoming a life long learner, but more importantly gave me the opportunity and the tools to be an avid listener to others.

# data[].attributes.body
Packing up my bags and leaving to another country seemed to be the common theme in my life. There has not been a moment where I felt I could finally settle down for good. The once familiar faces will turn into strangers. Then, new strangers will eventually turn into prominent people in my life. I have always had to find comfort in abrupt changes— enjoy the things while it’s still present but also understand that it is temporary. This required me to be able to mould into every setting I enter. Observe what the social norm is, understand it, and then execute it.
I did not realise how harmful it was to  change yourself to fit in; however, it was not until I started to take Dr. Chase’s anthropology class that helped me with my identity crisis. We were given reading materials that helped me appreciate uniqueness. I learned that  it’s okay if you do not always follow what’s socially acceptable. I learned that there are so many different people in our world to just think about what’s going on in our own society. I learned that people are the way they are from their lived experiences etc. Now, I’m studying anthropology concentrating in health and medicine in college. I want to thank Dr. Chase for helping me find one of my passions. Your class has helped me grow so much as an individual, which I am forever grateful for. I’d also like to say I throughly miss my painting and drawing classes with JP because I can’t seem to find the time in college to paint. That class also holds a special place in my heart.
Thank you!

# data[].attributes.body
Growing up listening to my dad's amazing stories from his time at Pomfret, I always knew that I wanted to make it my own and have my own stories to tell my children one day. I look back on my 4 years at Pomfret and am flooded with the memories of my entire grade fleeing Prom to go watch our last Hilltop sunset from the quad, toaster rides down Hockey Hill with Waddy Rowe, and running late to class with Lindsay Pearce '21 because we were getting coffee and muffins at the tuck, only to find that Mr. Richards was there and sitting in my usual seat. While these are all great, what Pomfret taught me was how to appreciate even the smallest of moments. I found that it is weekends in Upper 2, dinners around the surfboard table junior year, and hosting my day student friends for weekend sleepovers are what I think about and miss the most. While I cannot remember the exact details of these events, I can remember how they made me feel. It is the memories that felt minuscule in the moment that had the biggest impact on me. Pomfret gave me people to make life long friendships with but it was up to me to create those relationships. I was taught through the past 4 years that long-lasting connections come from authentic experiences. I look forward to the next time I get to see my Pomfret family. Until then, I will continue to share the stories to those that will listen.

# data[].attributes.body
Members within the Pomfret community have helped to shape the framework for what I'd like to pursue professionally, and I am eternally grateful. I am currently a Global Health major because while attending Pomfret, I realized how passionate I was about helping others. Dolph Clinton always said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," and these words have stayed with me. During my time, I was fortunate enough to have Annie O'Sullivan teach me for three consecutive years. Anyone who knows O'Sully knows how passionate and brilliant she is! She ignited my passion for environmental science, and as a result of this, I plan to volunteer with Climate Change nonprofits. Furthermore, Bridget Tsemo and Hannah Cooke helped me realize that I am also very passionate about social activism. As a result of this, I plan to enter the medical field and pursue a research degree to do everything that I can to reduce the maternal mortality rate for Black women. I can go on forever, but in all, I am very fortunate because I have had amazing teachers and mentors.

# data[].attributes.body
The first time I visited Pomfret, I could tell what a special place it was, but I could never have imagined the happiness one community could bring me. Growing up as an only child in a small town, Pomfret's energy was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Although I was enjoying all of the new experiences and people, my first few months were tough. I struggled tremendously with school until I enrolled in the CLC program with the Director of learning support, Haley McInerney. Mrs. McInerney and the learning environment she created for me changed me academically; she gave me the skills and attention I needed to thrive in the classroom. I honestly cannot imagine where I would be in my academic career without her endless knowledge, support, and patience.  I am now studying Management and Business at Skidmore College, where I often find myself thinking back to my time at Pomfret and all I learned inside and outside of the classroom. Every challenge I faced at Pomfret resulted in a lesson that will stick with me forever. I realized that life is more about implementing change after making mistakes. I found that when on the Hilltop, challenges were never faced alone. The support system I formed then is one I will have for life and one I will be forever grateful for. The Fishers, Mrs. McInerney, and my friends inspire me every day to be a better version of myself, and I will be eternally thankful for them and the time we had together.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret's community service program helped me develop a passion for helping others. I continued to volunteer after Pomfret as a volunteer firefighter and E.M.T. as well as working with God's Love We Deliver. In addition to volunteering, I now work at a company that is on a mission to increase access to affordable mental health care. Without Pomfret I wouldn't have known how important a mission for greater good is to me in my experiences in life or work!

# data[].attributes.body
My classes with Dr. Gillin first got me interested in and excited about women's rights. This led to me taking classes in college around women's rights and gender equality, and specifically about women's health, which led me to an MPH in Maternal and Child Health and a career in reproductive health and justice. I specifically remember Dr. Gillin asking everyone in our AP US History class, "Who considers themselves a feminist?" and as I saw my classmates put their hands up, this was the first time that I saw that it was okay to identify as such, and it validated my interest in this area. Pomfret started this passion for an education and career around women's health, and for that I am grateful.

# data[].attributes.body
More than anything, I think of Pomfret as home. It's a place I will always look back on fondly and will always return to. The sense of family and community here is unlike that of any other place I've lived.

# data[].attributes.body
Through music, athletics, and academics, Pomfret taught me how to be part of a team. This has helped me and defined many of my experiences in college, internships, and my early professional career. Today, as a public servant, I think back on all the community-oriented activities, programs, and direct acts of public service as a foundation for where I've ended up. For me it wasn't just one teacher or coach or friend that gave me that formative Pomfret experience – it was the community as a whole. For that, I'll always be grateful.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This is me and former president of the ACLU, Nadine Strossen, at an event I hosted recently discussing free speech!

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret was instrumental in finding my passion for service and leadership. From being a captain on athletic teams to singing with the Griff Tones, my time here helped me grow in a way no other institution could. Following my time at Pomfret, I've had the opportunity to continue to lead and serve others in the pro-life movement, Stop Soldier Suicide, student senate, greek life, state politics, and much more. Recently, I've had the honor to lead a free speech organization that is sponsored by the United Nations. This wouldn't have been possible without the help of Pomfret School. I would also like to give a special thanks to Dr. David Brush for helping me discover my love for history. Your kindness and passion for teaching had such a positive impact on me. I am so grateful for the role you held in my young adulthood! Hope I'm making you proud.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret allowed me to explore many avenues of interest. I am grateful for the experiences I’ve had there, the lifelong friendships that were fostered, and all the memories that I carry with me today. Pomfret never shut down any passions of mine, it really only allowed whatever passions I wanted to, to flourish. Singing in the Grifftones helped me become confident singing and speaking in front of an audience. This has impacted my professional experiences, too. I found my voice at Pomfret in many ways. Whether it was singing in front of an audience, or speaking about the passing of my father for the first time in my chapel speech, I couldn’t have done it without the guidance and support Pomfret gave me. Pomfret taught me that I could be whatever I set my mind to and I will always remember that.

# data[].attributes.body
It's difficult to try to be concise in capturing just how strongly my experience at Pomfret impacted who I am as a person today. Boarding school in and of itself is such a unique experience, and I feel so grateful to have spent the 4 years I did on the hilltop. You will really never again experience the level of intimacy with friends, faculty, and coaches that you have during your time here. I think for a lot of people, high school is a time where your figuring out who you are and what you stand for. When I reflect on my time there, I see that many of my experiences at Pomfret showed me things about myself I wasn't even aware of. The hilltop granted me the ability to think critically about things, to know how to treat others with respect, to see myself as a leader and to be comfortable outside of my comfort zone. Moreover, the hilltop enabled me to excel in the classroom and on the sports fields more than I could ever have possibly imagined. It's thrown around all the time, and you don't think of it much while your there, but you don't realize how much you'll miss it until you've moved on. So grateful for the experience!

# data[].attributes.body
I am passionate about people. Over the course of my career, I’ve focused on building business with people and culture at their core. I launched Naadam in 2015 to protect and support rural nomadic herding communities in Mongolia, we supported our partners with non profit work that directly impacted both their livelihood and culture. Beyond that, my goal has always been to understand people and cultivate relationships. Pomfret was the breeding ground for this passion. While most teacher likely would have suggested I focus more on my studies that fellow students, ultimately pomfret fostered and environment that let me be myself. It built out my confidence in process and gave me the foundation to take risks and be the person I am today!

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret shaped the person I am today and I am forever grateful. Attending Pomfret taught me how to be a leader and what it means to work hard for something bigger than yourself. The sense of community at Pomfret provided me with the importance of surrounding myself with people that challenge me, which ultimately made me a better person and sparked my love for helping others. Chapel and the stories that were shared was one of my favorite experiences. It not only provided insight on my peers, but was a constant reminder that although we all come from different backgrounds, we have support within the community are a part of something bigger than ourselves. Today, this has lead me to apply for PA school where I hope to further help others in my community.

# data[].attributes.body
My time at Pomfret has defined so much of my life, from my best friends to my husband to my career. I took Dr. Chase's Anthropology of Gender class my senior year. We read Half the Sky and learned about how women around the world were denied access to health, education, and economic opportunities because of their gender. Because of this class, I majored in Global Health in college, got my MPH, and have spent over seven years conducting health communication and behavior change research to address health inequities around the world.

# data[].attributes.body
I look back on my time at Pomfret and there are plenty of stories that I could share, but when it comes to my passion and how Pomfret helped to ignite it I can't help but think of Coach Wolanin, Coach Sheehan, Coach Burke, and Coach Rowe. I wouldn't be where I am today without them and I couldn't be more thankful for what they did for me during my time on the hilltop. When college ended I knew that I wanted to work at a boarding school and coach and advise and live in a dorm because of what they did for me. I would not be where I am today without them. They were, and still are in some ways, my mentors and role models during a time where I was really figuring who I was and who I wanted to be. What they did for me on and off the playing field was so important to my development and I can only hope that I have the same type of impact on kids today that they had on me as someone working at a boarding school.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret truly changed my life forever. After transferring to the hilltop my sophomore year, it opened my eyes to all the possibilities that boarding school can offer. I made lifelong friends, created strong relationships with teachers, and fell in love with learning. While on campus I transformed from a quiet boy to a mature young man. Because of this transformation and the incredible community at Pomfret, I decided to pursue a career in education at a New England boarding school. I love my career and I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my time on the hilltop.

# data[].attributes.body
B-Rice persuaded me to join the golf team during my junior year at Pomfret. I went on to play golf in college and intern with the USGA. Golf has opened up so many opportunities for me in my career and, for the last 5 years, I’ve volunteered for The First Tee, working with underprivileged kids to teach them the game and the program’s life skills. My hope is that the kids I work with realize some of the same opportunities that golf has helped open for me.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret inspired my passion for community service and leadership. As a student, there are so many opportunities to serve the Pomfret School community and to step up as a leader. For me, opportunities such as being a Pomfret School tour guide, joining Relay for Life, and serving as both a Prefect & Head Waiter, inspired me to take on volunteer service roles throughout my life for nonprofits such as the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Pomfret School Alumni Association!

# data[].attributes.body
Growing up in a small town where not much happens can really stunt your growth as a person. Transferring into Pomfret and doing a repeat Jr year forever changed my life. I never had much drive for academics growing up. I rarely had a teacher that could get me interested in much, other than gym and math. After transferring to the hilltop, that all changed. I started to love classes such as Art, Art History, Astronomy, and Play Writing. Having teachers that helped bring out this side of me was pretty awesome. Playing sports my whole life, it was quite the change when an injury led me to taking on the school play. It ended up being so much fun, I continued to be a part of the cast during the next trimester.  After 2 years, I went from a boy with no direction to a smarter, slightly older boy, now accepted to a top business school in the country. While at Bentley, I was able to fulfill a life long dream of playing college football and achieve a new goal, getting a top education. I have since landed a career in managing global clinical trials that work to help oncology patients. When I look back, sometimes I can't believe I've made it to where I am. But one thing I can believe, is the catalyst for this all happening was Pomfret.

# data[].attributes.body
When I first came to visit the hilltop I was not familiar with prep school. By this I mean I did not understand what made Pomfret different from any other school. I connected with my field hockey coach, Louisa Jones and took a chance to go to Pomfret.

For the first time when going to school I felt as if all my teachers cared about my well-being, and me being successful. Pomfret is always trying to enhance its community, whether it’s new traditions or old ones. My experience at Pomfret was also the first time I felt like teachers and faculty listened to their students wants and needs. My connections to my friends, teachers, coaches and advisor are something I will have for my whole life. I will always be grateful for Pomfret and the people within it.

# data[].attributes.body
After a serious head injury my sophomore year, I was informed by my doctor that I must strictly refrain from any sports or  rigorous form of activity for the next six months. At first, I was extremely disheartened to hear that I would not be able to play my favorite sports for the following seasons of that year. With limited options left, I decided to try out yoga with Mrs. Richards to stay active while not putting my self in a situation where I could end up with a second head injury. That winter, I not only discovered yoga would help me stay physically active during recovery but also also improve my mental toughness and help me get in touch with my spirituality. Mrs. Richards introduced me to many genres of yoga  like vinyasa, yin, restorative and anti-gravity through her diverse class sessions, and after each class I found my self more interested and involved in the practice. I loved yoga so much that I decided to pursue it every winter for the following years instead of my previous sport. Last summer, I made the decision to become a certified yoga instructor to help others like me battling the physical and emotional stress of injury recovery and for people looking for some balance and peace of mind in their busy lives. I completed my 200 hr teacher training over the summer, and I am looking forward to starting teaching yoga classes for students at my University next semester to share the countless benefits of yoga with my peers. From this experience, I learned that sometimes events we view as negative can create amazing opportunities and have incredible outcomes in our life. I am extremely grateful for Mrs. Richards for introducing me to the practice of yoga, and Pomfret for giving me the opportunity to explore and pursue my passions in an area I otherwise would not have gotten a chance to explore.

# data[].attributes.body
Growing up in Wisconsin, the youngest of three (by a wide margin), and the only girl, I was taught the value of education and relationships. My brothers attended a private boarding school in St. Louis, so it was no surprise to my parents when I decided that I wanted to attend boarding school on the east coast and pursue my dream of playing Division I ice hockey. The moment I arrived at Pomfret in the fall of 2004, I knew it was the place that was going to provide the tools I needed to achieve that dream. I was pushed in the classroom, on the field, in the rink, and more importantly, pushed to mature in ways that most high schoolers don’t get to experience until later in life. In the fall of my senior year, I tore my ACL, putting a hold and uncertainty in what my future might look like. Looking back, the nine months that followed asked me to consider things I never thought I would have to consider. The thing I had defined myself by was taken from me and I was forced to find a new way to be impactful. Instead of playing, I was watching, learning, and even coaching at times. It was my advisor who sat me down and told me that in the long run, this would make me a better player, teammate, and ultimately person, so long as I have faith in the road ahead. Mr. Rowe was and is always right. Without the community of teachers, coaches, my advisor, and his wife, I would not have become the student-athlete I would become at Boston University. Without the sacrifices my parents and family made for me, I would not have met the people I came to call family. Those same people who flew thousands of miles support my family when my parents passed away. I admittedly don’t recall every paper I wrote, or math problem I inevitably got wrong, but I do recall how the people I met at Pomfret made me who I am today. Someone who understands the importance of community and that we have an opportunity to make a positive impact in others lives.

# data[].attributes.body
When I initially chose Pomfret, my decision was influenced by primarily academic and athletic reasons. However, little did I realize the opportunities I had on the hilltop. Pomfret pushed me out of my comfort zone and enabled me to find success in unimaginable ways. The tight-knit community helped me stretch from who I thought I was into who I really am and who I want to be as a person. I learned how to lead, be a better friend and teammate, and understand the importance of community service. With an open-minded and positive mindset, Pomfret's value-driven community, faculty and students alike, will challenge and inspire you to reach your full potential and more, as well as provide you the tools to succeed in college, a career, and in life.

# data[].attributes.body
Whenever I'm asked, "What moment in your life changed you?" I always talk about my time at Pomfret. Pomfret introduced me to my very best friends (literally my bridesmaids!) and for that alone I am eternally grateful. Beyond the friendships, Pomfret ignited a passion in me to help others--little did I know at the time that it would mean I too would become a teacher and actually end up right it where it all started! To my teachers who taught me so much from well beyond the classroom walls, to my friends who have been there through the best and worst times, to my former students who showed me every day why I am so lucky to be in this career, all I can say is...thank you!

# data[].attributes.body
You can take the boy out of Pomfret, but you can't take Pomfret out of the boy. There are many elements of Pomfret I am grateful for, one of them being perspective. To understand people and their perspectives is paramount, as it helps us better realize the world around us. To master this art is complicated, but the experiences at Pomfret and the openness to be vulnerable with fellow faculty and students is something world-renown. I better understand my friends, family, colleagues and those around me with the mechanics I learned from the many conversations I had in the classrooms at Pomfret, for that, I am eternally grateful.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret allowed me to explore any passion that I was interested in, in a very supportive community, which gave me the confidence to continue to try new things. Having a community that supported people to step out of their comfort zone and try something new without fear of being criticized for not being the best is a really special attribute to a community. I now have a passion in trying new things, even if it might seem scary, because at Pomfret I learned that I would much rather "fail" at trying something new, than feel regretful for not trying at all.

# data[].attributes.body
Throughout my time at Pomfret I always wanted to be a leader. I always felt like I had a lot of love and wisdom to share with the Pomfret community but I didn’t know how I could show it. Luckily I was granted the opportunity to become a QUEST leader my senior year by Erin Fisher and Kathleen Forrestal. I had never applied for the position and they needed a leader. I guess they saw in me what I saw in myself and they took a chance on me. When asked, I took the opportunity without hesitation. As a QUEST leader I was able to mentor, teach, and guide freshmen and sophomores on many different subjects such as building character, responding to failure, and forming a driven work ethic. While working in this position I discovered my passion for helping others. I looked forward to every QUEST session to see how I could make it fun and beneficial for my younger peers. It was a wonderful feeling to have people like Erin, Kathleen, and other facility members like Martha Horst believe in me. All their confidence in me made me want to go and help my younger classmates and show them that I believed in them too. Today I still get the opportunity to be a leader on the basketball court and I will continue to use what I learned about leading and about myself at Pomfret everywhere I go.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Shoutout to the Pomfret Boys Crew team, Looking forward to seeing you all crush it this spring on the water! 

# data[].attributes.body
The opportunities afforded to my growth at Pomfret School was truly special. I met some of the most incredible people, faculty, and staff that significantly impacted my life throughout my time at Pomfret. Whether it be through sports teams, in the classrooms, around campus or with your dorm there was always a feeling of belonging. One aspect stood out to me during my time on the hilltop and it was the ability to try and get involved in new activities, sports or be selected for leadership positions at Pomfret. When I toured Pomfret I was greeted by coach GRoss and Mr. Ring and learned about my opportunity to start my rowing career in boarding school. It quickly became apparent that this new sport would become a huge part of my life, and it continues to be in my daily life. For that, I'm forever grateful.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret was one of the first places in my life where I was challenged and empowered to use my voice. As a current researcher, writer, and activist, I remain thankful for the subversive spaces that faculty like Bridget Tsemo, Waddy Rowe and Greg Rossolimo created for me. By illuminating the power of language, these people allowed me to build a multi-dimensional identity at Pomfret. I will always cherish the memories my family has in this place.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret will always hold a special place in my heart. I still fondly remember driving all around New England for away matches and screaming on the sidelines at my sisters’ home games. Building community at Pomfret was great training for the work I’m doing now as a young professional. One of the lasting impacts Pomfret has had on my life was the opportunity to engage in social activism and anti-racist work in VOICE. Steve Davis, the NAIS conference, and the Encampment were opportunities that allowed me to find my voice and fight for causes I cared and still care about. I used to be terrified speaking in public or asking questions in class. These opportunities shaped me into a more confident and active community member. I will always be grateful for the myriad of experiences in the arts, athletics, and academics at Pomfret. These opportunities inside and outside of the classroom have become core tenets of who I am. I am proud to be a Griffin.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret has always held a huge significance in my life. Whether it was from the sports fields to quality time spent with teachers in the classroom. In particular, teachers like Waddy Rowe, Dr. Tsemo, and GRoss were some of the best and most influential in my Pomfret experience. To this day, I think of assignments they had students do that have shaped me into the scholar I am today. Dr. Tsemo specifically helped shaped me into the activist I have become today.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret was a place where I was able to explore the arts, athletics, and my academic interests. I can’t thank Nina Joly in the dance department enough for supporting my artistic endeavors along with Charles Houmard in Grifftones. I will never forget winning a NEPSAC basketball championship and learning how to balance my life as a student-athlete that has continued to help me in college. My passions for intersectional social justice work that was supported by Bridget Tsemo, Greg Rossolimo, Marvin Aguilar, Steve Davis, Jillian Forgue, and Hannah Cooke has inspired me to continue this work. I will always cherish the years I got to attend Pomfret with my older sister.

# data[].attributes.body
Important parts of my time at Pomfret included my involvement in the arts. My time in chorus and the musical not only supported my college arts career but also set the foundation for confidence in public speaking, public presentation, and composure under pressure. Now working in a field that ubiquitously requires public speaking, my work as a researcher wouldn't be as accessible to me without the ability to distill information under pressure and clearly. I attribute those skills to my time as a performer at Pomfret!

# data[].attributes.body
From the Hilltop campus, Pomfret helped to illuminate the larger world, really opening it up in a way that I couldn’t have previously imagined. I remember taking classes on art history, the Civil War, and World War II through film. During my junior year, I joined the chorus on a trip to Europe. And the Schwartz Visiting Fellows brought interesting scholars, authors, and scientists to campus each winter. Pomfret helped to ignite my curiosity about the world that I hope I will never lose.

# data[].attributes.body
While at Pomfret I was always on the quieter side. Little did I know Pomfret provided immense opportunities for me to push myself out of my comfort zone, whether that was taking classes I wouldn’t have taken otherwise, or trying out for various sports teams. Having the ability to interact with people from all over the world gave me a different perspective on various cultures and helped shape me into being someone who is way more outgoing, courageous, and gets excited at the opportunities to go outside my comfort zone. I’m forever grateful for all the life lessons, teachings and laughs Pomfret provided which I have held onto so dearly in my life through college, professionally and beyond!

# data[].attributes.body
I could go on and on about how Pomfret had helped me in numerous ways find what it was that I love and who I wanted to be. Pomfret gives you the opportunity to do what you want and learn what it is that you love outside of basic classes. During my freshmen year art immersion course, I discovered the love for creativity through painting and drawing and photography. Before Pomfret I was never interested in both of these arts and now after graduating even months later it is something I’ve continued and plan to continue in the future. Not always being the best in the math classroom, photography and painting and drawing was the class each day that encouraged my confidence. JP and Lindsay Lehmann both took the time to teach me and figure out who I was as an artist. I am forever grateful as they stayed patient as I figured out what type of artist I wanted to be in the long term and always pushed me to stay focused on what I was doing. Being able to discover this part of me and what I loved was beyond important for me and something I know plan to continue in my life as I study Marketing/ Advertising Communications at Endicott College. Being able to incorporate the design and art piece to my major in class everyday is the best part. It helps me realize what I want to do as I apply for internships and start my career.

# data[].attributes.body
The growth I underwent in my 4 years at Pomfret is something that I still regard with a bit of disbelief when looking back. Pomfret gave me the opportunity to grow both academically and socially, and forge lasting relationships with peers and faculty alike that I am thankful for to this day. By my senior year I was so comfortable and at home that I was singing, and dancing, and acting, all in front of the whole school, activities that you couldn't have paid me to even think about trying as a freshman. While I haven't pursued any of these things beyond the Hilltop, they are still memories that I cherish and look back on with pride (even if I'm a terrible dancer). Putting myself out there allowed me to get to know so many members of the community that I otherwise wouldn't have, and allowed those that already knew me to get to know me a little bit better. It was these relationships that made Pomfret what it was to me, that brought me out of my shell, that kindled my passion for helping those around me. I carried this passion with me to and through college, and somehow have now found my way back home to Pomfret as a teacher, in no small part due to how much I enjoy being part of this community.

# data[].attributes.body
Although I was unaware at the time, Pomfret inspired me to embark on a career in planning and design.  While at Pomfret, my favorite classes were science and art.  As a somewhat unique combination, my interests continued to develop over time into a career in sustainable design and plan development. The great teachers and community helped me build confidence to ask questions and pursue topics that excited me. My experience at Pomfret helped me find my passions, build a strong foundation, and ultimately helped me find a career path that I love.

# data[].attributes.body
Coming to Pomfret as a third year transfer, Pomfret immediately inspired my passion for branching out of my comfort zone. While there, teachers, advisors, coaches and friends continued to encourage me in becoming the best version of myself. More importantly, Pomfret and its community taught me that along the journey there will be ups and downs. Now studying Computer Science at Lafayette College, there are many ups and downs, but the confidence Pomfret has given me to continue pushing myself has benefitted me tremendously. I am forever in debt to the Pomfret community for inspiring me to constantly "go for it" and being comfortable with the uncomfortable.

# data[].attributes.body
Now a senior in college, I often look back at my Pomfret experience and feel surprised by how much control I had in being the architect of my own education as a high-schooler -- I was able to lead Project Pomfrets and design an independent study course. Such freedom, along with the support from numerous faculty members, allowed me to explore different disciplines and help me realize my passion for history and art, ultimately prompting me to major in art history. After graduation, I will continue to use the interdisciplinary thinking I gained at Pomfret to explore the intersection between business and art. Besides academics and careers, Pomfret helped me develop many life-long passions and habits, such as sports, yoga, and meditation, which I am grateful for.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret is the gift that keeps on giving. I have yet to find a support system in my life that's bond is stronger than those in the Pomfret community. People like Waddy Rowe, Karen Marshall, Kelly Sheehan, Doug MacLeod, Katie Wells, Sheridan Zimmer, Pablo, The Horsts, The Kremers.... (I could go on) exemplify the passion, spirit, heart, and drive that a Pomfret community member has. Pomfret allowed me to do a lot of amazing things, from traveling to Costa Rica to study sustainability, to leading my own Project Pomfret focused on raising awareness for students with autism, to making my lifelong best friends. My four years at Pomfret changed my life, and introduced me a group of people that changed who I️ am for the better by giving me more perspective and confidence. For me, Pomfret was a transformative experience. Pomfret gave me the resources to ignite my passion and the spirit, drive, heart, and confidence to take on the world after graduating.

# data[].attributes.body
While at Pomfret, I always enjoyed listening to the alumni speaker event every year. I liked hearing about the different career paths that these alumni experienced. Matthew Scanlan’s talk about how he founded Nadaam stands out to me the most. I enjoyed hearing his story about creating a company based on ethical and sustainable business practices. Hearing this story sparked my interest in learning about and the hope of working with companies that share the same ideas of making a positive social and environmental impact.

# data[].attributes.body
I didn’t know at the time but my passion was working with kids. Being at Pomfret and seeing how the staff and educators cared for the students inspired me to pursue a career in teaching. I’m so grateful for all the positive experiences I was able to have with the adults at Pomfret.

# data[].attributes.body
Pomfret school pushes you to grow and become the best version of yourself. Taking AP environmental science my senior year helped me discover my passion for environmental studies and public policy. This class helped shape what courses I wanted to take in college and what I wanted to do post graduation! I am forever grateful for that class and O’sully!

# data[].attributes.body
Without my time as a student at Pomfret, I would have never been a member of Key Club, I would have never became a Key Head, and I likely would never had found my passion for representing a place that I love so dearly: Pomfret School! My professional life and passion has been entirely shaped by my Pomfret experience and without it, I truly have no idea where I’d be or what I’d be doing. I am eternally grateful to these people and this place for introducing a passion that has become my profession!

# data[].attributes.body
I didn't know it at the time, but something Pomfret ignited in me was the importance of teachers as a support system. As a teacher now, I realize how important it is to tell my students how much I support them and believe in them. This also means, I don't let them give me anything but the best. I learned that from my teachers at Pomfret.

# data[].attributes.body
When I was a sophomore, I was placed in a project pomfret where we discussed the abuse animals face everyday. At the end of this project, my group held a dog adoption in the field house. This really opened my eyes to all kinds of animal cruelty, but more specifically animal tested companies. Before I buy anything from a company, I make sure it is cruelty free because I do not support companies that harm animals to create products for consumers. I use this process more with cosmetic companies since this is where animal cruelty is taken place the most.

# data[].attributes.body
My freshman year of Pomfret, each member of my class was tasked with writing letters to our future selves. I wrote my senior self a letter promising to come out of my shell, be courageous, and push my limits. As I opened that envelope (with about 10 staples), I realized I barely remembered writing that letter, nor the extent I went to make sure no one opened it before it was time. As I read the words I’d written four years before, the memories came flooding back and I was happy that I had met the challenges I placed for myself. That was something I brought with me to college and still do today. I write myself letters as a way to hold myself accountable and remind myself of goals my younger self had set and perhaps as a way to stay true to what I want to do.

# data[].attributes.body
My drive for ocean conservation and deeper understanding of the ocean came during my time at Pomfret through a marine biology class I took with Mr. Gibbs. The spark of my passion started for me on a trip to the Long Island Sound, through the Uconn Marine Biology lab, where we went both into the labs and onto the ocean to learn about different aspects of both the environment and species in the area. Today I still look back at this experience when working in environmental work in the watersheds around the Northeast or enjoying hobbies that take place around or in the ocean.