New England Sampler at Fall Open House

Some attendees were alumni of the 2023 High School Summer Program, eager to meet again on campus. After the social, the high schoolers briefly visited upperclassman seminars before returning to their residence halls — where the underclassmen feted them with snacks before bed.

The guests spent Friday morning and the early afternoon visiting classes in small groups to witness the Discussion Method in action. They watched students demonstrate Euclidean theorems, analyze hymns, and discuss Aristotle’s Physics, among other subjects. “My favorite class was Freshman Math,” said one visitor. “It was cool to see people get up and present these difficult problems and then answer questions after! I was really impressed.”

Later in the afternoon, when classes had concluded, the high schoolers dispersed to explore the campus before watching a soccer game unfold on the athletic field.

After dinner, they continued to socialize in the Student Center. Inside, visitors and students bonded over board games, ping pong, and mochas, while others talked and sang Irish tunes around a bonfire outside. The festivities continued at the residence halls, where visitors and students mingled over charcuterie and talked about the classes they had visited. 

While visitors experienced the Discussion Method secondhand on Thursday and Friday, Saturday morning brought an opportunity to try it out for themselves with a reading of C.S. Lewis’s essay “Learning in Wartime.” “We use the Discussion Method not because we think it is the only way to learn, but because we think it is the best way to learn,” tutor Dr. Josef Froula said in his introductory remarks. “It is always a process to unravel the truth, and to do that, we encourage open, free-flowing conversation, encouraging cooperation as we all try to come to the truth together.”

Heeding Dr. Froula’s guidance, the guests divided into three sections and dove into conversation. They pondered the importance of education in tumultuous times, wondering why people spend so much of their relatively short lives on the “comparative trivialities” of philosophy with their eternal salvation competing for attention. Their discussions were energetic and fruitful, with some continuing after the sessions concluded. “They are all so enthusiastic about the program!” said Clara Ramos, one of the admissions counselors for New England. “They know why they are here, and they are so excited about the curriculum and culture we have at TAC.”

With their discussions concluded, the remainder of the day was dedicated to fun. After lunch, Stephen Brown (’25) led a dance lesson in Gould Hall, teaching basic swing and waltz moves in anticipation of the evening’s festivities. The high schoolers snuck in a final soccer game before tidying up, donning their finery, and heading over to Olivia Music Hall for the concluding soiree. Between sampling Mexican sodas, the visitors were able to put their newfound dancing skills on display. By the end of the day, everyone was exhausted in the best way.

The next morning was bittersweet, as every parting is. Visitors attended Mass and went to brunch before packing up and heading out, hungry for more of the rich life they had so briefly tasted over the weekend. “It’s really exciting to see so many new and familiar faces,” remarked John Jost, associate director of admissions. “It’s encouraging to see these kids actively engage with current students and each other. Many of them have already expressed interest in coming here!”