First Night in Northfield

Students on the New England High School Summer Program quickly settled in after Sunday’s arrival, then gathered in Gould Hall for their first dinner together! The weather had prevented an outdoor barbecue, but all found shelter in the Commons, where the kitchen crew served BBQ chicken, corn on the cob, and orzo salad, with cookies for dessert. As dinner came to a close, students bid their families farewell and made their way to Dolben Auditorium for orientation.

Associate Director of Admissions John Jost began the event by introducing the admissions team and sharing his own experience as a onetime Summer Program student. At first, he admitted, he wasn’t very interested in attending the program, but he reluctantly decided to give it a try. “I probably wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for that Summer Program,” he said. Mr. Jost then exhorted the students to give themselves to the program, and to make the most of their time here, promising them a truly incredible experience.

Mr. Jost then welcomed Fr. Miguel to the podium. The Summer Program Chaplain explained that man is not meant to be considered as a collection of parts; he is a whole, composed of body and soul, and both must be attended to in order to grow. The environment of the College, he continued, is ordered toward perfecting man as a whole. It does not just focus on the intellectual aspect, but emphasizes the importance of growing spiritually as well. “Put God first, and all things will fall into place,” he urged.

After these words of advice, Mr. Jost introduced the Summer Program prefects, who took bows and waved, welcomed warmly by the students in the audience. The programmers then headed back to their residence halls, where they snacked on chips and crackers as the prefects led them in some evening games. The buildings rang with cheers and laughter!

The day was long, and as the night went on, all began to tire. After bidding newfound friends goodnight, students found their way to their rooms to finish unpacking, prepare for today’s classes, and get ready for bed.

Be sure to return to the Summer Program Blog this afternoon to read all about the students’ experiences with their first classes, in which they will discuss Oedipus Rex and Plato’s Euthyphro!