Freshmen Perspective

The freshmen class is the smallest class in the school, with only 16 students, but they have all come from different schools with different schedules and dynamics. As a freshman, there are many important details to remember, including the names of buildings, students, teachers, meal times, and having study hall every night. Since school has been in session for around two months, the freshmen have already settled in, but now,  they are getting used to their new school, being away from home, and finding their routine.

There are many differences when joining a new school, especially boarding schools like Chatham Hall. At Chatham Hall, the new freshmen are learning the ways of the school and campus. After interviewing two of the freshmen, Chrisette Jones and Olivia Gioia, there are differences and similarities to their responses about becoming a Chatham Hall student. Chrisette shared that she was not homesick the first few weeks because of all the new experiences that were happening. She shared that “[she is] getting settled in” and “[misses] home a bit.” After settling-in, it was easier to miss her home, home cooked meals, family, and especially her little brother. However, after calling back home to her parents and family members, she found keeping in touch made it easier for her to cope with homesickness. 

Olivia said she chose a boarding school because she enjoyed being away from home and living with her friends on dorm. Olivia mentioned the food she eats at home is similar to the food served in Yardley but there is a wider variety of “foods from different cultures.” While dealing with homesickness, the two interviewees are also learning about living on dorm.

As all of the students know, part of the boarding experience includes sharing spaces. Chrisette said she is used to sharing spaces because she shares her bathroom and other spaces with her brother, therefore it was not a major adjustment. Olivia also shares bathrooms with her younger siblings, and she has shared a room before at the camps she has attended before coming to Chatham Hall. Both of the freshmen said they found it harder to find quiet time alone here, than at their houses because of the scheduling and adjusting to a roommate; Chrisette explained it was not difficult, but “it’s just something you need to adjust to.” 

At a new school with new people, it can be challenging to find new friends; however here at Chatham Hall, it is a small community of girls. Both of the interviewees agreed the size made it easier to find friends. Chrisette explained going to an all girls school was a positive difference, more comfortable, and it was easier to make connections. She remarked, “you feel more comfortable about things because [everyone] experiences it.” Olivia said the all girls school had less pressure. Both interviewees also agreed that there was not much of a separation between the different grades, so they could make friendships with more than the people in their freshmen class.

Sports are a part of daily life here at Chatham Hall; however, it is not the case at the previous schools of the freshmen. At Chrisette’s old school, sports were not required. Olivia played  soccer in the fall at her old school. Sports were not required, but she has been playing soccer for the past six years. Olivia also found sports here “more organized and less stressful because there are not as many games and you get back at a normal time.” While not all freshmen are used to sports everyday, some freshmen find the scheduling more coordinated than their old schools.

While the daily schedule is different from each of the freshmans' old schedules, each freshman has been able to find a daily plan at Chatham Hall. Chrisette said it was not challenging to find a routine that was right for her. Her old school schedule ended at six o’clock in the evening, so she is used to a scheduled day, but she said there is less time between classes. She says the time between classes and sports is shorter than what she would prefer. When asked about adjusting to the schedule, Olivia stated, “some days are more stressful than others.” At her old school she would have nine classes each day, but Olivia explained she would have five classes at the maximum here at Chatham Hall, which makes the schedule of the academic day less difficult from her old school. Even though new scheduling can be difficult, both students have found similarities in their schedules to their old school and have found plans that are beneficial to themselves and lifestyle. 

The academics also differ from Chrisette and Olivia’s past schools. Both said the homework and academic life was not a large adjustment because it was similar to both of their old schools. They both said if they were stressed, they could always talk to their advisor or one of their teachers. Olivia said the teachers give the students more responsibility at Chatham Hall because the teachers do not remind and pressure the students about their homework. They let students be responsible for getting their work done on time. Olivia explained, “No one is pressuring you to do your work, so you have to do it on your own.” However, she sees the responsibility as a way to help prepare for college and later in life.

After interviewing Chrisette and Olivia about academics, social life, dorm life, and their new schedules, they each seem to be adjusting to Chatham Hall well and are each finding routines for their new schedules. While homesickness can be a struggle, calling home is always an option, and the activities, classes, and sports keep their minds occupied. As the freshmen continue throughout the year there will be new challenges, but they have already found their foundation for their life here at Chatham Hall.