Junior Class Tours Virginia Colleges

11/16/2022

In mid-November, the junior class toured both the College of William & Mary (W&M) in Williamsburg, Va. and Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Hampton Roads, Va. It was Chatham Hall’s first overnight trip of this kind since the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s important to give students a personal experience as they begin their college selection process in earnest,” said Dean of College Counseling Dr. Erin McHugh. “Going together as a class allows us all to notice the same things while we are on campuses, engage in great conversations both together and with our hosts, and provide us a shared experience for reflection once we return to campus and continue with our college journeys.”

At W&M, Chatham Hall alumna Emily Boesen '20 acted as the group’s tour guide while at CNU alumnae Sarah Storm '21 and Mary Semerling '21 were both able to stop by and chat with students.

“Touring the colleges with my fellow classmates was a fun experience that enlightened us on the importance of attending college,” said Class President Olivia Kauffman ‘24. “Our class feels like one big family, and being together made the college process much less stressful. The best part of looking at colleges with my peers was that none of us felt alone, and instead of being nervous about college, we turned it into an inspiring trip.”

Prior to the campus visits, the class was also able to tour Historic Jamestowne with History Department Chair John Kingery, who himself is a W&M alumnus.

“The best part of this college trip was definitely touring around the campus with my friends and using our free time to attend different class sessions,” said Tracy Tian ‘24. “The experience was really special. Opportunities that allow us to visit everywhere on the campus are precious. This trip helped me have a clearer view of selecting college. Now I am more aware of different aspects that we need to consider, like the location, class sizes, academic strength, and more.”

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