Words From the Wise: Advice Column

 

Dear Seniors, 
What was the most difficult part of your time here at Chatham? How did you overcome it? 

Sincerely, 

Wondering Wendy 

 

Dear Wondering Wendy, 
Throughout the years, we struggled with feelings of doubt and fear of change the most. Thoughts of inferiority, and worrying about measuring up to the standards set by upperclassmen was a constant battle that took time to win, along with getting outside of the comfort zone that we set for ourselves, and embracing the changes that we go through. Our advice to you is to reach out to your friends, family, and trusted adults. They can really help you gain confidence and build your self-esteem to be the best you that you can be. Trying new things at least once or twice, if you can manage it, is a great way to stay open minded, aware, and present, instead of looking too far forward or too far in the past. Although your obstacles may be large, it’s helpful to remember that you are not the first one to meet it, and if they can do it, so can you. 

The Wise 

Dear Seniors,

What is something that you hope everyone does before they graduate? 

Warm regards, 

Pondering Penelope 

Dear Pondering Penelope, 

We all hope that everyone takes the opportunities that have been given to them. Chatham offers a really unique academic experience that can be hard to find anywhere else, and there are constant leadership positions, chances to participate in the community, travel programs, and so many other things that make this school great. It may be scary to branch out and do things you normally wouldn’t, but the connections that can be made through these experiences can really help your self esteem, friendships, and academic success. Overcoming fear, especially fear of failure, can be a big hurdle to cross, but understanding that you are supported, by your peers, friends, teachers, advisor, and several other members of this school. With that support, it is okay to mess up and to make mistakes. You have a safety net. Failure is not really failure, just a learning experience. Try new things, build relationships, participate in chapels, clubs, and activities. You have chances to grow, and we want you to take them.

The Wise

 Dear Seniors

Where is your favorite place to study throughout campus? What are some of your favorite study methods? 

Salutations, 

Academic Angie 

Dear Academic Angie, 

The library is a favorite of ours, specifically the Tea Room and the glass rooms on the top floor. They are both private, quiet, and easily accessible, and are great places to focus, but in reality, whatever works for you is truly the best thing to do. Whether it be your dorm, structured study hall, Lee Library, or a classroom—if you are being productive, you are doing something right. As for study methods, understanding something enough to teach it to a peer can be really beneficial to truly know what you do and don’t understand. Retyping, rewriting, and saying things aloud repeatedly is another great way of learning and memorizing material for important tests, quizzes, or projects. With that, we hope you find these suggestions helpful!

Sincerely, 

The Wise 

Dear Seniors,

What was the highlight of your time here at Chatham?

Best Wishes, 

Curious Carrie 

Dear Curious Carrie,

This may sound basic, but our highlight is the people we have met here. It is hard to imagine this school without the memories we have made with our friends. Even when friendships grow apart and grow together, it is still a major part of the Chatham Hall experience. As well as friends, the activities that go along with that have made our time here meaningful and rewarding. Traditions like the Old-Girl, New-Girl; Class Ring; and Lantern ceremonies have also become a major highlight of our years here. Although we recognize that everyone will have different highs and lows, we hope that everyone else finds the thing that makes them feel at home and bonded with this school, campus, and community. Remember to see the positives before the lows, to look forward to the sunrise, and make sure that the ones you love know that they are loved.  

The Wise