A Phillips Exeter Academy Experience

A Brief Reflection from an Exeter Alumnus

Well, I am officially an alumnus of Phillips Exeter Academy and now everything feels a little off. It's strange knowing that I won't be going back up to New Hampshire this coming school year, with the friends I have grown so close to these past four years. I can't imagine not having late night conversations with my dorm mates about the stupidest things, which at the time could not have been of greater significance. No more Harkness classes in Phillips Hall, no more Saturday afternoons watching games and working out, no more Sunday morning brunches at Elm Street. None of that anymore.
The goodbyes that I had to say, that I was forced to say, no matter how emotional or heartfelt, could never do justice to the camaraderie that they were ending. Those were not "permanent" goodbyes; I'll definitely see a lot of my classmates again. But the friendships that were nurtured on that hallowed ground in Exeter, New Hampshire will be ones whose true nature can only be grasped in that time and place, tucked away in my memory. It doesn't seem fair that I have to let go of something that good, that dear to my heart, only to carry it as a reoccurring thought in my memory. It was so true when the Principal said these words at commencement, "Never will a group of these individuals ever be assembled together again."
There is something special about that place, about those few years from 2003 to 2007. And I suppose, now, it's no longer time for me to feel nostalgic, but rather thankful. I should be thankful to my parents who sacrificed and allowed me to discover what an Exeter experience is all about. I should be thankful for all those individuals who, whether through giving me advice, playing with me on a sports team, or even just saying "Hi" once in a while, played a part in sculpting my unique experience. Although all Exonians' experiences have been different, there is a common thread linking them together: an understanding of the importance of an Exeter education, and the responsibility that it leaves in one's life. So, although my days at the Academy may be over, the lessons that I have learned, friendships that I have made, and memories that I will forever hold will shape my life into one which truly reflects what it means to be an Exonian.

Albert Pak' 07
June, 2007

After 4 years ....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPFJmgZrxgA

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[lijiayong98]

exeter's so much better than my current school. It has a huge campus, it's amazingly fun to study there, and it's cool to be smart. I am determined to get it's offer @2011 FALL. Go exeter! I will try my best!

[mrmanutd009]

Andover is better.

[MrTiglet11]

@johnakma congrats

[johnakma]

GOING NEXT YEARRR!

[hulask]

Exeter 39 Andover 6 GO BIG RED!

[mason1258]

like this if you were told by a teacher to go on here...... cuz if you came on this vid on your own time.. get a life..

[noxetobscuri]

@Bosox10123 We started it.

[Bosox10123]

@Lauren7569 Yeah, the harkness table is not unique to Exeter at all. A lot of boarding schools have it (I think somewhere around 30+ other schools, including Andover)...

[westbrookwins]

@Lauren7569 For humanities classes, yes. For math and science, it may vary, but I assure you the teaching is just as great!

[BlackwaterNiK]

I'd love to go here. Unfortunately, a California public school will have to do, since it is too far away. :(

[BlackwaterNiK]

I'd love to go here. Unfortunately, a California public school will have to do, since it is to far away. :(

[Clemsonandcubsfan1]

@youngdones yes, it is a prestigious co/ed boarding school in New Hampshire.