Reflecting on My Brewster Experience

I first visited Brewster was when I was just 11 years old. I spent a week on campus at my first overnight summer soccer camp. I was truly taken aback by how beautiful the school was and I had a fun week enjoying the view, dorm, turf field, and athletic center.

I sincerely never thought I’d come to Brewster’s campus again, but all that changed when I was a sophomore in high school. The girls’ varsity soccer coach, Matt Butcher, contacted me after seeing me play at a soccer showcase. He asked if I had ever considered attending a school like Brewster. I shared that I hadn’t. He then asked me, along with my parents, to chat with him about the possibility and invited me for a tour. 

When I visited campus, I was immediately struck by the strong sense of community I felt. The teachers were very open to questions and students were happy and welcoming. In addition, the more my parents and I learned about the curriculum, social/emotional approach to learning and small class sizes, the more I wanted to attend. I went to my parents and asked, “Is there any way you can make this happen for me? I really want to go to Brewster.” Soon after, we made the decision to change the course of my high school career and commit to attending Brewster. I was incredibly nervous about starting over at a new school, but at the same time I was excited for the challenge of living on my own. I knew I would grow up a bit quicker and that would be a good thing for me. 

I can honestly say attending Brewster has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has changed the course of my life. It opened so many doors for me. I stepped out of my comfort zone, challenged myself in a bunch of different ways, and grew as a person. Along the way, I had so many great experiences and met so many amazing people—administrators, teachers, advisors, and fellow students—who’ve made me the person I am today. I’m extremely grateful for my time at Brewster and in Wolfeboro. I’ll always consider it my second home.