Robin Potter
Senior Robin Potter always makes a point to smile at each person she passes on the path. Through her positions on Exeter sports teams and passion for sailing, her energetic personality enriches the lives of those around her.
From their first encounters with Potter, students and adults alike were energized by her motivation. “I actually met Robin before she ever came to PEA,” her adviser, science instructor Elizabeth Stevens, said. Stevens encountered Potter and her family by chance while sailing. She continues describing the meeting, adding, “I was struck by how mature Robin was…[s]he was a very competent and confident small boat operator at 13 years old.”
As captain of the soccer team, Potter uses her role to foster a welcoming environment. Upper Evie Houston has also known Potter for many years, as both played in a local soccer league. Once at Exeter, Houston recalls how Potter welcomed her to the team.
“Being a freshman on the varsity team is really intimidating, and I felt like she made me feel at home,” Houston said. “She has always been the type of person that really just wants to make everybody feel included, and that one of the great attributes she has and a reason she makes such a great captain,” she added.
During her prep year, Potter joined the varsity girls soccer and hockey teams and has continued playing both sports for her entire Exeter career. Hockey teammate and senior Allison Lennie said, “[s]he was on my line last year and she’s really fun to play with. She works really hard.” Hard work seems to be a cornerstone of Potter’s ideals, affecting all that she does, from schoolwork to the ESSO club Haiti Pen Pals.
Potter carries a strong presence in the classroom as well as in the sports arena. At the Harkness table, she was always an active participant. “Even though she wasn’t the loudest in the room, Robin was always completely focused and engaged,” Spanish Instructor Ellen Glassner said. Even though she may not talk constantly, her comments are commended by her classmates. “She’s the type of person that when she talks everyone wants to listen,” Houston stated.
Many have picked up on Potter’s caring personality. “Even if she’s having a bad day, she will be nice to everyone around her. That kindness makes her shine wherever she goes,” senior Tina Fernandez said. Potter’s character hasn’t only been noticed by her friends, with her advisor saying that “[Potter] is the embodiment of goodness and knowledge […]She will surely have a positive impact on our world,” Stevens added.
Outside of Exeter, Potter is involved in sailing with her family. From a young age, she has sailed in Northeast Harbor, Maine. Of sailing, she says, “the travelling aspect really resonates with me, and I just love being on the water.”
More recently, Potter participated in an Instagram competition facilitated by Sailing SV Delos, a prominent sailing YouTube channel. With the help of the Exeter community, Potter reached the finals of the competition to sail around the world with Delos. “My friends were super supportive,” she said. “They wrote in comments for me and liked my [YouTube video]. It felt really good to have the whole community behind me.”
As part of the selection process, Potter submitted a video that was ultimately displayed on their channel. “They ended up picking another person,” Potter said, “but I thought it was just super cool to make it that far and connect with them.”
Despite not making the final cut, Potter still dreams of her own sailing adventures. “I’ve always wanted to live on a boat since I was little,” she said. “Sailing is definitely something I want to do for my whole life.”
Despite all her achievements, Potter remains modest. “I love how she’s amazing at so many things, but she’s super humble about it,” Fernandez said. Stevens agreed, adding, “despite all of her successes, [Potter] remains humble. This, in my opinion, is one of her finest qualities.”
Senior Allison Pendleton further admires Potter: “Everything about her inspires me, especially the way that she’s unapologetically herself and she’s always eager to try new things,” she said. “Just being around her is enough to make me smile.”
Nearing the end of her Exeter career, Potter reflects on her future plans. “When I grow up,” she said, “I want to have a career that really helps someone.” Through her work with Haiti Pen Pals and other ESSO clubs, Potter found a love for helping others. “ I think we have a lot of privilege here so I like to acknowledge that and connect with people in different areas,” she concluded.