A Letter to Incoming Students

By: Nicholas Rose

Dear Incoming Students, 

I’m going to be completely honest with you. Having just been accepted into Exeter around this time last year, I had no idea what to think. On one hand, I was thrilled with the exciting opportunities laid out before me for the next three years, especially the academic rigor and potential clubs to join. But on the other hand, I was happy with my current life and hesitant to completely change it, especially amid a global pandemic.

I had attended the same school from first to tenth grade and had forged extremely close relationships with my community there. I hadn’t told anyone I applied to Exeter; it was simply expected I would continue there until graduation. Out of curiosity, I visited in the fall and quickly fell in love with the beautiful campus, the welcoming students and teachers, and the overall energetic sense of  community that I witnessed. 

However, I was terrified at the prospect of leaving all of my relationships back home while attempting to make friends in a completely virtual setting. I had avoided thinking about Exeter since applying in December, in order to avoid any accompanying stress. As my impending decisions stared me in the face, I opened the acceptance letter. 

Despite my hesitation, I went for it. I embraced the change. When I broke the news to my people back home, I felt guilty for leaving my friends and teachers with no warning, especially right before the start of my junior year. 

The sadness and apprehension which occupied my spring and summer faded when I arrived on campus in October. I was soon swept up by everything going on, and I’ve thrown myself into every opportunity since. Academics, athletics, clubs, the arts. As I’ve deepened my pre-existing interests, I’ve also tried new things and discovered passions within myself I never knew existed.

However, transitioning was difficult. Making friends at the beginning of this year wasn’t easy. I remember feeling anxious and overwhelmed my first weekend on campus as I wondered who I would spend time with. But now, in only March of my first year, I’ve made relationships with so many fascinating people in less than a year. I’ve been able to try my hand at the pottery wheel, ice skate for the first time in years and spend late nights jamming on my guitar in the music center with an impromptu band. These are opportunities which I didn’t even imagine I’d be able to experience.

I can vividly remember the first time I sat down for an in-person Harkness class. Although it was 8:00p.m., after a long day of classes on a Monday, I was excited to finally experience the real thing. Even separated from my classmates by plexi-glass dividers, I could still feel a powerful sense of connection through our discussion of the novel Homegoing. With the possibility of a fully in-person schedule in the future, I cannot wait to continue to build and experience this kind of atmosphere. 

The academic rigor at Exeter is real. Very real. I’ve spent many nights stressing about the things I need to get done before next day or cramming in extra studying before a test. But since coming here, I’ve been able to manage my time better, allowing me to join new clubs and organizations. With the constant support of my teachers, I have learned much more than I ever could have imagined. 

Looking back one whole year later, it’s hard to believe time has moved so quickly. I’m always surprised by the naivety of my past thoughts. How did I almost pass up the greatest opportunity afforded to me so far? 

Many of you are probably scared, just as I was. I want you to know that you don’t need to think twice about coming to Exeter. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but Exeter is truly a magical place. I encourage you to take full advantage of this coming change and enter Exeter with an open mind. Branch out and explore other interests, discovering aspects of yourself which were previously hidden. If you give this school a chance, I promise it will revolutionize the way you see yourself and the outside world. Get excited for your arrival in September. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you in the fall!

Sincerely, 

Nicholas Rose