Molly Canfield
Senior Molly Canfield skips through the legitimate story line in a movie to watch the romantic scenes, but she cherishes every moment she spends at Exeter. From planning doomed-to-fail Halloween group costumes to spending lazy afternoons in Elm Street Dining Hall filling out crossword puzzles and drinking black coffee, Canfield brightens every room she enters with her vivacious personality and infectious smile.
Originally from Tamworth, New Hampshire, Canfield discovered Exeter through a family friend. “I did not grow up thinking I would go to boarding school,” she said. “I’m very close to my parents, and I couldn’t imagine not eating dinner with them every night.” Canfield and her twin sister Willa both applied during eighth grade, but only Willa was accepted. “I went to the public high school my father teaches at for a year, and I loved it, but Willa was at Exeter, and Exeter is such an amazing place,” Canfield continued. “It was difficult to leave my old school, after just one year there, but I came here. I’m so happy that I did.”
“For me, Harkness has meant not just conversations around the table, but conversations in the dining hall, conversations in the dorm and conversations on the paths.”
Senior Emily Pelliccia, Canfield’s former roommate, described Canfield’s love for Exeter as contagious. “Back in lower year, whenever we were feeling worn down by this place, we would rewatch the 2015 Exeter acceptance video of Exonians singing the song ‘Rather Be,’” she said. “Molly has never let go of her gratitude for this amazing school and has never stopped spreading it wherever she goes on campus.”
At Exeter, Canfield’s favorite subjects are English, history, and Spanish. Outside of the classroom, Canfield channels her passion of human rights advocacy and social justice into her role as a co-head of Amnesty International and member of Democratic (Dem) Club. “Last fall during the election, I would put two or three hours a week into Dem Club,” she said. “Every week, we would phone bank or canvass or go to a political event. I had so much energy that whole time—we all had so much hope.”
Although the election didn’t turn out the way she’d hoped, Canfield learned from the defeat. “That wave of energy sort of crashed, sadly, but from that defeat came along more energy to keep fighting—to fight for what we believe in,” she said.
Dem Club adviser Jacquelyne Weatherspoon described the motivational effect Canfield had on other club members. “Her happiness is infectious; it makes people want to work,” Weatherspoon said. “People actually loved to listen to her talk when we were doing phone banking. They loved that her voice was clear and full of joy, interest and engagement.”
Amnesty International co-head Pedro Sanson agreed, noting Canfield’s constant upbeat attitude. “Molly is always the optimistic person who is great at encouragement and lifting the spirit,” he said. “As a co-head of Amnesty International, she is constantly fighting for human rights and really wants Exeter to be aware of the many issues around the world.”
Canfield is also a Student Listener and a proctor in Bancroft Hall. “I think that she’s in those roles because of the confidence people have in her,” said her adviser Margaret Foley. “They really respect her, they know that she cares for them, they have a lot of fun with Molly and they really trust her.”
Senior Sophia Zu agreed with Foley, saying that Canfield’s warmth “seeps into everything” she does. “It is very clear that Molly cares about the people around her and envelops them with lots of love and care,” she said. Pelliccia added, “Anyone who knows Molly knows that she is a natural listener. She is someone who I, and many others on this campus, confide in, seek advice from, trust and love.” Pelliccia continued by saying that Canfield “takes care” of the people around her. “Molly is selfless, always there as a shoulder to cry on, as a leader in Bancroft—the best dorm on campus—and as a friend,” she said.
Canfield brings her listening skills to her classes and serves as a natural leader at the Harkness table. Canfield described how much she values discussions she’s had at Exeter. “The thing that truly sets Exeter apart is Harkness,” she said. “For me, Harkness has meant not just conversations around the table, but conversations in the dining hall, conversations in the dorm and conversations on the paths.” Canfield continued by saying how grateful she is to have met so many people at Exeter. “We have such a unique opportunity on this campus to be surrounded by people from every background imaginable,” she said. “From different countries to different socioeconomic backgrounds, I’ve gotten the chance to get to know so many people. That’s been amazing.”
Exeter has also helped Canfield develop her confidence. “Before I came, I had very little faith in myself,” she said. “It was so scary for me coming to Exeter because of that.” However, Canfield soon found her place at the Academy and flourished. “I was positively convinced that I would fail out after the first term, but I’m still here, almost three years later,” she continued. “I have gained so much faith in myself as a student, and a person, and in many different capacities.”
Students and faculty appreciate the bright, loving impact Canfield leaves on everyone around her. “My favorite thing about Molly is her unconditional love for everybody,” Foley said. “She’s a bottomless well of warmth, and time, and an ability to listen and connect with people. What underscores everything she does is just a belief in the dignity of everyone.”
“Molly gives more to this community than almost anyone I know, and as a result I think she also gets more out of it,” Pelliccia said. “She has turned Exeter into a home for not only herself, but for so many others.”