Don Assamongkol

Upon arriving at Exeter, Don Assamongkol met Sam Michaels, his neighbor from Thailand, for the first time. Throughout their four years, they taught each other how to play their respective sports and are now both varsity volleyball and squash players. Reflecting on his experiences, Don noted that this was one of many stories that reflected his Exeter experience—new friendships and opportunities.

Don’s classmates know him as being a divergent thinker with the assurance to question new ideas brought up around the table. “I'm most known around the table for asking questions, in each one of my classes,” he said. “The primary thing I do is ask questions.”

History instructor John Herney noted Don's willingness to advocate for unbroached perspectives. “Don always entered the classroom with considerable energy every day,” Herney said. “He was valuable around the table because he would challenge predominant viewpoints. He would keep [the] conversation going by offering a different slant on what we were talking about.”

Herney continued, describing Don’s transformation as a writer in his class. “His strength was bringing detail to an essay and over time developed a better way to bring analysis to that detail,” he said. “From essay to essay, he got better and better.”

Other teachers, such as history instructor Leah Merrill, noted similar trends. “Don brought his love of learning to discussion each day,” she said. “His warmth, kindness and keen intelligence made class both more comfortable and productive. He listened attentively and didn't hesitate to advance his own ideas, always anchored in the text.”

Merrill recollected that Don had the ability to take seemingly arduous assignments and find a way to make them enjoyable. “He went above and beyond in his research project, and his excitement for the assignment really paid off,” she said. “I continue to use it as a model for students; he drives a clear and sophisticated argument, uses specific evidence and well selected quotes and skillfully includes narrative snapshots to engage the reader and deepen his support. Don worked hard all term while always smiling and finding the joy in the process.”

While Don’s academics flourished in Exeter classrooms, he attributes most of his personal growth to Soule Hall, where he is a proctor. “The most important community at Exeter for me was the dorm,” he said. “I feel like I really developed as a person … when I was a prep, I was very, very immature.”

Senior and fellow Soule proctor Cade Napier agreed with Don, describing how he changed from his prep to senior self. “I remember he was pretty crazy prep year,” he said. “He was super high energy, and he was trying to prove himself to the seniors—I remember thinking that was hilarious. Now, as he has studied more, he’s more mature.”

Fellow Soule resident and senior Mark Blekherman commented on Don’s presence in the dorm. “Don is always the senior with the most dorm spirit,” he said. “He’s always the one who is getting people together for dinners in town, for long convos in his room or for cooking in the dorm kitchen.”

Senior Sam Michaels agreed that Don acts as a mentor in the dorm. “He focuses on the underclassmen to help them learn fundamentals and always works on improving the team culture by staying positive,” he said.

Another area of campus life that Don has devoted energy into is Exeter athletics—both in the squash and volleyball programs. Volleyball coach Bruce Shang described Don’s presence on the volleyball team. “Don is a good teammate and is always willing to help others on the team with technique or just understanding the game,” he said.

In athletics, Don has also grown each season, according to Shang. “Don, over the last four years, has become more confident and mentally tough from his prep year,” he said. “He has also been training hard and it shows in his increase in power every season. I see how hard he trains and plays in every practice and I think he leads by example; players see what the standard should be in practice and games and they want to follow.”

Shang noted that Don is a staple of the volleyball team. “Don was basically my first recruit for Boys’ Volleyball and he has played as advertised,” he said. “With Don we will probably not drop a set. Without Don we would struggle.”

Senior and team manager Jenny Yang agreed, describing his impact as captain. “He’s always encouraging others and holding his teammates accountable for themselves and their growth as players,” she said. “Don brings a lot of energy to the court and hypes everyone up with his great hitting.”

In respect to squash, Stuart Rucker ’18 said that Don always put in all of the effort he could. “Don is very disciplined and dedicated to the sport; whenever he has a free minute he starts doing push-ups and sit-ups,” he said. “You can tell Don has a great drive to succeed in whatever he does, but he is one of few to do so graciously and respectfully.”

Another area of campus that Don has poured his energy into is The Exonian as a news editor. “I enjoyed becoming a better writer through The Exonian. It was great working with and befriending the editors when I was writing and then taking that position myself–it was nice to see it come full circle,” he said. “I've met some of my best friends working in the newsroom.”

In addition to The Exonian, Don was also a member of the Exeter Student Service Organization (ESSO)’s board as an On-Campus Coordinator. Napier, another member of the ESSO board, spoke to Don’s contributions. “I think he had a lot of really good ideas,” Napier said. “He is definitely a realist so he kept us grounded. His good ideas were always achievable.”

Yang, a co-President of ESSO, elaborated on Assamongkol’s unique perspective in conversations. “He was always willing to speak his mind on the ESSO Board,” she said. “When he became excited about initiatives he would wholeheartedly throw himself behind the effort.”

Blekherman noted that Don’s honesty transcended each of his commitments and friendships. “One thing I value most about Don is that he is very upfront and genuine with his friends,” he said. “He will always tell you what he truly believes.”

Upper Arman Tang attested to Blekherman’s sentiment, noting how the senior is never afraid to speak his mind. “He has a very outgoing personality and always wants to make his voice heard,” he said.

Yang noted similar attributes, noting that his genuity is reliable. “I think his ability to always speak his mind is what makes him unique––you can count on him to give it to you straight, and he is really honest about his perspective and opinions,” she said.

Napier reflected on his time at Exeter, remarking that Don was an important part of his Exeter experience. “He's definitely a large part in a lot of the things that I do,” he said. “Then I leave for a break and I'm just excited to see him when I get back. I think that's just the impact that he's had for me and for a lot of people.”