Senior of the Week: Will Simpson

Senior Will Simpson smiles for a photo outside of EPAC

Photo Courtesy of Austin DeSisto

By SUNGHYUN BAE, ELLEN JIN, and LAUREN LEE

A talented drummer, track captain, philosophy and history student, a beloved friend, and an overall funny guy. These are just a few of the titles that describe senior Will Simpson. Having grown up on campus, Simpson is no stranger to the Exeter community and has involved himself in many activities in his time here as a student. Even beyond this, anyone who meets him will comment on the generosity and warmth that he brings. 

Simpson honors his passion for music in everything he does. “The first time I probably really got to know him was in our Jazz Ensemble,” senior Aadvik Wadivkar said. “He was just killing it on the drumset, and I can remember thinking, ‘this guy’s absolutely got it.’ If you asked me to say what ‘it’ exactly was, I couldn’t tell you - but I could tell you that Will Simpson had it.”

“Will has this ability to understand people, understand emotion, and convey that through music,” senior Ayaan Akhtar said. “He brings such a drive that is so enjoyable to work with.”

Simpson puts his heart and soul into his music, which culminates in performances scattered through the winter and spring terms. In particular, he highlighted the spring Exeter Association of Rock (EAR) 2023 concert. “It was a perfect confluence of being with the people I felt most myself around and doing the thing I feel most myself doing, which is drumming,” Simpson said. “That concert was also the first one I’ve played in on this campus where people danced, and they got up during our set which made me so happy.”

Senior Catherine Zehner continued, “I think he’s just someone who [is] genuinely interested in bettering the world. And again, I think it’s just our luck that he does that through making awesome music and being a compassionate person.” 

Simpson is the drummer for Exeter’s Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band, as well as a member of the Modern Music Making ensemble and co-head of EAR. His experience playing the drums has led to a deep connection with the instrument and an understanding of its importance to ensembles as a whole. 

Wadivkar added, “A drummer’s role isn’t just to sound good, but it’s probably the most intensive and exhausting role out there. He’s the backbone of an entire band. A song [is] built up from its rhythm, and our bands feel like they’re built around Will Simpson.”

Simpson carries a similar energy into the track team where he serves as a captain. Senior Anna Kim described his positive mindset. “It goes without saying that Will is definitely one of the hardest workers on the team. He sets the standard on how to be a good teammate, competitor, and leader.” 

She continued. “Will’s enthusiasm impacts our entire team. After super difficult workouts, he’s always positive and uplifting—encouraging, high-fiving, and putting smiles on everyone’s faces. He embodies our team’s value of ‘no bricks.’ Everyone looks up to him and his example.”

Senior Indigo Ogiste added, “He calls himself the ‘chill captain of track,’ but that doesn’t do him justice. He makes people around him comfortable and proud of themselves and brings a certain brightness to the community.”

Friends attest that Simpson engages in thoughtful and meaningful conversations, often catalyzing the formation of enduring friendships.

Senior Ghena Kubba said, “He’s kind of a glue between people. Even if you have nothing in common with him, he’s just such a pleasant person to be around. He’ll make you feel included no matter what.” 

“I think I met Will lower year through a mutual friend,” Ogiste said. “I remember liking him really fast. We didn’t talk for real until the beginning of last year, when we had an hour-long conversation in EPAC, and now we have a lot of deep conversations about different topics.”

Wadivkar recalled, “He’s the type of person you could never get tired of talking to, someone with whom you’d feel a distinct sense of loss when having to end a conversation.”

Many friends commented on Simpson’s kind spirit and positive energy. Kubba said, “He’s just such a kind person. Will is always there for others. Genuinely, even if a random person went up to him, he would instantly just hit it off with them.

Akhtar mentioned his special generosity towards lowerclassmen. “He’s definitely a role model for underclassmen. I’ve seen him as a day student proctor being involved in dorm events as well as just being there for the younger students in the music building, dorm, and on the track as a captain.” 

Zehner talked about the uniqueness of Simpson’s character. “The thing I love about Will so much is he has such a loyalty to his values. I think at Exeter people get swept up a lot in these competitive or comparative ideas. He’s just someone who has such a sense of what he cares about.” 

She continued, “He seeks ways to contribute to those in everything he does. He doesn’t weigh himself down with things that he doesn’t find valuable.”

Wadivkar said, “I’d say Will has been such a positive force in every space he’s in. He always brings people up, motivating, validating, inspiring, and despite what he might personally be going through. I’ve never seen him actually bring any semblance of negative energy.”

Kubba also mentioned Simpson’s perceptiveness. “Will is also very contemplative and intelligent—he doesn’t give himself enough credit. Will is the strongest person I know. He’s one of those people who doesn’t know how special they are.”

Throughout any hardships, Simpson has remained a strong presence in many lives. “I’ve had a really hard time for a lot of my time here, but having those difficult experiences and struggling at times has given me a really deep understanding of myself and my needs,” he said. “It’s a give and take but I think I have a much better and deeper understanding of the human experience and of the people I love because of it.”

Instructor in Spanish Diego Ardura, Simpson’s adviser, concluded, “He found his voice and he’s starting to recognize that he is someone that others look up to. The more he has grown into our community he [has] become a resource for the community.”

Wadivkar expressed his admiration for Simpson. “He always brings people up, motivating, validating, inspiring. I’ve never seen him actually bring any semblance of negative energy, and just having him in the same room pushes me to be a better person. He’s really someone that’s transformed every community he’s touched, and he’s had hands in a lot of communities.”