The Suffield Bell VOLUME CXV, NO. 1
E S T A B L I S H E D 18 35
N O V E M B E R 20 24
From Uncertainty to Belonging Dash Hirsch ’27
Jerry Bao ’25
It’s an experience we have all endured here at Suffield Academy, being a new student. This role is never trouble free, whether it’s the pressure to socialize on the first day, or the feat of navigating the various brownstone buildings—at the outset many of us struggled. However, as time progressed, like many of you, I began to adjust to life under the bell. My swift assimilation as a new sophomore this year was unequivocally a result of the vibrant and warm community here in tiger nation. I felt the aforesaid community of our school first and foremost in the dorm. The company and mentorship exemplified by returning students showed me the ropes of how to be a tiger; they enabled me to learn every nook, location, and opportunity Suffield has to offer. My dorm parents also fostered an inclusive and safe environment through jokes and persistent check-ins, providing a new student like me with a sense of belonging. The community in the dorm continued to transcend into the academic and athletic environment. In the academic realm, the encouraging community was equally apparent. Teachers and classmates alike instantaneously formed an environment of collaboration and support. My peers were quick to offer a hand with the notorious Microsoft 365, as my teachers stressed their availability for further assistance during and after conference periods. It became clear as the weeks
progressed that academic growth is nurtured through collective effort here at school, reinforcing the sense of unity that defines the culture of our school. Athletics, too, became a cornerstone of my integration into boarding school life. From my first practice at cross country, I witnessed the deeply embedded values in Suffield’s ethos. Coaches emphasized the importance of working together, and teammates uplifted one another, creating a supportive atmosphere even during the most intense drills. Athletics has allowed me to bond with fellow students outside of the classroom, further solidifying my place within the community. Suffield Academy’s dedication to students’ holistic growth— whether it be academic, athletic, or social—ensures that no new student like me is left behind.