News Reporter
As recent weather patterns seem both unstable and extreme, so too are the emotions of the senior class at Choate. Since the passing of early decisions, the class of 2007 has dealt with a variety of sentiments. The major hubs of student interaction were abuzz about the status of our classmates’ applications. Meals in the dining hall, study sessions in the library, and social gatherings at 9:00- 9:30 break were almost all the same: the usual banter would inevitably lead to an update of who applied where and who was likely to get in. This was usually followed by a description of a person’s qualifications and eligibility at whichever institution.
After days of speculation and rumor, (not to mention unprecedented attendances at the chapel’s religious services) decisions were mailed and the whirlwind of reactions commenced. Some lucky few experienced the joy, pride and relief of admittance. However, the deferred and rejected endured the troubles of juggling their grief with the prospect of having to apply to a list of seemingly less worthy schools. Our callow teenage social skills were put to the test - we either had to be there for our inconsolable friends, or celebrate with those who were finished with personal essays and application supplements; things that would soon mar the vacations of many. The turmoil of that time matched with the pressure of finding a Holiday Ball date had the ‘07’s in such a frenzy, it was hard to find the kind of perspective the college process demands.
Now, regardless of our college situation, the reality of leaving Choate is upon us, and this new wave of nostalgia has been added to our evolving emotional repertoire. It seems that the overwhelming experience of planning our next four years of school consumed so much of our senior year that we’ve only recently acknowledged the idea of actually leaving.
We hope to take the early decision process to heart and learn from what we’ve seen and experienced in December. The tempest-like experience that had our class in emotional ruins has maybe put into perspective the value of our time here at Choate. With any luck, April and regular admissions will be generous, but most importantly, we have grown an appreciation for the compassionate friends and faculty Choate has provided us. As a class, we are lucky to have a place of refuge and security during this tumultuous and unforgiving process, something we will surely miss wherever we find ourselves after graduation. And now that we have a variety of senior privileges and memorable experiences awaiting us in the upcoming months, a more stable and jovial atmosphere is in our forecast.
