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Looking back at my time at Masters, I can honestly say that the experience shaped me in ways I never anticipated, both personally and professionally. The connection I had with my teachers was truly something special. They weren’t just there to teach; they were invested in my growth, both academically and as an individual. The personal attention I received made all the difference. I never felt like just another student in the crowd, which is something I felt daily at my public school. Instead, my teachers at Masters took the time to understand my strengths and areas of growth. This commitment to guiding a growth mindset helped me grow in confidence and intellectual curiosity.What truly set Masters apart was its emphasis on developing a global perspective. From the classrooms to the dorms, to the athletic fields and beyond, the emphasis placed on celebrating differences challenged me in ways I never thought possible. These experiences helped me appreciate different cultures and approaches, which has been invaluable in my professional career. I’ve been able to bring that global mindset into my work, collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and navigating the complexities of an interconnected world.The lessons I learned at Masters went far beyond the academic day. The values of hard work, persistence, respect, and empathy became ingrained in me. The combination of academic rigor, personalized attention, and global awareness has given me a strong foundation that continues to influence the way I think, act, and lead today.

The best thing to come out of my time at Masters was undoubtedly the relationships I built, which have turned into lifelong connections. These friendships, formed through shared experiences, have remained strong over the years, and I’m truly grateful for the bonds I made with classmates, teachers, and dorm parents. What I didn’t realize at the time, but now deeply appreciate, is how those relationships shaped me and became a crucial part of my support network. The sense of community at Masters wasn’t just about being surrounded by people, it was about forming real, meaningful connections that have lasted well beyond my time there.Equally transformative was the personal growth I experienced and the values I developed during my time at the school. I came to understand the importance of independence, responsibility, and discipline in a way that I hadn’t fully grasped before. Masters helped me learn how to navigate challenges on my own, whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in day-to-day life. The school instilled in me a sense of resilience, teaching me to approach adversity with a mindset focused on learning and growth, rather than just overcoming obstacles.Looking back, I’m often amazed at how much I had grown by the time I turned 18. The skills I had developed, from time management to leadership to empathy, were already deeply embedded in me, setting a foundation that would carry me through college and beyond. It’s incredible to realize how formative those years were in shaping who I am today, and I’m thankful for how Masters helped me cultivate those traits early on.

When I first started at Masters, I was quite shy and unsure of myself. Looking back, I wish I had leaned into the experience more quickly, embracing the opportunities and challenges from the start. The more I engaged with the community, the more confident I became, and I realized how much I could have gained by jumping in sooner. In hindsight, I see that pushing myself outside my comfort zone earlier would have allowed me to grow even more.

What I liked most about my time at Masters was the atmosphere and the people. There was a sense of warmth and inclusivity that made it easy to feel at home, even when I was initially unsure of myself. The community was supportive and welcoming, and it was clear that everyone valued kindness, respect, and collaboration. Peers, teachers, and dorm parents were all genuinely invested in each other's well-being and success, and that sense of connection made all the difference. It wasn’t just about the classes or the activities; it was the people and the atmosphere they created that made it a place I’ll always cherish.

Yeah Cole!

What I most appreciated about my education was the Harkness learning method that encouraged both creative and independent thought, while also fostering collaboration with not only peers but also my teachers. It pushed me to lean into tough conversations and tackle challenges head-on, all while maintaining high expectations and demands. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I found myself rising to the occasion, developing a sense of pride and confidence in my abilities. This balance of rigor and support helped me grow academically and personally, allowing me to thrive without feeling like I was being pushed to my breaking point.

In athletics, I truly valued the emphasis placed on being part of a team and contributing to something bigger than myself. I was fortunate to have incredible coaches who not only helped me develop as a player but also as a student and teammate. Playing at Masters provided me with great exposure through participation in various leagues, which allowed me to sharpen my skills and gain the experience necessary to play at the collegiate level. This combination of coaching, team dynamics, and competitive opportunities was instrumental in my athletic growth and future success.

During my time at Masters, I focused primarily on athletics and other leadership opportunities in residential life. Unfortunately, I did not fully explore the arts program, despite the incredible opportunities it offered. The photography courses, which I did take advantage of, were exceptional and taught with great expertise. However, I was consistently impressed by the breadth and quality of the arts offerings available to my peers, from theater to music to dance. The talent and dedication displayed by students in these programs reflected the school’s strong commitment to fostering creativity and providing opportunities for students to branch out.

I really appreciated the wide range of co-curriculars available, each one supported by faculty who were genuinely excited to oversee the program and guide the students. Their enthusiasm and commitment created an environment where it was easy to explore new interests and develop skills outside the classroom. It was clear that the faculty believed in the importance of these programs, and their passion made all the difference in making them engaging and meaningful.

I absolutely loved boarding at Masters because it was instrumental in helping me form core values during my teenage years, especially while living away from home. It was a space where I could figure out who I am and what I stand for, gaining the confidence to truly find my voice. Living with a roommate from Thailand and connecting with students from all over the world broadened my perspective and helped me develop a deep appreciation for different cultures. I'm still close with my dorm parents, and the relationships we built remain meaningful to this day. The residential program also offered valuable leadership opportunities that prepared me for the transition to college. Thanks to the skills I developed at an early age, that transition felt seamless, and the experiences I had at boarding school have shaped who I am today.

The dining hall at Masters was always second to none—offering an extensive and incredibly high-quality selection of meals. It never felt repetitive, and the offerings were far from typical cafeteria food; instead, the meals were elevated, diverse, and always delicious. I loved that I could even grab a snack outside of regular meal times, which added to the overall convenience and enjoyment. Honestly, the experience spoiled me a bit, as my college dining experience felt underwhelming in comparison. It was a true highlight of my time at school, and I’ll always look back on those meals, and the camaraderie formed in the dining hall, fondly.

I really enjoyed the location of Masters. Being in a small down gave me the freedom to leave campus and grab pizza, ice cream, or even stock up on groceries whenever I needed. It added a nice balance to life on campus, offering a bit of variety. Additionally, the school’s closeness to New York City was a major perk. Being able to get to one of the greatest cities in the world in just about 35 minutes made it incredibly easy to experience all the cultural, social, and professional opportunities the city has to offer. It was the perfect mix of a peaceful, campus-centered life with easy access to the energy and excitement of NYC.

I appreciated the culture that was fostered at the school. The atmosphere celebrated individual differences and embraced the idea that we aren't all the same, which made it feel like a truly inclusive and welcoming community. This sense of acceptance extended to the social life as well. Students were genuinely kind to one another, creating an environment where friendships could thrive. It was refreshing and truly unique to be in a space where mutual respect and understanding were at the heart of the student's social dynamic.