Burlington, N.C.
- Mandy Holt
Why did you decide to attend a boarding school?
I am from a small town and there are not many strong high schools close to my home. I explored the possibility of going to a few local schools; however, my middle school teachers gave me some information on boarding schools, and I knew that this was the right fit for me. I needed more independence. I wanted more academic resources. I hoped to continue to participate in activities like sports and choir. I wanted to do so much, so I thought a boarding school would be the one place where I could have it all. It would allow me to achieve all of my goals.
Why did you choose to attend EHS?
I originally chose to tour Episcopal because I've had many close family members attend EHS over the years. After my first visit to the campus, I loved it. I’ve always enjoyed learning, but in middle school I never felt truly challenged. All of the information I received about EHS was enough to show me that it was a school where even the most dedicated students were tested. Soccer and basketball are a huge part of my life and after looking at the athletic facilities and meeting with a few of the coaches, I was very excited to become a part of EHS athletics. I ultimately chose to attend EHS because I felt it was a place where I could not only become a student at a high school but a member of a community.
How has EHS impacted your life?
In my first year at EHS I’ve noticed that I have a more positive attitude and a better approach to life. I'm working harder in the classroom and on the soccer field, but I'm able to still let loose and have more fun. EHS has become a defining characteristic of who I am, and it influences everything I do as a student, teammate, and daughter.
How has your decision to attend boarding school affected your relationship with your parents?
I've always been fairly close to my parents, and it was hard making the decision to leave them so that I could attend boarding school. After spending a few months at EHS, I began to notice a change in our relationship. We did not talk as often, and we mainly interacted with just simple phone calls at night after study hall. However, because we are separated for weeks at a time during the school year, I am typically more excited to see them when I get the chance. Being away at school made the time we spent together much more meaningful. We have had more things to talk about and catch up on now that I have been at EHS.
What is your favorite part of EHS daily life?
My favorite part of being a student at EHS is living on a dorm. I like knowing that I can walk out of my room and find dozens of my best friends. Some of my greatest memories at EHS have been times I have spent on dorm having birthday parties, movie nights, or delicious group snacks. Life on dorm is never boring, and it has made my EHS experience amazing.
What have you learned about yourself by being a part of the EHS community?
By being a part of the EHS community, I have learned that I am a much more confident person than I ever imagined. When I first arrived at EHS, I was a little frightened at the thought of leaving home and having to meet so many new faces. After a few days, I was getting to classes easily, and I felt like I had known many of my classmates for years. I had successfully transitioned to a whole new life, and I had done so courageously. EHS offers me many new and unique opportunities. I am discovering that I have the confidence to take advantage of these opportunities, and I think confidence has allowed me to fully embrace the EHS experience.
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