By Juliet Bu ‘23, Feature Editor

“Vladmir Putin has been planning this for months…” President Biden’s voice filled my Calculus classroom as we sat, the screen capturing our full attention. Only a few moments ago, we were learning about integrals. But, when the clock struck 1:30, we switched from math to global politics. Earlier that day, Russia had formally invaded Ukraine, and now we sat nervously waiting to see what the government’s next steps would be.

I loved The School for Ethics and Global Leadership (SEGL) the second I stepped inside of the dormitory, located only steps away from the Capitol Building. I was surrounded by peers, high schoolers from different parts of the country, who were similarly driven by a passion to make a positive change in the world. SEGL sought to intellectually motivate us, presenting us with a variety of perspectives to spark critical analysis of modern-day problems. Our love for thought was reflected in all the little moments from our daily lives: the dinnertime discussions about affirmative action, the communal gathering in the living room to watch Biden’s State of the Union address, and our decision, as the students, to stop the school day to understand the biggest conflict in recent European history. 

My decision to apply to SEGL wasn’t an easy one. There were tradeoffs in spending a semester in a different state: not being able to take a full year of economics, giving up the IB diploma, and pausing certain extracurriculars, like orchestra, that I couldn’t participate in remotely. When starting at NA, I knew generally what my high school path was going to look like. I was comfortable with this sense of clarity, and going to SEGL meant rethinking my entire plan.

But while most students might immediately dismiss the idea of semester school on account of the potential inconveniences, I realized that I was focusing on the wrong priorities. At semester school, you see and experience things you wouldn’t have otherwise, and these experiences shape your entire life. Brynn Garrett ‘22, graduate of Alzar School, says she “got to see beautiful scenery at some amazing places, like Patagonia, which was absolutely transformative.” Cassidy Wong ‘22, graduate of Maine Coast semester, adds that it “gave [her] the opportunity to step out of [her] comfort zone and into a whole different world; [she] was given the experience of learning in the real world and not just exclusively in a classroom.” 

There are more elements to be considered in the semester school process beyond just the incredible opportunities each school offers. One such element is cost. I recognize that my family, unlike many others, has the means for me to go to semester school. It is important to note that most of the semester schools NA sends students to do offer financial aid and some schools, like SEGL, are need-blind.  

The most compelling reason to attend semester school, however, is the people. Cassidy adds that “[she] formed friendships that will last [her] a lifetime [in] a place of adventure and pure joy.” For me, SEGL has created an environment of shared vulnerability where everyone in the community, teachers and students alike, is able to make mistakes without fear of judgment, learn from each other, and find unwavering support. 

In December 2022, when a new batch of sophomores are introduced to off-campus study, I hope that they will see the immeasurable value semester school can bring to their lives and consider stepping outside of familiarity to allow themselves to freely pursue their intellectual interests. Most of all, I hope they internalize these words of wisdom from Brynn: “live love semester school.”