Mark
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
DEFINITION
Mark (adjective): optimistic, hardworking, goal oriented; sociable and caring. Antonyms: lazy, ostentatious, obnoxious, condescending.
QUESTIONS
Why did you want to go to boarding school?
When I was in fifth grade, my older brother went away to boarding school because we didn’t think the local schools were that good. He chose a school in Massachusetts and had a really great experience, so I started thinking about boarding school for myself. My uncle went to Mercersburg in the ’70s, so that put it on my radar. I got into both Mercersburg and my brother’s school, but I felt more comfortable at Mercersburg. The Massachusetts school was a lot more preppy and uptight. They kind of thought you were nothing if you weren’t going to an Ivy League college. I’d be thrilled to get into an Ivy, and I’ve got just as good a shot coming from Mercersburg, but my life doesn’t depend on it.
What were you most looking forward to?
Meeting new people. Getting to live with people. Having a roommate and dorm life. I’m not too shy of a person, so it’s always fun to meet new people. I like the dorm thing, and I’m a pretty good roommate—I don’t leave the room too much of a mess. In ninth grade I roomed with a guy named from Chicago named Andrew Buehler—and yes, he got a lot of teasing about his day off. In tenth grade, I roomed with Adam Lecter, but instead of calling him “Hannibal,” we call him Ghandi because he’s got these wire glasses and he’s really skinny. He’s cool about me liking to go to bed early.
It’s fun living together with your friends. The way boarding school is set up is a nice way to enjoy learning and life. You always have friends here, and you always have support. You grow closer together. They’re like family. And if you’ve got a problem your friends can’t help you sort out, you just walk down the hall in your dorm and ask your teacher.
The only thing I was worried about was the academics. You know, “What if I’m not as smart as my parents think I am?” But I’m doing well.
What has been the biggest surprise?
I can’t get over the energy kids have. I play sports all three seasons and try my best in school. By the end of the day I’m beat. But there are kids who stay up sooo late. I don’t know how they do that. By 9:30, I need to go to bed.
How have you surprised yourself?
I surprised myself by getting so into running. I started just to keep in shape during wrestling season, but after the season ended, I just kept running. The next fall I ran the Harrisburg marathon. I went from a kid barely making varsity to running a marathon.
I also didn't know I’d enjoy Spanish as much as I have. I loved science in middle school and still do, but there’s something about learning a language—getting to know people and figuring out how to communicate with them—that I really enjoy.
What are you most looking forward to now?
Taking new classes. Getting to know my friends even better. Meeting new people. I really love biology, and I checked out this project these two seniors did in AP Bio where they bred three pairs of mice. It would be cool to study something at that level. I’m the kind of person that when I’m done eating the cereal, I drink the milk, so I don’t want to waste any part of my experience. I want to take all of Mercersburg that I can.
What have been your favorite classes at Mercersburg?
Spanish: I love learning about foreign languages, cultures, and people, and I love to travel. I’ve been to several Spanish-speaking countries and I love to converse.
Chemistry: I’ve always loved science, especially biology, but during my sophomore year I found chemistry really interesting and really excelled in it.
History: Although I didn’t take history my sophomore year, I really enjoyed Ancient World History my freshman year and I’ve always been interested in past cultures and events.
What was the class you're glad you took but never want to take again?
I took computer art, which is focused around learning how to use Photoshop. I’m glad I learned how to use Photoshop, but I have to admit that not every assignment was very interesting to me.
What are your favorite places on campus?
Sycamore Lane, because it’s beautiful…what more can I say. Also the top floors of the Library—they’re extremely quiet, and I can get a lot of work done, or just lounge around and read. And the track and the infield. I’m a distance runner, so I spend a lot of time around the track, but even after practice, I spend time with my friends on the infield playing Frisbee or chatting for hours.
What's been your proudest moment at Mercersburg?
Getting the Culbertson Award and looking back at the end of the year and seeing what I’ve accomplished.
What's been your most embarrassing moment at Mercersburg?
Ripping my pants in a game of dodgeball.
If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would it be?
No need to get homesick, since Mercersburg is the biggest family you can find! Also, go out there and take advantage of everything offered to you at this school. We’re extremely fortunate to be in this environment to learn, grow, and make friends, so get the most of those 40,000 bucks a year!
LISTS
Activities:
- Cross Country
- Swimming
- Jazz Band
- Tour Guide
- Conduct Review Committee
- Blogger
“River of Dreams” by Billy Joel
“Heard the World” by O.A.R.
“La Paga” by Juanes
“Oye Como Va” by Santana
“Landed” by Ben Folds
Favorite books you've read at Mercersburg?
1984
Homage to Catalonia
Miracle in the Andes
Rocket Boys (October Sky)
