The first tradition that a new Westover student experiences is the Big Sib/Little Sib program. Each year, incoming students are paired with current Westover students, who provide guidance and encouragement over the summer. Last year, Gabby, a returning student, was paired with new student Sadie. Read their story below!
From Little Sib Sadie:
"My first interaction with Gabby was during Just Dance. I was undefeated until she showed up and beat me! That’s when I knew she was going to be one of my best friends. At the start of this school year, we played soccer together and our positions were both on the left side so we bonded through that. We played different sports during the winter so it was hard to see each other very often, but after winter break I became a boarder. Gabby’s room is right next to mine, and now I see her more than ever! Next year we even want to be roommates! I am so glad I got Gabby as my Big Sib."
The first tradition that a new Westover student experiences is the Big Sib/Little Sib program. Each year, incoming students are paired with current Westover students, who offer guidance and encouragement over the summer.
In summer 2019, I attended Westover's camp program. Having never been to a sleepover camp and also being homeschooled, I was apprehensive, to say the least. My anxiety soon dissipated as the staff, full-time employees of Westover, and student counselors welcomed me with genuine kindness. I soon became fast friends with many of the other summer campers. I returned in the summer of 2021 and fell in love with the idea of becoming a student here. Its beautiful campus, in the quaint New England town of Middlebury, Connecticut, is an ideal setting, and the scholastic and extra-curricular activities Westover offers are varied and impressive.
As a rising sophomore, I chose to attend Westover for many reasons, some of which include the following: the Invest in Girls (IIG) Program, the English literature classes–I am a bookworm at heart, the advanced Spanish curriculum which will challenge me to become a more fluent speaker, the immersive science classes in the WISE Program, and Westover’s Performing and Visual Arts courses. As an avid tennis player, I’m looking forward to joining the tennis team as well as trying my hand at squash in the winter. Additionally, I’m excited to create connections and experience camaraderie with my classmates as a boarding student.
I have no doubt that the Westover community will be supportive, helpful, and engaging, and that certainty is–in big part–due to my positive experiences in the summer program. I'm excited about the possibilities I'll have going forward and look forward to the academic guidance Westover can provide for college and beyond. I have always felt included and valued during my time at Westover, and this is because of how the community goes above and beyond to make students feel confident and connected.