Charlotte
Gill, Massachusetts
At NMH, Charlotte pursued her passions and tried new things — from serving as a student Ecoleader to performing in musicals, taking part in travel programs to writing poetry.
What brought me to NMH:
I grew up watching my sisters attend NMH and going to various productions and sports games. I was always moved by the community of NMH and how the teachers care for and support their students. I wanted to be in a space where my academics would be challenged and I would get to pursue a variety of topics including the performing arts that interested me and weren’t as available in the previous schools I had attended.
My activities at NMH:
I’m a leader of the Gender Sexuality Alliance, poetry club, fiber arts club, and the Nellies (a female-identifying a cappella group on campus) and I am a three-year Ecoleader.
I’ve also participated in a lot of music groups. I’ve been involved in Orchestra, a choir manager, and I’ve been in the auditioned music classes, NMH Singers, and Chamber Orchestra for two years each. I’ve participated in violin and voice lessons, modern and contemporary dance cocurricular, been a DJ for the school’s radio show, and was in the Dance Company ensemble in “The Wizard of Oz.” I’ve done many theater productions including the musicals, plays, and one-acts; was a “Vagina Monologues” co-director; and was in the senior capstone play. I was part of the rowing team for two seasons and part of the Ultimate frisbee team for three years. I’ve also participated in the Humanities II travel program to Brazil and the Headwaters to Home paddling trip down the Connecticut River.
Something new I tried for the first time at NMH:
Joining the ultimate frisbee team. I was immediately drawn and impressed with the spirit of the team. Throughout middle school, other than participating in basketball, I was involved in track and cross-country, which are more individual sports. I had always shied away from the competitive culture of team sports, but when I was a freshman, the seniors were super encouraging and supportive, and only a couple weeks into the season I already felt like I had found my family at NMH. This has been my third year on the Ultimate frisbee team, and watching its progress over the years has been a joy. I’m grateful for all the weekend tournaments, team dinners, captain practices, and for the consistent positivity from the coaches.
The most challenging part of my time at NMH:
Learning how to prioritize certain activities over others. At NMH, while having the opportunity to do many activities is a blessing, it can also be hard to learn how to balance and manage it all. Over my four years I have learned to dive into what I truly appreciate and learned how to let go of other activities in order to pursue my passions.
My favorite NMH tradition:
Vespers. I’ve participated in Vespers for my four years at NMH and participating in it for my last year was definitely a bittersweet experience. There are so many traditions that go into Vespers, such as the lighting of the candles and alternating between performing at a church in Boston and a church in New York City every year. In addition, there are senior solos that happen every year, such as the “Silent Night Descant” and “Veni Emmanuel.” With the musicality of the choir and the Chamber Orchestra combined, Vespers is something that I look forward to every year and is always a highlight of my winter.
My favorite food in Alumni Hall:
The banh mi bar. Every Friday, the dining hall rotates through special bars, but I love the flavors in the banh mi sandwich, and it always hits the spot.
NMH has pushed me academically and socially and has allowed me the opportunity to have leadership opportunities that truly let me step into what I believe and care about.”
My favorite activity:
Getting to be a part of the musicals. Especially my junior year, when I was a part of the musical “Hadestown.” With a cast of 15 people, we all bonded and made special memories with each other. This musical was unlike any other musical I had been in, and each member in the cast had an important contribution to the final outcome of the show. Being surrounded by a hardworking cast and an amazing theater director, choral director, and stage crew, it truly turned out to be a memorable experience. In addition, this musical brought with it its relevance to the current state of the world, and getting to share this was a powerful statement to make.
My favorite spot on campus:
Looking out past Memorial Chapel on a moonlit night with a friend when the air is warmer and the stars are clear overhead. The chapel has always been a space where I’ve had deep conversations with friends and is a nice place to escape the busy-ness of school. Ever since I was little and continuing through high school, I’ve formed fond memories of sledding down Chapel Hill, including screaming and getting lots of snow in my face.
Advice I would give myself if I could go back to my first day at NMH:
I would give myself the advice of really taking things one day at a time. Although having the privilege of doing many activities is a blessing, it can also be exhausting. Understanding how to use time efficiently was something I really struggled with, coming from my previous public school. I would tell myself to not be afraid to ask for help, whether that’s reaching out to trusted adults on campus, counseling, or extra help sessions. As I’ve learned to not be afraid to reach out for help, I’ve realized how much support there is surrounding me.
My favorite class:
My senior poetry class. Everyone in the class was always engaged and excited to contribute to our class discussions or in the optional sharing time. The class challenged me to grow as a student and writer. Taking the advanced section also pushed me to create a longer final portfolio of poems that reflected my growth over the semester.
What’s special to me about NMH:
All the opportunities you get to have to travel and step out of your comfort zone. When I was in 10th grade, I was a part of the Humanities II travel program. This program to Brazil really allowed me to form a close-knit community with people I wouldn’t normally hang out with. The interdisciplinary aspect, combining history and religion, highlighted how important it is to look at different world issues through multiple perspectives.
The summer after my junior year, I got to be a part of the Connecticut River paddling trip. I got to meet students from other schools along the watershed and form meaningful connections through this incredible journey of paddling down the Connecticut River. While both these experiences were fun, they were also educational and influenced my time at NMH.
How NMH has changed me:
It has allowed me to become more flexible and independent in my classes, activities, and cocurriculars. NMH has pushed me academically and socially and has allowed me the opportunity to have leadership opportunities that truly let me step into what I believe and care about.
What I will miss most about NMH:
The community that theater and choir has brought me. While this included sitting through many long rehearsals, it also included laughing uncontrollably and forming my closest friendships. I’m so grateful for all the teachers I’ve had over the course of my four years at NMH in the arts. I’ve had the opportunity to grow as a performer and a student and be challenged in ways I never would have had the chance to if I hadn’t continued to be involved in the arts.
Plan for the fall:
I’m planning on attending Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, to study performing arts, environmental studies, and English.