Darren
Olney, Maryland
As a postgraduate, Darren appreciated how much NMH helped him grow as both a student and an athlete.
Why I decided to do a postgraduate year at NMH:
To grow more athletically and academically. I was originally committed to a college for basketball, but I felt like I had more in me, so I decommitted and came here to achieve bigger goals, which ended up great for me. I’m now committed to the University of South Florida for basketball.
My favorite class:
Environmental Studies with Pete Sniffen.
Something that surprised me about my NMH experience:
How much I’ve learned about myself. This was my first time away from home and by myself for real, so I’ve learned a lot about myself and grew in areas I did not know I needed to grow in.
My activities at NMH:
Men’s varsity basketball team, World Percussion Ensemble, athletics department workjob, salad bar workjob, dish room workjob, speed and agility PE class, Create cocurricular class.
Something new I tried for the first time at NMH:
Playing an instrument.
The most challenging part of my time at NMH:
The first adjustment couple of weeks being here by myself.
This was my first time away from home and by myself for real, so I’ve learned a lot about myself and grew in areas I did not know I needed to grow in.”
My favorite activity:
Playing basketball.
My favorite food in Alumni Hall:
Stir-fry.
My favorite spot on campus:
Forslund Gym.
My favorite NMH tradition:
The guest speakers.
Advice I would give myself if I could go back to my first day at NMH:
Embrace the hard days and prepare for uncomfortable growth.
What’s special to me about NMH:
The connections I made and growth I did allowed me to be a better person and player.
How NMH has changed me:
It pushed me athletically to sharpen my skills in basketball while also bettering my education in the classroom. It also allowed me to grow in my walk as a Christian to trust God’s plan more and not rely on myself.
What I will miss most about NMH:
My friends and teachers/coaches.
Plan for the fall:
I will play basketball at the University of South Florida.