Hiba
Casablanca, Morocco
Hiba chose to spend a postgraduate year at NMH to challenge herself and experience a different kind of educational environment as she prepared for college.
Why I decided to do a postgraduate year at NMH:
I decided to do a PG year because I wanted to attend a college in the United States and I felt that spending a year at a school like NMH with strong academics, a broad choice of courses, and excellent college counseling was the best way for me to prepare for that goal. I wanted to challenge myself, experience a totally different educational environment, and grow as a person before college.
My favorite class:
A theology/religion class on sacred texts with Mrs. Lori. The class allowed me to explore religious texts from very different perspectives and go beyond the traditional interpretations I had been exposed to before. It really challenged me to question my own biases and think critically.
Something that’s surprised me about my NMH experience:
How welcoming the community is. From faculty and staff to students, it’s very easy to feel like you belong here. I didn’t expect a new place to feel like home so quickly, but NMH just has that kind of environment.
My activities at NMH:
I joined the International Student Association and served as an international student leader. I also managed the girls’ JV volleyball team in the fall and participated in affinity groups such as the Middle Eastern and North African Student Association and the Muslim Student Association. These activities really helped me meet people with similar interests and become more involved in the school community.
Something new I tried for the first time at NMH:
Joining the outdoors team. I grew up in a big city so I had NEVER biked up hills, canoed, or even seen a canoe race before coming here. It’s a totally new experience for me and pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I also tried bird-watching in my environmental science class, and it has become a habit to pay more attention to the birds when I'm walking. Now I even try to guess which bird is which based on color and singing.
What’s special to me about NMH is the community. People here are very understanding, supportive, and open-minded, especially for international students. It’s a place where it's easy to find your place and feel supported.”
The most challenging part of my time at NMH:
I grew up and live in a big city, so the most challenging part of my time at NMH was adjusting to being surrounded by trees and quiet. It was definitely a shock at first. It took me some time to get used to the slower pace and silence, but eventually I came to really enjoy it.
My favorite activity:
Walking around campus (although I try to avoid the hills) or drawing and painting in the Rhodes Arts Center. I think those moments help me relax and take a break from everything else.
What’s special to me about NMH:
The community. People here are very understanding, supportive, and open-minded, especially for international students. It’s a place where it's easy to find your place and feel supported.
My favorite food in Alumni Hall:
Taco Tuesday. I know it's a very controversial choice, but the hard shell tacos are just that good, especially when the dessert is snickerdoodle cookies.
My favorite spot on campus:
A bench near Norton that overlooks the soccer fields and the surrounding landscape.
My favorite NMH tradition:
The Bemis-Forslund Pie Race. I didn’t run in it myself, but the atmosphere and school spirit were amazing. It was really fun cheering on my classmates and seeing everyone drenched yet still pushing through and finishing the race.
Advice I would give myself if I could go back to my first day at NMH:
The year goes by fast, so say yes more often.
How NMH has changed me:
NMH has taught me that it's okay to lean on other people and ask for help. I've become more independent, more open to new experiences, and more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone.
What I will miss most about NMH:
I will miss the people the most, as they’re what makes NMH special.
Plan for the fall:
After getting used to the New England weather and back-to-back snowstorms this year, I decided I wasn't quite ready to leave it behind, so this fall I'll be heading about two hours south to Yale to study economics and history.