Larea
Concord, Massachusetts
At NMH, Larea thrived by building relationships with people she trusts — “people who I consider family.
What brought me to NMH:
At first, NMH had been introduced to me because of basketball, but it quickly became something that was much deeper than my ability to play the sport. Coach Grace made it clear that the opportunity to attend this school was more about who I was and who I could become than anything else. When I visited campus, the immediate sense of community and joy only reiterated all the positive things I had already heard.
My activities at NMH:
Basketball, Resident Leader, Student Athletics Leadership Team member, WNMH radio show, JV lacrosse manager, softball.
Something new I tried for the first time at NMH:
In my attempt to get outside my comfort zone, I played softball for the first time at NMH. I was lucky enough to be on the team, considering I was not nearly as good as everyone else. It taught me humility and how to work through adversity.
The most challenging part of my time at NMH:
Looking back, transitioning to NMH at the beginning was my most challenging time. During my first two years here, I struggled to find my footing, which was reflected in my academics. I didn’t make much of an effort to branch out socially or ask for help in the classroom. But once I bought into the experience, opened up, and accepted support, I began to grow in ways I didn’t believe were ever possible.
My favorite class:
Women’s history, because it was an unexpectedly small class where we could all really get to know each other.
My favorite activity:
Playing basketball and spending time with friends.
NMH has pushed me to grow in ways that were uncomfortable but necessary. It helped me break out of my shell and see the value in connection, support, and effort. I’ve grown to be a more grounded, confident, and intentional person.”
What’s special to me about NMH:
The relationships I have built. I have met so many people that I can trust, who push me to be a better person, and people who I consider family. Meaningful connections are what makes this place truly special.
My favorite food in Alumni Hall:
The Sunday night ice cream sundae bar.
Advice I would give myself if I could go back to my first day at NMH:
I would remind myself to be present and not take anything for granted. I came in very guarded and unsure, convincing myself that I had to navigate things on my own. But in reality, from the very beginning, I have been surrounded by people who wanted to see me succeed.
My favorite spot on campus:
The gym and my dorm.
How NMH has changed me:
NMH has pushed me to grow in ways that were uncomfortable but necessary. It helped me break out of my shell and see the value in connection, support, and effort. I’ve grown to be a more grounded, confident, and intentional person.
What I will miss most about NMH:
The sense of community. Being surrounded by people who are constantly working to become better versions of themselves is sometimes hard to find. The people here are more than just your teachers and classmates; they are your support system, your chosen family, and something that you can’t easily replace.
My favorite NMH tradition:
Mountain Day.
Plan for the fall:
I will be attending Union College to continue my education and play basketball.