Shai
Westwood, Massachusetts
At NMH, Shai learned how to advocate for himself, with the support of a circle of friends and teachers who always had his back.
My activities at NMH:
I was a Resident Leader, captain of JV basketball, and a track and field athlete. I also led several affinity groups such as the Black Student Union, the Jewish Students Association, and The Brothers.
Something new I tried for the first time at NMH:
I tried track and field for the first time in my junior spring. I even made it to the New England championships in the same season!
The most challenging part of my time at NMH:
Learning how to advocate for myself was something that I found a lot of trouble doing. I had a fantastic circle of students and faculty to help me learn to ask for help.
My favorite class:
My freshman year health class. I took it my first semester in high school and my teacher made it feel like home.
NMH has made me more independent than I could ever have imagined. The day-to-day time management and discipline I learned at NMH will stick with me forever.”
Favorite activity:
I’m a big fan of some of the all-school traditions we have such as Mountain Day or Hogger Cup. Each year we have a juniors vs. seniors game of tug-o-war that we call “rope pull.” The entire school comes out to watch, and it is so much fun.
Favorite food in Alumni Hall:
The cake we have for our sports banquets is incredible.
Favorite spot on campus:
My favorite spot is definitely Cottage 1/Chan Cottage. It was my dorm three out of four years and I have countless memories in its hallways.
Advice I would give myself if I could go back to my first day at NMH:
I would tell myself to meet as many people as possible. You never know who will become your closest friends!
What’s special to me about NMH:
NMH is a place where every single person is truly and genuinely encouraged to be themselves.
How NMH has changed me:
NMH has made me more independent than I could ever have imagined. The day-to-day time management and discipline I learned at NMH will stick with me forever.
What I will miss most about NMH:
There is nothing I will miss more than the community. I’ve been to five schools and NMH is the most at-home I’ve felt.
Plan for the fall:
I’m committed to Brown University for the class of 2029.