So Choate is introducing a new orientation called Pathways for students of color. It’s two days long, and before everybody else arrives. I already asked some fellow '21ers and nobody else seemed to be going (granted, I only asked about 30 kids) although some people were going early for preseason and international arrivals. I understand that it is new, but what are the conceivable benefits of attending this program?
It sounds very exciting and fun, but I don’t know whether my family should cancel our tickets and move everything around just for this. Also, we would have to fly out with a nanny if I did this, which would be pretty expensive.
I am not familiar with Choate’s program, but many colleges do this. The idea is to help students create a community, introduce them to resources (including faculty and advisors in their affinity group), etc. Many colleges have found that students are happier and more successful when these programs exist because POC, first gen, whatever group is not in the dominant majority, may have different perspectives and challenges at school, and it is a chance to talk about them. Do you have to go? Probably not. But it might be helpful in the transition.
I would guess that the program has a coordinator. You should reach out to them and chat about what’s planned, your concerns about attending, etc. before you decide. It’s always nice to get to know a few more people before classes start.
I remember meeting with the Milton admissions rep and she told me they did something similar. She said it was a time for students to get a chance to talk to other students but also a chance to learn about resources. Like where are hair salons/barbershops for African American students.
I don’t think its a good idea. there’s already a big divide between students of color and the rest. This 2 day early start though understandably aims to support minorities, just splits the community even more with others forming friendships in a smaller group first and those outside the group feeling they didn’t get the same thing etc.
^^Can’t say this is a good reason not to attend. The school has recognized that in its current structure/environment , certain groups may benefit from additional bonding opportunities.
If you are right, the school is sponsoring an event to make a minorite particularly resented? Hmmm…
That logic doesn’t quite work for me.
To some degree, yeh. No one likes disparities. Why can’t it be that any student who feels they need a head start, gets it. Let’s eliminate disparities of all kinds, including the ones that benefit only a small subset whether its black or white
But it’s not a “head start”. It’s an acknowledgement that this environment has presented challenges for one group of students that it has not for others, and that for many, one of the tools for dealing with that is the community of other students (and hopefully faculty and administrators ) who are also in that group. Students who are used to being minorities also are used to going home and having that “space” and support of family. BS doesn’t have that but can try to offer some alternative. From talking to parents and young people who are URM, this is important in a way that’s hard to fathom as someone who is not part of this group. Whether the OP participates is up to her/him.
Most schools invite foreign students a week early to help them acclimate. This is similar.
“From talking to parents and young people who are URM, this is important in a way that’s hard to fathom as someone who is not part of this group.”. This is so true. People who don’t have to deal with always being the one that is different don’t seem to get how taxing this can be. My kid feels that he can’t truly be himself because he is afraid of being judged. It’s hard having to carry the weight of your entire race on your back. It’s helpful to have others like you who carry that same weight and can understand. Programs like this can allow the students to meet others they may never get a chance to meet otherwise and to meet some adults that can understand and help them acclimate.
To be honest I am a little split about attending because of the aforementioned possible “divide.” Which sounds ridiculous when I write it out, but I don’t want to possibly put myself in a box or anything or be treated differently than my peers. I don’t feel like there’s really anything different that I need because of my race so I am curious about what the experience will offer. I guess we’ll see.
@queenmother keep in mind that most teenagers feel afraid to be themselves, although I can not say that from the point of view from a POC. I know how I act and talk around my closest friends, or how I think in my mind, and I know that I am undoubtedly more refined, filtered, and toned down around everyone that isn’t my “bestie”. Obviously it would be ideal if every teenager (even at a great bs) was completely comfortable being completely themselves, but that is an ideal that is not yet reality no matter how many programs such as the one mentioned exist. Sadly, I don’t think that we will ever be able to live in a world where everybody can be 100% themselves 100% of the time. Oh society…
As a current Choate student, I find that events that take place before school are incredibly helpful to familiarize yourself with current faculty, and even current students. There’s a good chance you’ll make friends or form relationships that will last throughout your time at Choate. I’d recommend you go.
Cheers,
WildBoarAnswers