Fred, Junior
“Everyone is really welcoming. No one treats you as if you don’t belong. Everyone wants you to have the best time.”Two years ago Fred didn’t even know what a boarding school was, and now he’s loving every minute of Andover. Originally from the Dominican Republic and now living in New York City, Fred has found Andover to be a warm place full of big blue nice students. “Everyone is really welcoming and you can find your group of people very easily,” says Fred. “No one treats you as if you don’t belong. Everyone wants you to have the best time.” Here’s a typical Monday schedule for Fred.
Period 1 | 8:30 - 9:10 a.m.
Math 275: Algebra and Geometry // Instructor: Lisa Joseph
This course is for students who demonstrated, through a placement test, a strong background in Algebra. MTH275 is a three-term sequence covering topics in advanced algebra and analytic geometry. In MTH275A, geometric concepts are explored within the coordinate plane and integrated with relevant algebraic topics such as slope, distance, midpoints, and lines. Students will study congruence, symmetry, and the various characteristics of polygons. Students will also begin to develop an understanding of deductive reasoning and proof.
Period 2 | 9:20 - 10 a.m.
Spanish 411: Explorations of Texts and Contexts in Hispanic Literature // Instructor: Yasmine Allen
This course presents a thematic approach to the study of Spanish and Spanish-American literature and culture. The readings allow students to examine the universality of literature, and make comparisons and connections through historical and contemporary cultural contexts. Students will explore the interdisciplinary connections between literary works and other artistic forms of expression such as music, painting, architecture, and film. All instruction, discussion, and writing are in Spanish in order to support the development of students’ language proficiency.
As a native Spanish speaker, I wanted to challenge myself and really learn to analyze texts and write formally. It feels really good to be a junior in the class with uppers and seniors and to be able to manage the workload.
”
Conference Period | 10:05 - 10:45 a.m.
Fred will use this time to get ahead on homework or seek out instructors of classes that he may need extra help from. He appreciates the opportunity to meet with his teachers, and looks forward to utilizing the time more as the year goes on.
Period 3 | 10:50 - 11:30 a.m.
English 100: An Introduction to English // Instructor: Jessie Robie
This course provides an introduction to the study of language and literature at Andover. In this junior course, which cultivates the same skills and effects pursued throughout the English curriculum, students begin to understand the rich relationships among reading, thinking, and writing.
Period 4 | 11:40 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Fred eats lunch at Paresky Commons with friends. “The other day I had chicken with brown rice and black beans—that was really good,” says Fred. “It reminded me exactly of something my mom would cook. It tasted like home.”
Period 5 | 12:30 - 1:10 p.m.
Fred hangs out with friends and starts working on any assignments he may have for his classes.
Period 6 | 1:20 - 2 p.m.
Biology 100: Introduction to Biology // Instructor: Jose Navarro Peralta
This course is for Juniors. BIO100 is theme-based and focused on major biological topics. Studying a core text will be supplemented with other readings, writing assignments, and data analysis and interpretation. Students will learn a variety of study skills and will have an introduction to library research tools. Laboratory experiments and fieldwork are designed to acquaint students with fundamental biological principles and to build skills in the methods and techniques used to elucidate those principles.
Science has always been my favorite subject. I’m really excited to get into physics and astronomy, and I see myself pursuing a career in a related field.
”Period 7 | 2:10 - 2:50 p.m.
Theatre 210: Acting I // Instructor: Elizabeth Jancsy
Open to Lowers and Juniors only, this course is designed for students with little or no acting experience. By doing exercises in movement and voice production, reading, improvisation, and scenes, a student who is curious about the theatre may determine whether he or she has ability or interest in acting while learning something of the process of characterization—the major responsibility of the actor. The emphasis is on the variety of acting experiences rather than on a polished final product.
Athletics | 3 - 4:50 p.m.
Fred runs with the Cross Country team and likes that he’s seen a consistent improvement with his times over the term. He’s looking forward to track and field seasons where he’ll look to focus on sprinting and shorter distance races.
5 - 11 p.m.
Fred has dinner with friends then will find a place to hang out, usually in the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library. He’s made a point to not spend too much free time alone in his dorm and has been outgoing to meet new people and explore the entire Andover campus. As a junior he’s required to be back in his dorm for study hours by 8 p.m., and lights-out in the dorm is at 11 p.m.