Inside Newman Dorms
Photo by Basile Badea.
Located on a cozy street in the heart of Back Bay, the Newman dorms are a home away from home. Right away, Newman boarding students were involved in the invigorating and busy ways of the city through fun activities and events. A special events company, ClueGo started the new students with a scavenger hunt, incorporating new transportation ways around Boston such as Blue Bikes, the T, and even the infamous duck tours. Mr. Johnson, who runs the dorms, shared with excitement some of the essential Boston areas they visited, such as the Esplanade, North End, Faneuil Hall, and Boston Common. They even went to a Red Sox Game, Boston’s champion baseball team, which was a first for many of the students!
Now as we enter the busy rhythm of fall, I had the pleasure of speaking with Holiday Zhou, a senior who has been attending Newman for the past 4 years. When first living in the dorms, Holiday recalls the big change of living with other students, which at times was difficult - especially because of the different workloads. Although challenging, it has also taught the importance of working together and being considerate of one another. When in the dorms, Holiday feels most at home when she is surrounded by her friends eating dinner, as they share the experiences around them, and likes spending her free time in the city or the dorm for some alone time. Holiday also shares that through her many years at Newman, she has built a strong connection with the school. Together students and teachers have worked with one another while also having memorable moments. Plus, a big favorite of the dorms is the short walking distance and the chance to get some extra sleep, which we all occasionally need!
Photo of dorm entrance by Basile Badea.
In the Boston area, there are countless universities such as BU and Northeastern that use dorming as a way for students to connect with one another. The Newman dorms only further implement this idea as the community continues to grow. This year especially, a new dorm was added across the commonwealth for more students to stay in. Teachers and students alike share their ideas and concerns in an effort to build a unique space for students, while also preparing them for possible ways of living in university and beyond.
Furthermore, the dorms help to enhance the IB learning experience of international and domestic students alike. Creating a space to share not only their academic lives, but personal differences as well. This adds to a rich culture of diverse and unique perspectives. “Having international as well as domestic students helps to aid in the learning of English for ESL students as they are practicing 24/7” says Mr. Johnson. The dorms are a unique space for students to communicate and learn from one another about their challenges and achievements. The experience of living in the dorms is a special one that brings values of friendship and teamwork in the student’s lives, and gives life-long lessons. Relationships and connections that are created in these quick years at school, however long or short, are lasting and carry a special place in the hearts of all Newman students.