Reflection

Throughout my SSP, I learned a lot about myself, most importantly, I enjoy staying busy and being productive throughout the day. I do not do well with too much downtime; it seems to drive me a little crazy. I like to keep moving, to have a purpose and a schedule to stick to. This aspect of my personality aligned with my experience at BB&N, where I was constantly on the go. My commute to and from school alone was 45 minutes to an hour. During SSP, this part stayed consistent—driving to school, commuting to the Holland Hockey Academy in Woburn, and visiting friends in Bedford, Winchester, Cambridge, or Burlington to cook. I continued the routine of spending long periods in my car. 

If I could have a do-over, I would most likely add another seminar and try to be at school more. Most of my friends came to school three or four times a week, while I was only required to be there twice: for my Monday mentor meeting and our class meeting on Fridays. Being in the building more often during the week would break up the boredom.

I chose The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins for my independent reading. I decided to read this because I worry about what other people think of me and their actions. This book introduced me to the concept of “Let Them,” a mindset that encourages you to let others say and do what they want without letting it affect your life. It resonated with the personal growth aspect of my SSP and helped me refocus on improving myself instead of stressing over things outside my control. Between the book, my internship with the athletic trainers, my sign language seminar, and all the time spent cooking, I picked up the valuable skills and insights I will hopefully carry into my future. I would recommend this book, it leaves a quick and lasting impact. 

One of the most unexpected lessons I learned during SSP was how to manage my time and thrive by myself. With a bigger family of four siblings, being home alone is a rare occurrence. But the house was quiet during SSP, with my parents at work and my siblings still in school. Too quiet. It was very weird, and felt isolating, but eventually I grew to appreciate it. I had more time to focus on myself, my work, and my goals. Learning to be comfortable and productive alone was a significant accomplishment for me. If you can be alone and still complete your tasks well, you can do anything in life. 

I recommend that the rising seniors also take the sign language course. It is an easy and fun seminar you can do with many of your friends. I also suggest finding a healthy balance between school and time at home. Too much of either can be tough. If you're at school constantly, it can feel like you are just back into school like it was before March break. But being home too often can be lonely and isolating. Ideally, coming into school a few days a week while enjoying quiet home time creates a perfect combination.

In hindsight, I wish I had considered attending school some more and seeing more of my other friends in different grades. I have been with my usual circle, my six other friends, for my SSP. We do everything together: we cook, we do sign language, we skate together, we have athletic training together. While I loved that closeness, it also meant I didn't see much of my other friends, especially those from different grades or seniors I was friendly with, but did not regularly hang out with. Despite this, SSP was an excellent opportunity to strengthen those connections with your close friends.

My final piece of advice to the class of 2026 is to enjoy senior year. The fall and winter can feel overwhelming, especially with the college process, deadlines, and uncertainty. But it's not all as dreadful as it seems. Looking back, I wish I had appreciated the little things more. Before you know it, March arrives, and your “normal” school days are over. SSP has definite highs and lows. I loved getting more sleep, having the chance to work more hours, spending time with my friends, and having more freedom during the week. But honestly, there were moments when it got boring and lonely. It takes a few weeks to settle in, but eventually it hits you.

I have grown my skills, my relationships, and as a person. BB&N's “normal” academic days will prepare me for college. SSP is also beneficial because it can allow us to deepen our strengths, which is just as important as the educational part in college. It was a meaningful and reflective experience. It gave me time to prepare for what is next and hopefully make my college experience easier.