Hyde’s Summer Challenge
By Hyde Senior Brett VanVort ’16
During my interview at Hyde, I vividly remember Dean of Admissions, Jason Warnick, candidly describe his experience when he attended the school as a student. He noted that his favorite memories were the ones he made over Summer Challenge, a program for both newly admitted students and those interested in a month-long summer adventure. Speaking of camping, rafting, performing arts, and academics, I was beginning to be sold on this idea of Hyde. The Summer Challenge was an opportunity where I could get comfortable with the campus, make friends, and do things that I have never tried before.
When I showed up to the Mansion my first day in July, I was surprised to see how many students were greeting me and guiding my family through registration. I honestly thought all of the students were faculty members. These were the Student Leaders of Summer Challenge, paid interns who are current Hyde Students. What struck me the most about them was how gregarious they were, confidently striking up small talk with my parents while we waited in line.
Once I was moved in and said my final goodbyes to Mom and Dad, I was officially on my own. It was a nerve wracking experience, however, easier than I expected. Kids began matriculating around me, carrying me with them to meetings and meals. I found that all the new students were just as nervous as I was, and under the guidance of the Student Leaders, we were put at ease. I bonded with one leader particularly, he introduced me to new people, gave me directions when I got lost, and mostly importantly, kept me positive.
I soon realized why it was called it Summer Challenge. Performing arts, camping, rock climbing, and zip lining all sounded fun on paper, but once I actually had to do them, I sort of panicked! The only extracurricular activity I ever did at public school was wrestling, so trying all of these new activities was a bit overwhelming.
Every new thing I did try, though, I found that my preconceived notions almost held me back from having a great time. I slowly shed my inhibitions, becoming more open minded to the opportunities that were around me, but that all changed when it came down to my audition.
The audition is a long-standing tradition at Hyde where all students and faculty alike must sing acapella for one minute in front of the whole school. This was my automatic no. Through constant encouragement, I of course succumbed to what was asked of me and tried to put my openness to the test.
I thought I was going to explode when I stood in front of bleachers filled with students, some of whom probably still did not even know my name. Once I took about 47 deep breaths, I began to sing. When my minute ended, everyone cheered. My peers told me that they never expected a timid wrestler to belt out some Lana Del Rey, and that it was a side of me they wanted to see more of.
This is my favorite memory from Summer Challenge. For the first time I challenged my own timid nature and took a risk, and let myself be vulnerable. It is also my favorite memory because it sparked my fascination with music. I started to teach myself how to sing, learned how to play piano, and joined a band at school.
If someone told me I would be doing those things even a second before I did my audition in July, I would have told them they were crazy.
In all, I made a lot of great memories, friends, and partnerships at Summer Challenge. I just cannot simply write about each and every one, and give them proper justice. If I had to sum up what the summer challenge experience gave me, I would have to say intellectual curiosity. I really reflected on why I was the way I was, and really thought about who I wanted to be.
If you are looking for a genuine way to try out a new environment and assure success, I would recommend the Summer Challenge experience. It’s a true once-in-a-life-time experience.