Spring term is remarkable for the speed with which it accelerates to conclusion. No other term features such dramatic transition: early spring weather is windy and cold, with rain, spates of wet snow, yet the approach of June is scented with lilac and apple blossoms.

A project group studying the ecology and geology of Cape Cod enjoys a lecture on glacial moraines from Nobska Point, overlooking Vineyard Sound:

 

The transition that distinguishes spring term starts slowly and gains speed, with distinct milestones: melting dirty snowbanks, the happy sound of peepers from the Pond, vernal pools in the woods, mud season, daffodils followed by forsythia....

The Cape group performed community service by picking up junk washed up on First Encounter Beach, where--in 1620--the crew of the Mayflower first happened upon Native peoples, and--a harbinger of things to come--shot at them. 

 

We plunge into the term quickly, despite meteorological challenges; (playing fields are still too wet for practices, and the tennis courts needed to be shoveled.)

 

Late March and early April is the least attractive season on campus; (I already mentioned "mud season.") Nevertheless, this is when "Revisit Days" occur, as approximately 100 newly-admitted students and their families return on two specific days for immersion in the Proctor experience. 

 

Revisitors will attend some classes (which can not be typical, due to the numbers of visitors;) they'll experience a whole-school assembly, attend panel discussions, meet program directors and coaches, taste the food, mingle and even jump in an icy Elbow Pond (optional!)

 

For all of the questions asked and answered...all of the "information" imparted... the vibe they pick up during their hours with us will significantly influence their decision to attend (or not.) Last year, the father of an enrolling student observed, "I feel that--as much as anything--I'm purchasing an optimal peer group."

 

We know from experience that a very high percentage of those revisiting on April 1 and 5 will choose to attend Proctor. To some degree, I suppose, the factors behind their decisions are unknown to all. Academic structure, support, specific experiential programs or sports, the village feel to the community, the openness and laughter of assembly....who knows? Perhaps it's the taste of maple syrup.




Or just the opportunity to make it!