At its inception in 1848, Proctor Academy's mission was to serve the children within the community of Andover, New Hampshire. Today, our community now includes students from nineteen states, fourteen countries, and six continents. Proctor’s shift to being primarily a boarding school in the early 20th century brought with it the development of programs designed specifically for boarding students: Saturday classes, off-campus programs, evening study hall, required afternoon activities/athletics, and weekend activities.

In six short weeks roughly 360 students will arrive on Proctor Academy’s campus to start the 2015-2016 school year. The majority of these students will be returning to Proctor, while 130 students will be commencing a journey at Proctor with Wilderness Orientation.

With more than two-thirds of Proctor's student body residing in dormitories, navigating life with a roommate is a reality. While most first year students have never shared a room with anyone other than a sibling, the opportunity for personal growth and the formation of deep friendships makes having a roommate one of the most powerful experiences at Proctor.

I often find myself sitting outside on our patio under the sun reflecting back on the week. This week is no exception. If I were to sum up all of our experiences this past week into writing, the blog would go on for an eternity.

This week, European Art Classroom took on Paris. The learning was dense and we left exhausted, but we will continue to carry the energy Paris gave us throughout the rest of our travels this term.

Naked men, the international cold, and New England women taking on French mountains.

Our two-month adventure in Europe started in the United States, specifically in Boston after we said goodbye to everyone’s parents and Kayden. There was obviously a very indisputable sense of excitement among us that night. We left Boston that evening and after hours of flights and layovers, we finally found Dave and Jen waiting for us at the airport, along with Fifi and Liv. At last, we were all united.  

I am thrilled to be the one that gets to write about our final week on European Art Classroom. As the term comes to a close, there is sadness but also cheerfulness around the house. I think I speak for everyone that we are all excited to be going home, but we are also sad that this great adventure whipped by and has come to an end. Secretly, deep down we know that after a few days of being at home, we will start to miss our second home in Aix.