One of the most exciting aspects of starting my Fifth Form (junior) year was that my younger brother would join me at Groton as a Second Former (eighth grader). I was thrilled with the idea that I would have my brother’s company. As I anticipated his arrival on campus, I got ready to ensure that Roberto (‘27) would feel welcomed and at home as he started his first year on the Circle.
Once Roberto arrived on campus, my parents and I were eager to help him decorate his new dorm room. For a couple of hours, my brother, parents, and I unpacked Roberto’s boxes and organized his room. We placed his posters on the wall and made sure that he had everything he needed. His once-bare room was soon filled with color, displaying his cheerful personality. Once his room was ready, we decided to take a walk to the boathouse; I shared countless stories about my time at Groton with him.
I was not surprised by how quickly Roberto adapted to Groton. His outgoing personality and Groton’s inclusive and small community made a perfect match. Just after a week at Groton, he was already constantly surrounded by friends, and I could frequently hear his laugh across the Forum. I was especially excited to learn that Roberto became teammates with some of my closest friends; they told me stories about Roberto scoring goals and some great moments they shared in JV soccer.
As Groton can be very busy, my brother and I decided to organize a weekly breakfast to have time to hang out and share some stories from the week. We found that Sunday breakfast was the perfect time to go to Dunkin, get some donuts and coffee, and catch up. I love listening to how similar Roberto’s experience at Groton is to mine; he tells me about his classes (some of which I have taken) and his uniquely Grotonian activities. He is always excited to tell me about his first Parlor, his adventures in Cambridge during Surprise Holiday, and his trips to the boathouse with his new friends. Sharing so many similar experiences with him has made Groton feel more at home than ever before.
Although Roberto has only been at Groton for a term, I now cannot imagine Groton without him. Whether it is a quick hug in the Dining Hall or bumping into each other at a school dance, welcoming my little brother to the Circle has been extremely special and rewarding. I cannot wait for all the new memories and experiences we will have together on the Circle.