Toad Blogs: Student stories from The Thacher School

• Acting Out
• Drama Bonanza
• A Whole Lotta Tennis
• On the Horizon
• Ski and Rock Climbing Trips
• Back in the RIGHT Saddle!
• Gymkhana has begun: GO GREEN!
• The Complete Winter Trimester....ABRIDGED!
• Off to Spain Next Year!
• Mockumentary: Creativity and English

My name is James and I am a junior here at Thacher. I grew up in Bakersfield—a flat, hot agricultural town in southern California. I was ready to leave for someplace new. I found out about Thacher, much like you, on this website. I toured the school with my parents shortly afterward and have now spent the best two-and-a-half years of my life at the school.

Like best about Thacher:
The Horse Program, baseball, and the strength of our community.

Favorite class:
Though I really enjoy all my classes, I’d have to say that history is a favorite right now because of the memorable discussions we have.

Influential people at Thacher:
My roommate—Redgie—and I couldn’t be more different. Yet we are the best of friends. Our arguments and discussions are part of our camaraderie. Other influential people in my life here are my teachers: they’re always there for me, in their homes, in the classroom, in their office. They work incredibly hard for my success and general betterment.

Advice for kids considering boarding school or Thacher:
My experience at Thacher has been… the best of my life. The relationships that you form begin to form you as a person. It might be a talk with your roommate or a class discussion – but they stay with you. Because Thacher’s so diverse, you constantly run into different points of view and beliefs, and through listening and talking, you become a fuller person. In places like the woodshop or the Horse Program, I’ve learned some new virtues –patience and determination—same on the baseball field and in the classroom. I try to get the most out of every day at Thacher and love every moment of it.