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 Josephine (Jo), and I’m from the Pacific Northwest—specifically, Portland, Oregon. I came to Thacher in the fall of 2004, entering as a new sophomore. I found out about the school through my aunt; she suggested Thacher because of the horse program. (I’ve always loved horses.)

Like best about Thacher:
the relaxed atmosphere in the classroom. The smell of orange blossoms in the spring. The whole Southern California feel.

Favorite class:
Spanish, because it’s fun, yet totally interesting and productive at the same time.

People at Thacher who’ve influenced me:
I have made some great friends, both peers and teachers. The community is really conducive to that sort of friendly, caring relationship between students and faculty members.

Advice for kids thinking about boarding school or Thacher:
It is definitely not for everyone. Sometimes it can be hard—but then, I think of how motivated I am here by the people and the place. Also, about homesickness: it’s true that you don’t see your family and friends at home every day, but in the end, being away helps you value the time you do have with them that much more. Boarding school makes the bonds here and the bonds with home even stronger.

My experience at Thacher has been…
revealing, educational, fast, awesome, enlightening.