Attending: Proctor Academy
Hometown: New York, New York
Jeanne noticed something different about Rumsey from her first day. Coming from a public school, she remembers walking into her dorm and immediately feeling welcomed by the students around her. “It felt like I was not going to have a hard time fitting in,” she says. That sense of community helped Jeanne become comfortable in a new environment and gave her a strong foundation to begin growing more confident and independent.
In her four years at Rumsey, Jeanne discovered more about herself as a student and how to take responsibility for her own success. She describes her younger self as “very hard headed,” often convinced there was only one way to approach something. Her time at Rumsey challenged that mindset. Through higher expectations and the relationships she built with her teachers, she became more willing to hear different perspectives to find what was best for her.
Jeanne learned to take ownership of her academics. Learning Skills became one of her favorite parts of the day, giving her dedicated time to focus on her coursework while building a strong relationship with her teacher. Across her classes, she appreciated receiving guidance from her teachers without simply being given the answers, allowing her to become more confident working through challenges. When asked what strengths she has developed since coming to Rumsey, Jeanne points to confidence, independence, and responsibility.
That confidence also shaped the way Jeanne interacted with her teachers. Over time, she became comfortable asking questions and speaking up for herself. The relationships she built with faculty members became an important part of her education, so much so that one of the things she looked forward to most about her next school was getting to know a new group of teachers.
Now at Proctor Academy, Jeanne carries with her a stronger understanding of herself as a student and greater confidence in her ability to navigate what comes next.
