The Depot #5

By OLAYENI OLADIPO ‘19

Hey, Team! Welcome to ‘The Depot’, a storage facility for the topics of our time: the victories and defeats, the reliefs and worries, and the mindsets in the space of Milton Academy. Today marks the start of Parent’s Weekend, a time when our guardians take a step into our shoes and experience life at the academy. As one can imagine, this day captures various feelings. Some students want to impress their parents by uncharacteristically speaking up in class; others thrive in the crowded classrooms where the chances of being called on are fairly low. Boarders reunite with their parents, and parent-teacher conferences induce scary flashbacks of middle school. I would say that Parent’s Day heightens everyone’s emotions. So, why not capitalize on these amplified feelings? Today’s deposits showcase students’ perspectives on their parents. I asked the student community, “How do your parents make you feel?”

“Pressured at times.” - Anonymous Freshman

“Stressed but also loved.” - Anonymous Senior

“Proud of myself.” - Anonymous Senior

“Great… until I spend too much time with them or we fight.” - Anonymous Freshman

“My parents make me feel so uncomfortable.” - Anonymous Freshman

“Stressed. I am a boarder so when they get here it feels weird to have them tell me how to live my life. Like, you sent me here.” - Anonymous Junior

True facts. While from only six Milton students, these responses most likely capture a lot of what students here feel. Parental pressure to get good grades and have good friends who have both good morals and good grades leads to stress. That stress weighs on top of preexisting stresses and can result in students’ feeling pretty uncomfortable. Still, even with inevitable periods of discomfort, parents love their children, and their children feel that love (I hope). This edition of ‘The Depot’ is dedicated to parents. So, reader, if you’re a parent of a student at the Academy, I ask of you to read carefully. While the deposits are anonymous, the slight chance that your child could be one of these students is reason enough to pay attention. If I was a parent, I can imagine myself thinking, “Pressure? Stress? Love? Discomfort? What am I to make of this? I guess I could be nicer… but they know I want the best for them. Right?” I’m always surprised how the best intentions can still result in tense climates. So, in an effort to provide insight to these prior responses, I followed up with another question: “What’s something that you want your parent(s) to know about your life at Milton?”

“I work. A lot.” - Anonymous Senior

“We're all stressed here, and it's not just me.” - Anonymous Senior

“My life at Milton is really difficult and I need them to understand how hard it is to be a student here so they can expect realistic things from me.” - Anonymous Freshman

“It’s busy—I feel bad for not calling every day, but sometimes I just need to do my homework.” - Anonymous Junior

“I’m having a great time and there’s no need to worry.” - Anonymous Freshman

“It’s hard but ultimately we are grateful.” - Anonymous Senior

Well, these responses progressed in a positive manner, but they did start off pretty bleak. Milton can be a stressful environment. These days, it seems like a rigorous education isn’t rigorous without stress. However, I do believe that such educational institutions can exist. Anyhow, parents, your children are asking you to understand that life at Milton challenges everyone, not just them. Don’t lower your expectations, but contemplate a positive way to translate your hopes for your child. As for not worrying, I’m not sure if any parents can truly stop worrying. This set of deposits ends with an idea that, I think, is most important to retain. Life at Milton is “hard”, but ultimately, we —your children— are grateful for this place and appreciate your allowing us to be here. You do stress us out, but we love you anyways! We aim to be our best in front of you, and we simply ask you to be proud of us. Students, thank your parents for everything they do. Parents, tell your child that you’re proud. And all readers, try and have fun this Parent’s Weekend. Until we meet again at ‘The Depot’.

Do you want a concern, opinion, or question of yours to be sorted, stored, valued, and remembered? Make a deposit to ‘The Depot’ today. Email olayeni_oladipo19@milton.edu and note whether you request anonymity. You can also drop off your letter in the TMP Office in Warren 304.