Though I often go back and forth between being a Type A or a Type B person, when it came to Maine Coast Semester, I have been a Type A person from the start. From applying to the anticipation of Semester 76’s first day, I was all in and wanted to know everything. I had heard of Maine Coast Semester in middle school and was immediately wooed by the promise of time in nature, community, and, most importantly, the animals. Before coming, I spent so much time imagining chores on the farm and stalking the wildlife center’s website that now that I am harvesting eggs from the coop and preparing meals for the skinks, I am still in complete disbelief.
I also tried to imagine what cabin life would be like and how I would brace myself for my first New England winter. I started making my packing list almost eight months before I arrived, looked at the sample schedule once a month, and meticulously checked the Instagram to try and discover what a MCS student wears in a day. My research had given me some idea of what to expect and how to prepare, but I had to accept I would never fully know what life would be like here until I actually came. I also figured that the things I was looking forward to would be my favorite parts and what I didn’t expect would be mostly logistics—but I was so wrong. So many of my favorite parts about Maine Coast Semester are the things I didn’t expect; so, if you want to reminisce on your time here, are considering applying, or are like me and want to know everything about this beautiful place, here are a few of my favorite things about MCS.
The Intentionality
Since my first day here, everything has been planned out so intentionally. Upon arrival, we had an extended orientation to help us settle in before classes. We also began the semester with many meaningful discussions about trust, respect, building community, and what we hoped to find here, which continues to guide everything we do. And, of course, the time we spend in work programs and chores—where I believe we have successfully reached what we call “chorevana”—has shown us how important our contributions are to maintaining the community.
The Relationships
I figured I would make close friends after living here for four months, but what I didn’t expect was to feel I was friends with everyone so early on and to become so close with my cabin in the first two weeks. I also thought very little about what it would be like living with my teachers, and it has come to be one of my favorite things. I feel my teachers all really know me outside of just who I am as a student, and I love getting to know them. Sharing meals together and having neighboring homes really makes the semester feel like a big family, and when our teachers bring their partners and kids to meals, our family expands.
The Independence
Most of the week is very structured to fit as much as we can into the semester; however, on weekends, in between meals, and in the cabin, we have so much freedom to traverse the Neck and pursue passions. I’ve joined unplanned ski trips along the nature trail, I paint in my cabin, I go on nighttime waterfront walks, and I volunteer in the kitchen, wildlife center, and on the farm.
With all the fun things we choose to do, we also hold ourselves accountable to the responsibilities that come with independence, like completing our weekly phenology trips, doing our laundry, getting our work done, and keeping our cabins warm and clean. I am so appreciative of the trust that the faculty has in us to explore the area, keep up with work, and care for ourselves. I know many semester students are enjoying this independence and also finding enjoyment in the responsibility that comes with it.
By Summer Samson
The Nightengail-Bramford School, New York
