Cheshire Academy's Young Postgraduates

During the first few classes of the postgraduate seminar, the students in the course don’t know each other that well, or what to expect over the course of the year. They’re individuals who have come to Cheshire Academy for a postgraduate year for one of many reasons.

Over time, however, those students build an undeniable bond, forged by choosing a path not often taken by graduates of a typical high school experience.

The postgraduate year is not just a fifth year of high school. It’s a unique opportunity for a student to better prepare for college, whether that’s academically, athletically, or socially. And at Cheshire Academy, the PG program follows a cohort model, allowing students to form bonds and meaningful relationships with their peers that will last throughout their lives.

The PG program at CA is purposely and thoughtfully designed, with a curriculum that allows students to continue to grow academically and take intellectual risks. There’s a sense of camaraderie, support, and understanding within each class, with students who may have never crossed paths otherwise. Students who were once afraid to speak up become lead voices in conversation; students who weren’t sure how to write a research paper present superbly written, college-level documents; classmates who never quite knew where they fit in have a wonderful and caring friend group.

At the end of the program, PGs recognize that they have been challenged, and that they’ve grown mentally, socially, and academically, and are beyond prepared for the rigor of college-level coursework.

Continue reading to hear from just a few of CA's recent graduates of the postgraduate program, as they reflect on their experiences and the memories they created during their time at Cheshire Academy.

David Brim ’03

Where are you now?

COO & VP of Investor Relations at MMI Development.

Why did you pursue a PG year at CA?

I explored many different prep schools, but settled on Cheshire Academy due to the school’s proven track record of academic and athletic excellence. The campus was also beautiful and I was very intrigued by CA’s long tradition dating back to 1794.

What were your thoughts on the PG program before, and after you graduated? Did they change?

I didn't quite know what to expect out of the PG program. My grades were very good coming out of high school, but both my parents and I believed that a PG year would give me additional maturity and life skills to be better prepared for college and beyond. It was a great decision and benefited me both athletically and academically. The teachers and coaches were top notch and my experience at Cheshire Academy certainly helped my growth in many ways. I’m thankful for my PG experience at Cheshire Academy.

Reflecting back, how did a PG year at CA impact your growth, and prepare you for college?

Attending Cheshire Academy for my postgraduate year was my first time living away from home. This experience provided a great transition that helped me become more independent, mature, and confident that I was indeed prepared for life away at college. The structure Cheshire Academy provided in regard to both academics and athletics also helped me to stay focused and sharpen my skills both on and off the basketball court.

Why should students and families consider a PG year at CA?

Cheshire Academy is a top-notch school on a beautiful campus with a rich history of academic and athletic excellence. When you attend a PG year at Cheshire Academy, you will be welcomed as part of the Cheshire Academy family. There is a genuine interest and care for their students and their success. The student body is very diverse with students from all around the world and all walks of life. A PG year at Cheshire Academy will help students evolve, improve, and be better prepared for their college experience and life.

Christian Terrell ’13

Where are you now?

Senior Associate for KPMG in Washington, D.C.

Why did you pursue a PG year at CA?

I decided to pursue a PG year at Cheshire Academy because I believed it would be a special opportunity for me to further my education in a meaningful way, gain athletic recruiting exposure, and be part of a top tier alumni network.

What were your thoughts on the PG program before, and after you graduated? Did they change?

My primary focus going into my PG year was around obtaining an athletic scholarship for basketball. Quickly after arriving, I realized the community had so much more to offer and it motivated me to live up to my fullest potential on and off the court.

Reflecting back, how did a PG year at CA impact your growth, and prepare you for college?

I was able to better myself in virtually every aspect of my life. Overall, CA gave me the chance to expand my horizons and chase after my interests without any judgement. One year might seem like a brief moment, but the lessons learned during my time as a member of the Cheshire community continues to be the primary driver behind my personal and professional growth.

Why should students and families consider a PG year at CA?

Through the coursework, athletic facilities, extracurricular activities, and endless faculty support, CA gives you the opportunity to take full control over your future by giving you an edge over your peers. That edge has lasting impacts throughout your career.

What is your favorite CA memory?

Some of my favorite memories were dominating in 2K and Call of Duty tournaments in the dorms, playing on the soccer, basketball, and baseball teams, acting in one of the school plays with my teammates, and reminiscing at the D.C. alumni events.

Andy Phothirath ’18

Where are you now?

Studying finance at San Diego State University.

Why did you pursue a PG year at CA?

I pursued a postgraduate year at Cheshire Academy because I was searching for a place that could help me achieve my goal of becoming the first member of my family to graduate from college. After learning more about the academic opportunities that CA has to offer its students, I knew I had found what I was looking for.

What were your thoughts on the PG program before, and after you graduated? Did they change?

Initially, I thought that the postgraduate program was primarily put into place for student-athletes who have aspirations to compete at the college level. As someone who didn’t have plans to play a sport after CA, I was pleasantly surprised when I began to see that my PG experience was helping me grow as a student and as a person.

Reflecting back, how did a PG year at CA impact your growth, and prepare you for college?

I was exposed to a multicultural environment, which helped me make friends and become more understanding of different cultures. My experience on campus gave me a pathway to learn how to invest in myself, and provided me with the confidence I needed to pursue opportunities that would have once intimidated me, such as moving across the country, away from my family and friends, to attend San Diego State University.

Why should students and families consider a PG year at CA?

As soon as any new student (not just the PGs) steps on campus, they are met with immediate support and attention from faculty and staff. This personal access to committed mentors will play a huge role in developing new skill sets, and social habits that will set them up for success well beyond their time at CA.

What is your favorite CA memory?

My favorite memory from my time at CA was having the chance to spend time in the Community Forum with my fellow PGs before class every day. It was in this casual setting that some of my favorite conversations were had, and helped me get to know people that I never would have gotten the chance to meet if it weren’t for CA. It’s because of memories like this that I believe it is important for alumni to stay connected to the school, and with each other. CA was there for me as a student, and continues to be there for me today to assist me with networking opportunities throughout my professional career. In short, despite only attending CA for one year, I can’t imagine a community ever having the same type of impact on my life as CA did.

Sophie Groen ’19

Where are you now?

Studying econometrics and operations research at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Why did you pursue a PG year at CA?

After graduation in Belgium, I realized that I did not know what I wanted for myself and my future. Thinking about it now, it sounds so ridiculous to have expected that. If we’re being really honest, what 17 year old actually knows exactly what they want for the rest of their life? The PG program felt like the perfect opportunity to develop myself and my interests further away from my very comfortable childhood bubble in which I grew up.

What were your thoughts on the PG program before, and after you graduated? Did they change?

I went into the program with a very open mindset, not entirely sure what to expect. I knew about the curriculum and what classes I would have, but I never expected to learn so much. The program allowed me to grow in so many ways and made the “real world” very approachable through its diverse curriculum. It is focused on getting students ready for their next step, whatever it might be.

Reflecting back, how did a PG year at CA impact your growth, and prepare you for college?

My PG year has allowed me to develop my interests. It has taught me to look critically at certain situations and to take a hands-on approach.But it also taught me a lot about myself, and being independent in a certain way. I have always been really close to my family and friends back home and this was a good step towards me being independent and making choices about what I want.

Why should students and families consider a PG year at CA?

If there is something I have learned over the past few years, it’s that people are constantly evolving, working on themselves, and aiming to be the best versions of themselves. CA makes personal growth come so naturally as it provides an environment in which you’ll be working with so many people that have different backgrounds, different life experiences, and other interests as you do. The PG program has taught me to critically look at myself and to always aim to improve myself, and I think those are really important skills to have.

What is your favorite CA memory?

There honestly are so many great memories from my PG year at CA. Thinking back, I would say that constantly being surrounded by friends is such an amazing memory of mine. Waking up in the dorms and being able to instantly knock on your best friends’ doors to hang out and laugh with one another is so precious. I would have never expected to meet the people that I did, let alone grow so close to them. It is so bizarre to think that I have made lifelong friends in such a short period of time. I guess it’s unavoidable when you literally do everything together; you go through so many everyday emotions together and that is something I am incredibly grateful for.

Nicole Matimu ’20

Where are you now?

Studying behavioral neuroscience at Northeastern University, and incoming case team assistant at L.E.K. Consulting.

Why did you pursue a PG year at CA?

The main reason I decided to pursue a PG year was to take my time weighing out my options for college in the U.S. as an international student while still exercising my academic muscles. I specifically chose CA because of its commitment to student-centered learning, diligence with regard to college counseling and, most importantly, the warm and welcoming community.

What were your thoughts on the PG program before, and after you graduated? Did they change?

When I joined CA, I had high expectations and a clear idea of what I intended to get out of the program before I moved on to college. While all my expectations were met, my experience was far more fruitful and rewarding than I could have ever imagined. I still rave about how the PG program was one of the best decisions I ever made for my life and for my career!

Reflecting back, how did a PG year at CA impact your growth, and prepare you for college?

The PG year at CA, for me, was like a transformative boot camp.By the end of the program, I was well equipped with personal and professional development tools including leadership skills, networking skills, and financial literacy which now inform the way I interact with the world around me. In addition to this, the boarding school experience mimicked what it was like to live in a freshman dorm in college away from home—it was great practice! My transition to college life was extremely smooth thanks to my PG year.

Why should students and families consider a PG year at CA?

Going into a PG year can be daunting as it’s quite literally the roadless traveled, but the CA community provides a great support system.Your advisors, teachers, and counselors are as committed to your success as you are, and at CA, there’s a friendly face wherever you look. The PG program not only prepares you for college, but also gives you multiple opportunities to explore new and old interests outside of the classroom, which helps build your extracurricular resume for college and beyond.

What is your favorite CA memory?

My favorite CA memory has to be our PG field trips with Mr. Joaquin. They were always super fun, filled with so much laughter, and a great way to bond with my fellow PGs. I also have to give an honorable mention to the CA softball trip to Florida with Coach Cieri and Coach Green! I loved managing the team and I’m so glad that this was one of my last memories at CA. I think that my experiences at CA made it easy to want to stay connected and support the school. Staying connected allows you to pay forward to future students all the invaluable experiences that you had at CA, and, by virtue of being an alum, you also get to build their network, just as CA alumni before me built mine.