HORNET’S NEST

I have seen her put her students first. Terry has impacted all of our community by being kind and making students feel safe and loved. Terry reflected on her Proctor career.

Your favorite moment?

“Watching kids and faculty friends blossom and grow. I have millions of favorite moments. They are almost all about the “Aha” moment when someone makes a breakthrough into their truest selves.”

How has Proctor changed you over the years?

Red Converse

By Cosi Gregg

She’s on a new path to nursing, moving from a teacher to a student. After spending twenty-nine years at Proctor, Terry Stoecker has made our school a brighter, kinder community.

Terry started her career here as the Director of the Drama department, she taught classes and directed plays and musicals. She had a background in drama and acting; she worked as a professional actor after college. Throughout Terry’s time at Proctor, she has also worked in the social science department teaching psychology, Mindfulness and Meditation and freshman and sophomore seminar classes in the Wellness department.

Terry has decided it is her time to move on from Proctor. She will be working as a Medical Technician at the New London Hospital, being in charge of checking in patients, taking their vitals, blood pressure, and updating charts. This decision has been in the making for six to seven years. She said she loves to work and still wants to be busy once she leaves Proctor, noting, “I’m gonna miss my work and my kids.”

Winnie Walker, a three-year junior and an advisee of Terry’s shared her views of Terry.

How has she changed the Proctor community?

“She has changed the community with positive energy and encouraging words!”

What do you think Terry does best for her students?

“Terry is a very gentle and understanding teacher at Proctor Academy. She is always willing to listen and hear out students’ struggles or troubles. She does the best when she is with her students and making them feel seen.”

As a student who has taken a class with Terry,

“I came to Proctor as a freelance actor, writer, director, theater educator, and designer with an absolute devotion to making theater with young folks for young folks---believing that theater was the perfect vehicle for learning about being human, being healthy, being kind, finding ones’ truth, being part of a collaborative, and believing in oneself. I leave my time at Proctor with new ways of doing the important work of being with young folks. Horses, psychology, topics around health, finding personal peace, topics of well-being, and above all only love and kindness.”

Another huge part of her life is her horses and the afternoon program she runs.

Could you talk a little about what it means to be able to be around your horse and being able to share the love with the Proctor community?

“Well, here comes the idea of being blessed again. In 2004 I was diagnosed with cancer. Proctor stood by me during the healing process. It was during my healing that I realized how much I missed having horses in my life. It had been decades. Then Stoney, Tex, Clowny, Oliver, Andy, Sunny, and now Danke Schoen and Stuart teach me every day how to be in the moment, to have courage, to care deeply, how to watch, how to listen, how to be open to nature, and how to express gratitude with a full heart. Now one of my very favorite things is to watch young riders glide as if on wings of sweet air defying gravity with bonded trust and courage. I have learned to breathe into my soul the heart filled nuzzles of a warm soft snuggly horse hug.”

Terry continued, “Proctor has been and always will be a God-send in my life. Without having had children of my own I have been blessed and blessed and blessed again with lasting relationships with students from the earliest days of making theater with kids. Proctor has been a place of growing love and personal unfolding that would not have been possible in any other place on the planet.”

Thank you for twenty-nine years of inspiring students Terry, we wish you the best on your next adventure.

WUBER: Just the Beginning

By Rohan Goswami

Here at Proctor, you have probably heard the term “Wuber,” one of the biggest happenings to strike Proctor since E. Coli.

Wuber is a rideshare service operating in Montana by Will Lunder ‘24. I spoke with the company’s owner and lead operator to learn more about this convenient, exclusive, and luxurious organization that will no doubt soon be a Fortune 500 Company. Wuber began service in 2021 because of the need to safely transport locals. “When parents no longer wanted to pick up their kids they asked if I could so they wouldn’t have to drive them.” Wuber’s popularity has skyrocketed due to the number of people requesting pick-ups and drop-offs.

Customer service is one of the most important features for ride-share companies, and Wuber’s customer feedback shows how exceptionally well they deliver a great experience. “I haven’t gotten a bad review yet and don’t plan on it any time soon,” Wuber Will reports. One customer exclaimed, “This is great! *Vomiting noises*”

Since the beginning of Wuber, Will has given around 120 rides. “Alone on New Year’s Eve I drove maybe 45 people,” Will said. However, Wuber orders fluctuate, increasing and decreasing over the year. Will told me, “During Christmas time there is a large increase in Wuber orders.”

You would think with a company like Wuber, profits would be off the charts. But those of you ready to invest your life savings into the company have to wait. Wuber Will reports, “One major challenge is the fact that it’s not a legitimate company… so I technically don’t make money.” He hopes one day to obtain a business license so he can start making profits.

Wuber is not the only rideshare company out there. Lyft and Uber are other names you have probably heard of, but these are not the main threat to Wuber. “I have one main competitor; the Yellowstone Club Valet,” Will said. “Their prices are through the roof,” but Will maintains a competitive advantage. “My prices are significantly lower than the YC Valet considering the fact that I don’t charge people at all.” Despite being direct competitors, they have a good relationship. “They really like me and we talk a lot… they have actually outsourced me for rides on New Year’s Eve when they couldn’t get someone a ride till 3:30 in the morning.”

Here in Andover, you can find Wuber all around Proctor’s campus. Maybe you are friends with someone who the company sponsors. Two of his sponsorship programs are Wuber Hockey and Wuber Ski and Board. There are some requirements to be sponsored by Wuber though. “I will sometimes not allow an athlete to be sponsored if they don’t do a real sport, like soccer or something.” But with sponsorship comes some great benefits. Will told me some of them are, “a certificate of sponsorship, a ‘sponsored by Wuber sticker,’ and bragging rights.”

I asked Wuber Will for any final statements. “I bet you that one out of five people know or have heard about Wuber. There is a strong possibility that you can go up to someone in the dining hall and they are wearing a Wuber wristband or own a sticker. I’m gonna take this opportunity and do some marketing. Wuber does ship domestically, orders over $4500 get free shipping. Wuber has Carhartt hats coming with the Wuber name. I have shirts, quarter zips, and zip-ups coming if people want them. I can order more so you too can be a part of Wuber.”

Class On The Wheel

By Carrie Babson

With the sun beaming through the grand windows, and the quiet buzz of the ceramics wheel spinning, Slocumb is one of the most appreciated classrooms at Proctor. Over my three years at Proctor, I have been told countless times that taking a ceramics class is a Proctor right of passage.

This spring I got the opportunity to take my first ceramics class. In the first meeting, I was taken aback by how comfortable I felt in the classroom. It also made me wish I had joined a ceramics class long before my last term at Proctor, and it became my favorite type of art at Proctor. With ten types of art offered, this got me thinking about why ceramics class is set apart from other arts and keeps students coming back to the studio.

At Proctor, all students are encouraged to try things out of their comfort zone. People of all grades and skill sets come together in art classes. In addition to this, the Slocumb building, inviting and beautiful, is one of the most comforting and relaxing spaces on campus.

While sitting at the wheel on the far wall of the ceramics studio, I got talking with my neighbor Mia MacNamara about how ceramics are set apart from the other arts. According to Mia, a senior at Proctor Academy and two-term ceramics student, “It’s very relaxing [and a] good opportunity to break up your day from challenging classes, and fun to see a final product at the end.”

I later asked Kate Austin, one of the ceramics teachers at Proctor, why she loves teach- ing ceramics and what keeps her going to work every day. “I love being able to share my love of the medium. Ceramics has the ability to teach us more about ourselves within a space that is so forgiving. The space and medium are all about being able to be consistent, understanding, and compassionate.” Then I asked what is her most satisfying part of ceramics. “The atmosphere. The studio space offers us consistent light and space that we can call our own. For some, they might sit at the same wheel each block.” blazing from the three forges up against the wall. It’s just another typical day in the Proctor forge.

Week 1 begins with creating a barn hook. Teacher Corby Leith gives students a long, thin piece of square steel and demonstrates how to plasma cut the piece to the length you need. Then, students put the metal into the red-hot fire, wait for it to get hot, and begin to round the steel out with their hammer against the anvil. After rounding the tips of the metal, students learn how to bend the ends up and around into a beautiful loop. Students decide to finish there or learn to twist the metal for decoration.

Ceramics is a form of art that requires lots of material most people don’t have handy unlike photography and visual arts, where you can easily pick up your phone or pull out some markers to create art. This is also what makes Ceramics special. Students soak up the little time they have in Slocumb and use their time wisely.

The wonderful studio, a unique type of art, and the ability to bring students together make ceramics a special activity that engages each artist with the wheel and the people around it.

Corby is often seen mentoring Ben Mensforth ‘24 at the Proctor Forge. Ben and I are currently students in Corby’s Metal Sculpture class. While at Proctor, I have taken Metal with Corby more than any other class at Proctor. I have fallen in love with the forge and fire, and believe every student should take metal sculpture.

As Corby’s advisee and metal major, I spend a lot of time around him. I asked Corby how he felt about sculpture compared to other art forms. “Sculpture versus painting, you know both are extremely exciting. I think sculpture though, it’s like a tree you walk around. You enjoy it; it’s this three-dimensional object.” Creating metal is different from working on a painting. Instead of just looking at it straight on, with your sculpture, every bit of the metal can be manipulated, and turned to any angle. When a student sets it down to look at it from the back, the front, the side, top, and bottom, they will all display something different. For sixty minutes a day, students can be blacksmiths with the opportunity to not only create art but also get a break from the buzz of traditional classes. Corby observed, “It’s something different for your day.” Throughout our days, we sit in class, while in metal, we move, get dirty, and learn.

Junior Ben Mensforth loves metal sculpture and told me, “I personally like to create large optical sculptures or figures that catch your eye. I like when people have to take a moment and look at my pieces and really ask themselves what’s going on here.”

Forging The Proctor Story

By Teague Kelly

The sounds of metal smashing metal, the walls glowing with fire, and smoke billowing out of the garage door. There are flames

I completely agree with Ben, when creating art in the forge one of the objectives is to try to make it stand out. Ben’s response reveals how open and free the forge can be with Corby guiding us down individual paths.

The Proctor Forge is one of those extraordinary experiences that makes us so different from other schools. The forge is a place on campus where you can escape the classroom and step into your own world. I began making a barn hook like everyone else and the second I completed it, I transitioned into what I had joined the class to create: a dragon. Through this project, I learned to weld and work with thin sheet metal.

After completing the dragon, I created a two-foot-tall snowboarder with wings. After making two realistic pieces, I wanted to move more into the abstract. So I built a massive chunk of weaving metal that was one line. I was able to spend more of my time in the forge and in the driveway outside of the shop welding pieces to the shape needed. I then switched to working more with flat steel and cutting and welding the pieces together with elaborate designs. I am now at my final term and final piece with a six-foot-tall abstract sculpture. Corby’s shop is a place where you have the freedom to build and forge your own art that will truly stand the test of time.

If you haven’t taken Metal sculpture or seen the Proctor forge, you should!

Does your Phone make you Happy? The Mountain Classroom Experience

By Charlie Krayer

It’s February 8th, and I’m sitting somewhere in the New Mexico desert with nothing but some food, a sleeping bag, and a journal. I will live in this spot for three days, all by myself. To most people, this sounds horrible, which is why they’re always surprised when I tell them it was one of the best memories of my year.

This winter I was on Mountain Classroom, and it was quite the adventure. I saw a ton of beautiful places, met some really cool people, and slept on the ground for 2 ½ months. But the most impactful part of my Mountain Classroom experience was at times, the most challenging, (while simultaneously my favorite) one. It was the part where I was away from my phone and therefore, almost all contact with the outside world.

When I talk to people about my trip, they often say that they could never do something like that, on account that they wouldn’t want to be away from their phone for that long. They always seem very surprised when I tell them that being away from tech was far and away the best part of the trip.

I didn’t even realize how incredibly stressed my phone made me until I went without it for so long. At first it was brutal with no way to fill those moments of boredom or silence, like the long bus rides, but after a while, I learned to love it. Without that distraction always nagging at you from your pocket, you learn how to actually live in the moment. Your mind isn’t split between what’s going on and what’s going on virtually, you’re forced to just slow down and…be. It definitely took some getting used to.

But life was a lot more fun for me without the constant overstimulation of youtube or the anxiety of social media. When you don’t have headphones to get lost with during an

8-hour drive, you start to have more meaningful conversations with people. But if I wasn’t forced to, I know that I would’ve never spent that much time away from my phone. According to CNN’s 2019 article by Kristen Rogers, “US teens use screens more than seven hours a day on average – and that’s not including school work.” Spending so much time online prevents us from being active and outdoors, and also creates somewhat parasocial relationships with less face-to-face interaction.

Before Mountain, the notion of going without my phone for so long intimidated me, I won’t lie. But I think it’s a shame that there are a lot of students at Proctor who’ll pass on an opportunity like Mountain or Ocean classroom, simply because they can’t be without their phone.

I asked Proctor junior Griffin Stewart how his experience without his phone on Ocean classroom was, and he said, “I loved it, especially on Ocean, because you’re kinda forced to just be in the moment… it was nice to have everybody on deck for a sunrise without people taking photos, everybody’s just in the moment.”

And you know what, I can attest to this. During my first days of Mountain I would sometimes almost instinctively reach into my pocket looking for my phone, which seemed crazy to me. But after that hump of not knowing how to occupy myself, I would learn to replace scrolling on my phone with reading, or journaling, or something more productive, and I suddenly felt a lot better about myself. It was almost as if a weight was removed from my mind.

The Moon is Beautiful

By Lauren Anzalone

The pair strolled through the arbor for the third time as they traveled through each other’s lives by sharing stories. A coat of snow had covered the two like powdered sugar; Vienna felt her friend’s eyes fall on her as she began to speak, “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”

“The moon has always been beautiful.” https://www.tsuki.world/world/the-moonis-beautiful-isnt-it

For those that do not know the history of this phrase, it originated when Japanese writer Natsume Soeseki overheard one of his students awkwardly translate the phrase “I love you.” The student had translated it into its more literal and direct translation, thus the more subtle, nuanced translation of “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” was established. It is a poetic, subtle yet passionate way to express one’s love to another. The response “The moon has always been beautiful” signifies the person is responding with “I love you too” in a soft expression. My close friends and I often pass time outside watching the stars and observing the moon and this phrase has become invaluable for us as it is a more hidden way to express our love for one another without being so forward with it as that can be difficult for some.

Vibin

By Griffin Stewart

Vibin is a playlist curated by the accomplished playlist craftsman, me. This playlist has a massive following of ten likes. Regarded by some fans as “The Perfect playlist for a calm and relaxing time.” The playlist has a curation of 151 songs, and it keeps mounting. I will summarize ten songs to give you a taste of the playlist.

Of course, that’s just me being dramatic, but I think that it’s something everyone should try. I realize that being on the Proctor campus makes this feel impossible, but we just so happen to have these crazy off-campus programs where you’re forced to ditch the phone and be in the moment. So if you’ve been interested in going on Mountain, or Ocean, or anything out of your comfort zone, I urge you to do it. Sometimes, the hardest things are the best.

Song 1: Super Bounce, by Duckworth and EARTHGANG

With a heavy baseline and lyrics as smooth as satin Super Bounce can send you to a heavenly place. It’s chill, and the slow pace allows for listening for any time of day except if you’re trying to work out.

Song 2: Six Speed, by Current Blue

Its wavy guitar rift and vocals bring any listener to a simpler time. The song also makes the listener reflect on the decisions they make in the pursuit of love. However, the heavy tone doesn’t stop anyone from jamming out.

Song 3: Nicotine, by Pretty Boy Aaron, Bruhnice, and Sabz

A song about fighting the acceptance of having an addiction. Whether that’s to Nicotine itself or a relationship, this song never fails to deliver that buzz you crave. Its rift is crafted to perfection, and smooth vocals roll like smoke.

Song 4: HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS, by PawPaw Rod

This beat can make anyone jump out of their seats. PawPaw seems to make the most upbeat song about revenge.

Song Five: Sea Sick, by binki

A simple beat but complex vocals is the best way to describe Sea Sick. Perfect choice for when your life seems to be rocky and you need a little stabilization.

Song 5: CHOCOLATE100x, by jackwoods

Are wasting time and driving things you like to do? Well, this song is for you. With a smooth base and lyrics that hit you abruptly but take you to a different place. You’re taken on a journey through this song.

Song 7: Kickback, Omar Apollo

The perfect song to Kickback to. Clearly written and produced on a couch made of clouds. This song does deliver an upbeat and relaxed flow.

Song 8: Found, by Tems, and Brent Faiyaz

Finding this song can bring anyone to a different world. Tems sings with a passion that’s unmatched. With a beat that makes anyone want to dance, this song is a spiritual experience.

Song 9: Dancing, by bLAck pARty

It’s really all in the name. No further explanation.

Song 10: Still, By Eddie Zuko

If a love song were a person who grew up in southern California and loved reggae, this song would be it. Eddie Zuko made a song that makes you want to blast out of any speaker and play repeatedly. Perfect for summer and just being in a good mood.

Unleashing the Benefits of Journaling

By Lillian Holley

There are more than 900 million dogs in the world, and compared to that I don’t know how many people journal, but a study from Psychology Today (2020) shows that there’s a one in two chance you’ve kept a journal at some point in your life. Like a dog, journaling can help reduce stress and anxiety, and bring mental peace.

Currently, many off-campus programs require students to journal. Spain and Ocean require a written journal throughout the semester, and Euro requires students to draw in a Carnet de Voyage, a near-daily account of their lives through art. Even students that aren’t currently on an off-campus program journal. In a survey I sent to the Proctor community, 57% of students and faculty reported that they journal.

According to a 2002 article published by the mental health website Reflection.App, “Studies have also shown that journaling can reduce the frequency of intrusive, depressive thoughts, help college students who are vulnerable to depression, and reduce overall levels of depression in those diagnosed with a Major Depressive Disorder.” The uses of journals at Proctor vary greatly, some faculty and students reported using their journals for coaching, creative writing, and habit tracking. Others reported using journals for writing poetry, drawing, planning, manifesting (visualizing goals and wishes to make them a reality), and writing about their day-to-day lives. Most Proctor people stated that they used their journals for writing day-to-day thoughts, activities, and feelings. The Reflection.App article also states that, “Journaling allows you to get [your] thoughts down on paper, process them in a more analytical, non-emotional way, and then respond appropriately to them.”

Senior Libby Walker spoke about journaling and her thoughts on the activity. “I don’t journal, I’ve tried to, many times, because I think that it would probably be good for me because… I have no other real outlet for my emotions. But every time I try and start, I journal for like five seconds and then I run out of words and I’m like ‘AH, God,’ and then I never pick it up again…on Euro, I re - ally liked the Carnet. I enjoyed really carrying it around with me and being able to put on paper what I’m seeing every day and not just pictures. I liked having my own artistic style and sort of being able to see [my experiences] through my eyes again.” According to my Proctor survey, Libby isn’t the only person that struggles with journaling. According to the survey, 44% of the community does not journal, but of that 44%, 64% of people have thought of starting one.

Alternatively, Cosi Gregg does keep a journal and is very passionate about keeping up with the habit. Cosi said, “I journal, basically because my Mom started journaling. I really loved the idea of having years and years of journals and being able to go back and see little notes that I make… I also really loved [journaling] while I was in Spain, it was a requirement but I just kept going on with it.”

Journaling can be difficult to start, so with all the benefits you could enjoy, I’ll take the liberty of giving you three prompts to try. What are three things that went well today and why? What is your favorite meal and why do you love it so much? And, are you a cat or a dog person and why do you like one more than the other?