How has COA influenced Lilly? She is like a kid in a candy store, excited about the course offerings, eager to engage with her fellow students and professors. But mostly, she is happy, open to the diversity that is COA learning. Student: Heather Wight '12 Wendell, Massachusetts Memorable COA story? For his senior project, my dad set up beehives for the college, so the honey served in the dining hall would be local. Unfortunately, the fire happened the summer after he graduated, so his project was destroyed along with all his other work that was stored on campus. It makes me sad that I will never be able to see the work that he did here. Why did you choose COA? I was initially attracted to its focus on the environment and its small community. Once I visited, I fell in love with the ocean and the students who were incredibly motivated and independent compared to high school students. I knew that this was the college for me. Highlight? Last spring, almost every day was an amazing experience. I'd wake up to the smell and sound of the ocean, bird watch in the early morning, eat yummy Beech Hill Farm greens at lunch, write letters to the editor about creating climate policy in the noon sun, transplant seedlings in the late afternoon, talk with friends about the wonders of the world at dusk and dance late into the night. How has COA changed since your father's day? COA has changed a lot since the early eighties. Turrets was once used for student housing and dance parties were held in the mirrored room downstairs, before chalkboards were put up over the mirrors. There used to be a sauna next to the ocean. But I think the same sorts of people are attracted to this place and our interests are similar to previous generations. Alum: Erik Wight '83 How does it feel to have Heather at COA? It feels great, nice to realize you've raised someone who cares about our fragile world and is willing to study at such a unique school. Student: Henry Owen '14 Blue Hill, Maine Memorable COA story? The impression of COA that my parents gave me was unique. For instance, the woman who would knit during ACM — click click click click — and whenever things got heated the clicking would get faster and faster.
Why did you choose COA? I came to COA because I knew that it wouldn't be just "a system" and that going to school would be unique. A highlight? I'd say hackysacking (is that a word?) outside TAB. Gotta love it. How has COA changed since your parents' day? Things are generally fixed up more, or so it seems from their impressions being on campus, the faculty is older, obviously, but I can't think of too many other things (which is good). Alumni: Cara Guerrieri '83 and Francis Owen '83 How has COA influenced Henry? We get the feeling that Henry has taken charge of his own education in new ways, that he is a more active learner, and understands more fully that education can be about inspirational learning and self improvement, not just about getting a degree. Student: Rebecca Hamilton '14 Whitefield, Maine Memorable COA story? My dad used to tell me the story of his friend who decided to sleep on a different surface every night for a term. She slept on top of picnic tables, in the woods, in Turrets. There was also the story about the student who decided to live solely off of grass clippings for a term. Why did you choose COA? I fell in love with the community. Every person was so motivated, I felt like I had come home. What's most unusual about COA? The diversity of the students. I have friends who are from all over the world, friends who are passionate about marine biology, literature, music, politics, herpetology, education. What brings us together is the desire to study our passions and to create a better world through our individual talents. A highlight? There was a meteor shower this fall and I set my alarm for three a.m. As my friends and I walked across the front lawn, the campus was alive. People were lying on blankets, sitting on the pier … I felt a strong sense of community as we all witnessed this wonderful natural show. Alum: Chris Hamilton '85 How does it feel to have Rebecca at COA? Becca really enjoys the international students — that was largely what attracted her to the school. We try not to discuss that I went to COA — it is her experience now and I am glad she is enjoying it. COA | 21