--- title: "Our First Year: Poems of Reflection" description: Skills and Academic Support Teacher Michael Streeter and student Dallas R. '21 reflect back on their first year at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall through poetry. image: https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/Blog%20Title%20(23).png --- - [Login](https://www.chch.org/app) Search - [Parent/Guardian](https://www.chch.org/parentguardian) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [Summer](https://www.runningbrook.org/) - [Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/ch-ch-calendar) - [Contact](https://www.chch.org/page/contact) - [Apply](https://www.chch.org/admissions/apply) - [myCH-CH](https://chch.myschoolapp.com/app#login) [![CHCH](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/Main-Banner-Logo.png)](https://www.chch.org/Page) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/admissions) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Boarding](https://www.chch.org/boarding) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Blog](https://blog.chch.org) - [myCH-CH](https://chch.myschoolapp.com/app#login) - [Back to CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch) - [Reopening Plan](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-plan) - [Reopening Videos](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-videos) - [Community Resources](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/community-resources) - [FAQ and Links](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/faqs-and-links) - [Reopening Translations](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-translations) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions) - [Why CH-CH?](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch) - [Why CH-CH?](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch) - [We Teach the Way Students Learn](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch/we-teach-the-way-students-learn) - [Challenge/Support](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch/challengesupport) - [Inquire Now](https://info.chch.org/inquire) - [Visit CH-CH](https://info.chch.org/book-a-ch-ch-campus-visit) - [Apply](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/apply) - [Affording](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording) - [Affording](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording) - [Need-Based Financial Aid](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/need-based-financial-aid) - [Charger Scholarship](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/charger-scholarship) - [Waltham Scholarships](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/waltham-scholarships) - [Tuition](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/tuition) - [CH-CH Admissions Virtual Experience](https://www.chch.org/admissions/ch-ch-virtual-experience) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Our Approach](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-approach) - [Anti-Racism & Equity Initiatives](https://www.chch.org/about/anti-racism--equity-initiatives) - [Our Students](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-students) - [Our Teachers](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-teachers) - [Leadership](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership) - [Leadership](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership) - [2020 Strategic Plan](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership/2020-strategic-plan) - [Trustees and Advisors](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership/trustees-and-advisors) - [Campus](https://www.chch.org/page/about/campus) - [History](https://www.chch.org/page/about/history) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment) - [Teaching Fellows](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment/teaching-fellows) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Curriculum](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/curriculum) - [Skills and Academic Support](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/skills-and-academic-support) - [Beyond the Classroom](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/beyond-the-classroom) - [College Counseling](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [College Counseling](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [Matriculation List](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling/matriculation-list) - [Advisor & Grade Level Programs](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/advisor--grade-level-programs) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Residential Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/residential-life) - [Athletics](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics) - [Athletics](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics) - [Team Pages](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics/team-pages) - [Athletics Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics/athletics-calendar) - [Theatre Program](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/theatre-program) - [Get Involved](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved) - [Get Involved](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved) - [Community Service](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/dining-services) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Welcome from Advancement](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/welcome-from-advancement) - [Ways to Support](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support) - [Ways to Support](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support) - [Annual Fund](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support/annual-fund) - [Building Creativity](https://buildingcreativity.chch.org/page) - [Parent/Guardian Association](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/parentguardian-association) - [Give Now](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/give-now) - [Parents](https://www.chch.org/page/parents) - [Parents](https://www.chch.org/page/parents) - [Resources for Our Community](https://www.chch.org/page/parents/resources-for-our-community) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [The Chronicle Magazine](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni/the-chronicle-magazine) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support/annual-fund) - [Summer](https://www.runningbrook.org/) - [Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/ch-ch-calendar) - [Contact](https://www.chch.org/page/contact) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/employment) - [Directions](https://www.chch.org/page/directions) - [Contact Us](https://www.chch.org/page/contact-us) # Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School Blog: Take Charge # Our First Year: Poems of Reflection Posted by [Michael Streeter](https://blog.chch.org/author/michael-streeter) on 12/12/19 12:27 PM   ![Blog Title (23)](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/Blog%20Title%20(23).png)   Being a newcomer can elicit a wide range of emotions. As I reflect back on my year, I can think of no better way to express my feelings and commemorate my journey than through poetry. I asked one of my Skills and Academic Support (SAS) students, Dallas R. ’21, who was also new last year, to join me by writing her own piece.   ![IMG_4390](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/IMG_4390.jpg)   ## **Purpose** ![IMG_4381](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4381.jpg?width=300&name=IMG_4381.jpg) ### By [Michael Streeter](https://www.chch.org/list-detail?pk=147406&fromId=275676), ### Skills and Academic Support Teacher             My first day, was my last breath An exhale of exuberance, intellect, and experience.   I’ve been here before, but everything and everyone Is new to me.   New faces remind me of familiar places A collection of cultures An array of ambitions A kaleidoscope of shared hope An awakening of the diversity of dreams and dreamers Being and becoming actualized.   I am the recipient of education rested on reciprocity Each one, teach one..mind body and soul How students learn.   I have learned that Fashion, language, art, music, and food Are the five senses of self-identity   As an educator, I am the curator and cultivator Of cultural potential   The operator of the roller coaster that is high school Ups and downs of friendships The smiles and frowns Twists and turns that lead to self-discovery Life lessons learned.   My first year has been a life lived in retrospect Retracing the steps of my own educational journey That ultimately Led me to You.   ## **Fresh New Eyes** ![IMG_4356](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4356.jpg?width=290&name=IMG_4356.jpg) ### By Dallas R. ### Class of 2021         Scared, I walked onto campus not knowing if I would fit in Friends, I had few going into this I had been the new student many times But still was I scared   Community, I had never felt such a warm and welcoming community Reminded me of home Reminding me of the warm embrace of a mother Soothing   Kindness, Never have I seen a school give back like this Students taking time out of their day to help others Warmth emanating from every corner of the campus Only word I know how to describe it is FAMILY   Daily life, Breakfast with the students, teachers, faculty and their families Classes with teachers that make you feel important Lunch with friends and teachers After school a family of its own   Theater I have never felt so welcome A space that accepts me for who I am without question Like the rest of the school emanating warmth and love The ability to just let go at the end of the day and do something I love   Amazed Never have I seen boarding students and day students so close It is hard to tell who lives at school and who doesn’t Everyone is treated the same, celebrated for their differences Peace   [Michael Streeter](https://www.chch.org/list-detail?pk=147406&fromId=275676) is a Skills and Academic Support (SAS) Teacher at [Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School](https://www.chch.org/) in Waltham, MA. Learn more about the [SAS curriculum](https://www.chch.org/academics/skills-and-academic-support), [student life](https://www.chch.org/student-life), and [caring community](https://www.chch.org/about/inspiration-video-project) at CH-CH. Topics: [Boarding School](https://blog.chch.org/tag/boarding-school), [Student Wellness](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-wellness), [Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall](https://blog.chch.org/tag/chapel-hill-chauncy-hall), [Student Skill Building](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-skill-building), [Caring Community](https://blog.chch.org/tag/caring-community), [Making Caring Common](https://blog.chch.org/tag/making-caring-common) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4008772/69e987de-0a90-414e-ad1f-8fc6398a4406.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4008772/69e987de-0a90-414e-ad1f-8fc6398a4406) [![Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB.jpg?width=650&height=474&name=Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB.jpg "Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB")](https://blog.chch.org/) ### Subscribe Here! [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4008772/69e987de-0a90-414e-ad1f-8fc6398a4406.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4008772/69e987de-0a90-414e-ad1f-8fc6398a4406) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall (80)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/chapel-hill-chauncy-hall) - [Boarding School (37)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/boarding-school) - [Student Skill Building (32)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-skill-building) - [Caring Community (21)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/caring-community) - [Student Wellness (21)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-wellness) - [Alumni (17)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni) - [Beyond the Classroom (14)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/beyond-the-classroom) - [Multiple Intelligences (14)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/multiple-intelligences) - [Teacher Spotlight (12)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/teacher-spotlight) - [Athletics (10)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/athletics) - [Leadership (10)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/leadership) - [Inclusion (8)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/inclusion) - [Embracing Diversity (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/embracing-diversity) - [Graduation (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/graduation) - [Matriculation (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/matriculation) - [Building Creativity (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/building-creativity) - [College Counseling (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/college-counseling) - [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) - [Experiential Learning (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/experiential-learning) - [Study Guide and Strategies (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/study-guide-and-strategies) - [Admissions (5)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/admissions) - [Alumni Entrepreneurs (5)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni-entrepreneurs) - [Alumni Artists (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni-artists) - [Anti-Racism (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/anti-racism) - [Class of 2020 (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2020) - [Middle School (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/middle-school) - [Visual and Performing Arts (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/visual-and-performing-arts) - [Making Caring Common (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/making-caring-common) - [Rewrite Your Story (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/rewrite-your-story) - [Running Brook Camps (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/running-brook-camps) - [Studying Tips (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/studying-tips) - [Class of 2019 (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2019) - [Community Service (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/community-service) - [Healthy Eating at School (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/healthy-eating-at-school) - [Inspiration Video (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/inspiration-video) - [Self-Care Strategies (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/self-care-strategies) - [Class of 2021 (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2021) - [Empathy (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/empathy) - [Executive Function (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/executive-function) - [Halloween (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/halloween) - [Harvard Graduate School of Education (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/harvard-graduate-school-of-education) - [Independent Study (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/independent-study) - [International Program (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/international-program) - [MakerSpace (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/makerspace) - [Winter Carnival (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/winter-carnival) - [homecoming (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/homecoming) See all [![CHCH](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/2018logo.png)](https://www.chch.org/Page) ### Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall [785 Beaver Street](https://goo.gl/maps/HTzUxaZgVv52) [Waltham, MA 02452](https://goo.gl/maps/HTzUxaZgVv52) [781-314-0800](tel:7813140800) [admissions@chch.org](mailto:admissions@chch.org) - [![Facebook](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258166_96536.png)](https://www.facebook.com/ChapelHillChauncyHall) - [![Instagram](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258167_96535.png)](http://instagram.com/chchschool/) - [![Twitter](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258168_96534.png)](https://twitter.com/chchtweets) - [![Flickr](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258169_96533.png)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/chapelhill-chauncyhall/collections) - [![YouTube](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258170_96532.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCHCHSchool) Located 10 miles from Boston, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall is a coeducational college preparatory school that teaches the way students learn. The School welcomes students with diverse learning styles and helps them to develop self-confidence and achieve academic success through personalized, integrated learning. Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall offers 180 boarding and day students a richly diverse cultural and academic environment and opportunities to engage in the arts, athletics and community service. Our [Privacy Policy](http://www.chch.org/privacy). - [![NEASC](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263776_97171.png)](https://www.neasc.org/) - [![TABS](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263770_97172.png)](https://www.boardingschools.com/) - [![SBSA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263769_97173.png)](https://www.sbsaonline.org/) - [![NBOA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263767_97174.png)](https://www.nboa.org) - [![EMA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263766_97175.png)](https://enrollment.org/) ©2026 Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall. All Rights Reserved. Open Sitemap*Close Sitemap* - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/admissions) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Boarding](https://www.chch.org/boarding) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Blog](https://blog.chch.org)