Andrew Bostick '12
Why did you choose Haverford?
I chose Haverford because I thought it would be the perfect
combination of high-level academics and athletics. I decided
between a few other schools that offered a range of fencing
programs -- anywhere from informal clubs to division one teams.
Ultimately, I thought (and still believe) Haverford would allow me
to focus the majority of my time on my schoolwork, while
maintaining a serious and impassioned commitment to my sport. I
find the balance between school and sports very manageable. Both
have been highlights of my time at Haverford.
Favorite class?
Freshman writing seminar. I was fortunate enough to take a
wonderful writing seminar with a professor named Kim Benston. He is
one of those individuals who could have pursued an illustrious
career at a high-powered research institution but instead chose to
commit his time to his students. His insights on the importance of
literature, the value of fine writing, and general life lessons
have stuck with me to this day.
What does it mean to you to be a
student-athlete?
To be a student-athlete is to be someone who sees the critical
importance of the lessons learned both in the classroom and on the
field. I truly believe that life rewards individuals who are
hard-working, flexible, and capable of relating to many different
types of people. A healthy combination of sports and school crafts
people like that. Between the technical skills and time management
learned in the classroom and the hard-work and dedication learned
on the field, student-athletes have the skills needed to compete in
an increasingly competitive, complicated, and global
world.
Favorite Haverford memory?
Customs. The best friends I have at Haverfords are the ones I
lived with Freshman Year. Everything from the awkward games we
played on day one to birthday parties celebrated together formed us
into an incredible group of friends that have stayed in touch. I
really think our orientation process brings our class together
unlike any other school and makes our community so tight-knit.
Thoughts on the Honor Code:
The Honor Code is one of the primary reasons why I came to
Haverford and is one of the things I love the most about the
school. It is a living, continually-interpreted document that
teaches mutual respect and dialogue on campus. I think its a great
way for our community to maintain its equilibrium and to showcase
its values of trust, concern, and respect.
What advice would you give a high school
student considering Haverford?
Take the time to visit the school and stay overnight. At the end
of the day, your college experience is defined by the people with
whom you spend your time -- not by the classes you take, the sport
you play, or the food in the Dining Center. By visiting and talking
to people, you can make sure that Haverford really is a place you
could see yourself being happy. If that's the case, success will
follow in whatever activities you choose to participate in.
