What We Wish Our Parents Knew

During Parents Weekend, families try to fit a year of Groton life into just a few days. They visit classes, watch athletic competitions, and attend performances, moving from one part of campus to another. For parents, the weekend offers a glimpse into their children’s lives here. But what might they miss?

Juwon Lee ’27 shares that some of the best moments happen during 8–10. “Whether it’s chatting in the library or scootering around the Circle with my friends while listening to music, I love spending time with others in the evening. It’s also a great time to connect with people we don’t always talk to and strike up random conversations.”

It’s easy to understand why Headmaster Maqubela talks about Ubuntu, the South African philosophy often summed up as “I am because we are.” Living on the Circle, you realize your own experience is tied to the people around you. You can’t really thrive here unless the whole community is thriving.

A lot of what makes Groton feel like a community happens in everyday moments: conversations in the dorms at the end of the day, classmates cheering each other on, and friendships that develop from living and learning together. Parents Weekend gives families a chance to experience a little of that life and see the community their children are part of.

For Liam Riley ’27, there’s more to Groton than academics. Between dances every other weekend, later curfews for seniors, and students cheering at athletic events, there’s plenty to look forward to outside the classroom. He especially remembers last year’s Parents Weekend night football game, when the whole school went wild celebrating the team’s win. As Liam put it, “There’s a really fun side to Groton that people don’t always get to see.”

For students living far from home, reminders of family can take different forms. Melinda Graham, who works in the mailroom, says edible gifts are among the most popular deliveries. Some students receive treats through Weee!, while others order meals from restaurants that bring back memories of their hometowns. As Graham explained, “Familiar foods provide a measure of comfort to students who are far from home.”

Chaplain Allison Read has seen how much students take on in a typical day: a full day of classes can be followed by an athletic competition and a musical performance that same evening. She also sees Groton’s values in the way students handle their responsibilities and think about the kind of people they want to become. As she helps Sixth Formers prepare chapel talks, she is struck by their willingness to take the lead and share their perspectives with the community.

Parents Weekend offers a chance to see these parts of student life up close. Beyond the packed schedule and cheering crowds, parents get a glimpse of how their children spend their days, who they turn to, and what matters to them. These are the parts of Groton that stay with families long after Parents Weekend ends, even as the taillights fade into the distance.