As the spring begins to flourish in the Northeast, Hill has opened its doors once again to students from all corners of the world. After coming off of the long stretch of H-Term, many students are eager to get back on campus and enjoy their buzzing blue boarding school. Yet for remote students, the only buzz they see are texts and a blue “Launch Meeting” button in their browser. How are these students managing to be in the classrooms but out of reach?

Students who will not be returning this spring have offered a variety of reasons for their absence: some are logistical, while others are personal. In each subject interviewed, there was a wide range of opinions pertaining to the enjoyment of their experience, overall ease, and the flexibility of being remote. 

According to Ella Heft ’21, “I’ve definitely enjoyed the experience of being remote so far … A pro would definitely be having a lot of time to spend with family, and a con would be not being able to socialize with my friends in person.” 

When asked how being remote this year compared to Virtual Hill last spring, Heft responded,” I think last spring they had to throw it together really fast … But this spring after thinking it through it’s been really great and organized.”

Other students had more reservations about being remote. Brooke Heck ‘24, who was on campus during the fall term, is now remote due to her hockey season. 

Heck explained, “I like in-person better, but it’s not a horrible experience. The only thing I wish is that we were involved more in class.” She did go on to say,” I like how the teachers reach out; they are always looking for ways to make class more fun.” 

The remote Hill experience has also impacted those on campus. Dean of Remote Students Jay Spencer ’84 P’13 ’14 ’18 ’23 was asked how those on campus can best support their remote peers. His response: ”Maintaining the awareness that there are students that are remote … if you’re sitting in the back of class, speak up. Make sure the remote students can hear you.”