A Life of Style and Purpose: In Loco Parentis

I cannot believe that this will be my fourth fall in New York. For you new readers, I live at the school below, sharing the halls with 200 fabulous teenage girls. I am the governess to 17. Since the idea of boarding school may leave you curious, allow me to share some images and realities of life in our stone castle.

Girls are up and at em by 7. No uniforms, just a dress code. Breakfast in the dining hall, then off to morning reports. There they will sing their alma mater and get the announcements for the day. Classes resume until after 3, and then it is off to sports or dance. Following that, they will head to choir, drama, and orchestra. Then dinner, then study hall from 7:30-9:30. All the while, freshmen are clueless, sophomores are having a grand time, juniors are in AP hell, and seniors are completely preoccupied with getting into college. And not just any college. By 9:30, girls are either exhausted, or ready to party. That is where I come in.

In loco parentis is Latin for "in place of a parent." That is what I am. I provide, to the best of my ability: ground rules, guidance, emotional support, a listening ear, a snack, encouragement, discipline, and most importantly, a presence. I heard someone say the other day that 95% of being a parent is simply showing up. I agree with this.

The photos below do not capture the girls in the intensity of their day. Instead they give you an idea of what life is like after the busy day. I warn you... you may want my job after viewing these photos. Enjoy.

Love,
The Governess