Joy Boakye is a boarding student in Thornwood House from Osseo, Mich. The senior has been at Darlington since her ninth-grade year, and is a member of the Darlington Diamonds dance team.
Why did you come to Darlington?
I came to Darlington because I knew that I wanted more from life than what my hometown could give me. My cousin Rachel Buckle ('09) went here so I was familiar with the school, and I have family 45 minutes away so I have a lifeline nearby.
What is your favorite part about being at Darlington?
My favorite part of being at Darlington is the sense of community here. If there is ever an issue involving someone connected to Darlington, the School is always ready to support them through whatever struggle they may be facing.
What is your favorite part about being involved in the Darlington Diamonds?
My favorite part of being a part of the Diamonds was being able to hang out with my best friends every Friday night, and cheer on a team that I love.
What are your favorite campus functions and why?
Choosing one event is really difficult, but my top two are the International Fair and RUMPUS. I love RUMPUS because seeing the day and dorm students unify that weekend for one goal is astounding. You make new friends, and RUMPUS keeps the first part of second semester from getting boring.
I also love the International Fair because you get to see every country at our school represented, and students and faculty get to learn about various cultures of our students.
What is your best advise for incoming students?
Let yourself rest. If it's 3 a.m. and your brain can't take in any more Physics, or Chemistry or AP US History, stop studying. While it's important to make sure that you're doing your best to learn the material before a test or exam, you also need to give your best to your body and your mental health. Sleep, cry, eat a bar of chocolate, do what needs to be done so that you are okay. Also, don't be afraid to cry. Crying raises endorphins.
What is your favorite part about the dorm life at Darlington?
My favorite part about dorm life is probably the independence that you receive. Since we're all away from home, there's a certain extent of restriction that we face, but for the most part dorm students are free to make our own decisions and live like adults.
What are three words you would use to describe Darlington?
Bright, homey, priceless
What is the most important life lesson you have learned at Darlington (or life in general)?
Recognize your self-worth. Tell yourself that you are smart, beautiful, funny or whatever you want to be because you are. Be shamelessly kind to yourself because you spend every second of your life with yourself, so you might as well love the skin that you're in.
