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Through the Eyes of a Tiger: An Interview With Mr. Holmes
Jan 29, 2013 7:34 PM
By Camille (Temples) Abney '13 - '13
I recently had the opportunity to discuss many different aspects of Darlington with Marcus Holmes, head of Thornwood House, residential dean and student activities coordinator.
Mr. Holmes has been a resident faculty member at Darlington since 2006 and made the transition to head of house in 2009. He holds a B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University, and enjoys skydiving, go kart racing, spelunking, spring triathlons and spending time with his family. The Holmes family is very involved with Darlington, as his wife, Melinda, is Darlington’s director of library services and his daughters, Addie (’17) and Julia (’18), are current students.
What is the most rewarding thing about being the Head of House of Thornwood?
The most rewarding part of being a Head of House is the lifelong relationships that are developed over the years. Another rewarding thing is watching students learn and mature into young adults and knowing we had a small part in their development.
What makes Darlington’s academic program special?
Darlington School is a wonderful place to learn. Darlington understands that students have different levels of motivation, dedication, and desire. The faculty does a tremendous job of meeting students at their level.
What are your specific strengths and how do you use them in the dorm?
Consistency, clear expectations, and humor! Not showing favoritism and holding everyone to the same house standards is very important. Despite how cliched the girls think I am, humor always helps brighten the day.
What qualities should a Darlington Student possess when they graduate?
Respect, self-advocacy, a passion for learning and, above all, honor. The students that take ownership of their lives and devote their time to learning with passion thrive at the next level. When Thornwood girls return to campus, it is great listening to how well prepared they were for that first intimidating year in college.
What are we doing to prepare students for future changes now?
In addition to the academic preparation, I feel we are preparing our students outside of the classroom as well. Having experts in a particular field visit campus is especially important. This exposure gives students an opportunity to ask questions and look at situations from a different view. Hopefully we can help teach students to think before acting or to realize the importance of not participating in a situation they cannot handle. From a dorm perspective and through open house conversations, we are helping students learn to self-advocate, helping with time management skills, and promoting the importance of accountability and ownership. This is an opportunity unique to residential life.
Mr. Holmes has been a resident faculty member at Darlington since 2006 and made the transition to head of house in 2009. He holds a B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University, and enjoys skydiving, go kart racing, spelunking, spring triathlons and spending time with his family. The Holmes family is very involved with Darlington, as his wife, Melinda, is Darlington’s director of library services and his daughters, Addie (’17) and Julia (’18), are current students.
What is the most rewarding thing about being the Head of House of Thornwood?
The most rewarding part of being a Head of House is the lifelong relationships that are developed over the years. Another rewarding thing is watching students learn and mature into young adults and knowing we had a small part in their development.
What makes Darlington’s academic program special?
Darlington School is a wonderful place to learn. Darlington understands that students have different levels of motivation, dedication, and desire. The faculty does a tremendous job of meeting students at their level.
What are your specific strengths and how do you use them in the dorm?
Consistency, clear expectations, and humor! Not showing favoritism and holding everyone to the same house standards is very important. Despite how cliched the girls think I am, humor always helps brighten the day.
What qualities should a Darlington Student possess when they graduate?
Respect, self-advocacy, a passion for learning and, above all, honor. The students that take ownership of their lives and devote their time to learning with passion thrive at the next level. When Thornwood girls return to campus, it is great listening to how well prepared they were for that first intimidating year in college.
What are we doing to prepare students for future changes now?
In addition to the academic preparation, I feel we are preparing our students outside of the classroom as well. Having experts in a particular field visit campus is especially important. This exposure gives students an opportunity to ask questions and look at situations from a different view. Hopefully we can help teach students to think before acting or to realize the importance of not participating in a situation they cannot handle. From a dorm perspective and through open house conversations, we are helping students learn to self-advocate, helping with time management skills, and promoting the importance of accountability and ownership. This is an opportunity unique to residential life.
