Westy Navigators

Lily Meguid ‘26

How many of us recall the apprehension and anxiety around our first months at Westy? So many new faces, situations, conventions, traditions, customs, rules, etc. A year or two on, we don’t think of it often, but it was undeniably a change-intensive time for all of us. That’s especially true for our schoolmates who join after the Third Form. In my experience, lots of important relationships and patterns can be created early on, and being a year or two off cycle can make it all the more challenging an adjustment. Curiously, when I ask friends about their early months on the Hill, even many who matriculated as Third Formers say they could have benefited from more guidance. This is especially the case when it comes to understanding the rules of the road on expected behavior and the consequences of breaking them. I will confess that I would have taken advantage of a peer-only group to help me navigate my way around and perhaps accelerated my acclimation to a border’s life away from home.
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Adjusting to a new school is about more than just academics: social pressures, dorm life, extracurricular commitments, and the emotional challenges of being away from home all play a role in shaping our experiences. This inspired the idea for a peer support club that eases the transition for students new to Westminster by offering peer-led guidance and a forum for exchanging experiences through open dialogue. It strives to be a space where new students can ask questions, gain insight, and find support. Through group discussions, informal gatherings, and mentorship opportunities, every student will feel welcomed and supported. This club is about much more than answering logistical questions, like fostering friendships and giving new students confidence to fully embrace Westminster’s culture. The transition to a new school is never easy, but the right support system can transform uncertainty into opportunity. By weaving new students into the fabric of Westminster’s community and giving them a space to share their voices, the Westy Navigators Club ensures that no unsure Martlet navigates that journey alone.