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Senior Reflection

Bryce Langdon ’24 in Opinions | February 23, 2024

To say my journey through Lawrenceville has been conventional would be an utter lie, but that’s what makes this place so unique—you don’t have to take the same path as anybody else to achieve success and fulfillment. 

When I was waitlisted from Lawrenceville in 2020, I was unbothered. Part of me was upset, but I was mostly unconcerned. It wasn’t until April when I decided I wanted to attend and also when I sent my letter of continued interest to the director of admissions.

When I arrived in the fall of 2020, I was scrawny, unconfident, and intimidated. I wore my POM Covid-19 tracer around my neck and had difficulty blending in—it seemed everyone around me was much more accomplished and deserving. I thankfully found a few friends through freshman soccer—Garvey and Rayce—two people who remain some of my closest friends today. 

Once I had finally settled in and found a group of close friends, we had to leave again—Winter Term was virtual for that year, much to my disappointment. In the spring, however, I found my footing. I made the Boys’ Varsity Tennis team and gained some confidence through the guidance and leadership of my captains and prefects. 

As I spent more time in Raymond and the Bowl playing Spikeball, football, and frisbee, I began understanding the type of community Lawrenceville was before the pandemic: inclusive, spirited, welcoming, proud, and present. 

In Dickinson House, I experienced these sentiments on a newfound level. Winning House Olympics alongside my housemates remains my favorite moment at Lawrenceville—I remember completing the trike race and taking my shirt off to run a victory lap with my entire House in pursuit. And, even as our House faced tragedy, the tight-knit bonds and uplifting environment resembled a second family—one that I will hold in my heart forever. 

These moments of brilliance ultimately motivated me to run for School President. My belief, which has only been reinforced over the past year, is that students have more ability than anybody in the community to bring the best out of Lawrenceville.

Throughout the past few years, my goal has been to give back to this community, which has given me everything. Despite my departure from Lawrenceville, I will continue to repay this debt for the rest of my life. Staying on the waitlist was undoubtedly the best decision I’ve ever made, and my experience goes to show that no matter your past, you belong at Lawrenceville. 


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