Finding Your Person: Student Voices on Advising

A Gould student leader discusses the mentorship of the advisory and student advising program

Aug 28 2025

Special thanks to Mau ’27, Ella ’26, Lauren V. ’26, Lauren P. ’26, Finn ’26, Atsushi ’26, and Zach ’26 for stepping up to talk about their experiences!

Advisory is a cornerstone of the Gould experience. Every student belongs to a small group led by trusted faculty advisors, adults who know them well, check in often, and become a steady presence throughout their time here. The groups meet regularly, with Tuesday morning meetings and check-ins with shared seating at assemblies and events. Students describe advisory as a “second family” and a place where they always feel supported.

Here’s what a few Gould students had to say.

Watch as student leaders discuss the Student Advising Program at Gould

“A big highlight for me is every Tuesday [morning] getting to hang out with those same people,” says Lauren. “Whether it’s pickleball or a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s always a great time, and it’s a time I can feel centered.”

Advisory functions are another student favorite at Gould. A few times a month, advisory groups gather for dinner or an off-campus activity, providing an opportunity to bond in new ways and unwind from the challenges of their day-to-day academic and athletic lives. A bowl of ice cream while sharing a movie night takes on a deeper meaning when you live on campus.

“I have a very vivid memory of going to my advisor, Ms. Fitzpatrick’s house, and making hamburgers there,” says Mau, a senior from Mexico. “We met her cat, played games, and talked about everything. It was a nice [opportunity] to relax and take a break from school.”

Mau brought his advisory experience into sharper focus when highlighting the importance of this support for boarding students far from home.

“As an international student, this lifestyle is all new to me. Being able to be at someone’s apartment and cook their food; it makes me happy.”

It’s the support you get from your advisors for me. They’ve allowed me to explore my own paths and opportunities to go as far as I can independently, but when I need the support, they are there to lift me up and help carry me through whatever I’m struggling with. They’re always there for you. - Zach ’26

Beyond your regularly scheduled group meetings and functions, advisors continue to be a one-on-one support for students throughout every facet of school life. For Zach ’26, that has meant a consistent four years with the Kamilewicz group.

“It’s the support you get from your advisors for me,” says Zach. “They’ve allowed me to explore my own paths and opportunities to go as far as I can independently, but when I need the support, they are there to lift me up and help carry me through whatever I’m struggling with. They’re always there for you.”

Students don’t always remain in the same advisory group for four years. Occasionally, students will join a new advisory when they connect with a particular faculty member. It’s all about students “finding their person” at Gould.

Ella ’26 made one such switch into Doug Alford’s P’18,’20, advisory after a Ninth Grade Four Point trip to Spain together, and collaborating in the Ski Patrol Program.

“One of the highlights of the Advisory Program for me has been getting to know [Mr. Alford],” says Ella. “He’s one of my most trusted adults in my life, not just at Gould, so getting to build that relationship with someone who’s not a family member has been very special.”

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