“The best part is seeing the boys’ transformations from day one in September to the morning of graduation,” began Chris Gillman ’05. “It’s great to see each of them come into their own.” With graduation just a few days behind him and the school year now complete, Gillman took a moment to reflect on his year as Senior Class Advisor for the Class of 2018. The position, he says, gets more rewarding every year.
In addition to his teaching, dorm parent, and coaching duties, Gillman also oversees all aspects of life on campus for the seniors each year. Academically, he helps each of them stay on track and on top of their assignments. He assists with organizing college visits, athletic schedules, and extra study time. When necessary, he even follows up with students on the little things, like ensuring their weekend slips are signed and turned in. With ninety students in this year’s graduating class, staying so involved in each of their lives is no easy feat.
“It’s important that every senior gets the same amount of attention from me during the year,” explained Gillman. “It’s certainly not easy, but I try to touch base with 100% of them at least once a week. It helps the boys know that I’m present and reachable—whether it’s in or out of the classroom.” With accessibility as one of his highest priorities, Gillman makes every effort to support his seniors throughout the year. “I make it a point to attend something that each of them participates in,” he shared. “Whether that’s a play, game, concert, club event, presentation…they know they have my support.”
Looking back on his time as a senior at Trinity-Pawling in 2005, Gillman remembers his Senior Class Advisor—Brian Foster—and all that he learned during that formative year. “I’ll never forget the advice and support that Brian gave me as a senior,” he explained. “He was a mentor to me then and now, as I lead the seniors. I have the unique privilege to take what I learned from him and apply it to my own messages.” And that, he says, makes a big difference in how he leads the boys.
As he watches the Class of 2018 move on from Trinity-Pawling, Gillman hopes that they remember one thing, if nothing else: the importance of being a leader. “One concept I focus on from the very beginning of the year is what it means to be a senior in a community like Trinity-Pawling,” he shared. “They don’t have to be a prefect or a proctor…every one of them is a leader when they enter their senior year. And they’re going to be leaders again, in college and beyond. My hope is that they continue to lead by example, carry themselves well, and leave a positive mark wherever they go.”