Meet Bear Brooks '23

A three-season varsity athlete, jazz musician, budding photographer, and dedicated student, Bear Brooks ‘23 entered Govs as a junior and hit the ground running. We caught up with this busy California native to get his take on life as a Govs student.

GOVS:
What has surprised you most about Govs?
BEAR:
With such a comforting and welcoming community, good food, competitive sports, and amazing friends all in one place, I was surprised by how often I would forget that Govs is also my school. The Govs experience is so much more than just academics. 
 
GOVS:
Are there any teachers, coaches, or dorm parents to whom you look up to at Govs?
BEAR:
I look up to my hockey coach, Brian McGuirk, who is also a Govs alum. Enjoying the game of hockey and my success in hockey is such an important piece of my Govs experience. Coach McGuirk has made my favorite sport even more enjoyable, pushing me to be my best. I credit him for creating a great group of hard-working and genuine kids. 
 
GOVS:
What class has challenged you the most at Govs?
BEAR:
Honors Engineering with Mr. Soule has challenged me the most. Mr. Soule structures our assignments around independence and problem-solving. He pushes us to dig deeper into each assignment to solve problems with our acquired and discovered knowledge. When we are really struggling, he is quick to lend a hand with a smile on his face. 
 
GOVS:
What are your passions outside the classroom?
BEAR:
I love playing hockey, playing trumpet in the jazz band, running cross country and track, and taking photos at Govs! Outside of Govs, I mountain bike, surf, and snowboard.
 
GOVS:
What was your moment of courage at Govs?
BEAR:
It happened before school even started! Being from Santa Monica, California, my moment was simply saying yes to coming to Govs. That meant my family and I would move cross-country and establish a new life in Newburyport. After a year at Govs, I can say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
 
GOVS:
Where is your favorite place on campus to spend your free time?
BEAR:
The dining hall is by far my favorite place on campus! The dining hall is always busy, drinks and snacks are always available, but best of all, it is a great place to get some work done or relax with friends. Desserts are tough to resist, however.
 
GOVS:
What advice would you give to new students?
BEAR:
You will find a friend or two or three the first day you step foot on campus. People will be happy to show you around and fill you in on what to know at Govs. So try not to stress too much during that first weekend on campus; it’ll be a blast!