The Brown & White conducted an exclusive interview with long-standing dorm head Teacher Ken Wells, discussing his time on the hall, how being a dorm parent works, and why it is such a rewarding experience for a faculty member here at Westtown.
When asked about which aspects make the job as great as it is, Teacher Ken iterated the fact that, “[e]very class has its own unique character and makeup.” Teacher Ken described how the positions he held last year affected his position on the hall this year differently than in the past; since he was a JV soccer coach, Health teacher, and Ultimate Frisbee coach, he cultivated closer relationships with the ninth grade class than ever before. Most of these students are current residents of E3, which is the largest dorm this year at Westtown. Therefore, readying hall for the school year takes a lot of preparation. This summer, the Union for Reform Judaism youth camp was on E3, contrary to previous years when it was on the west end. Teacher Ken described the beginning of the school year as “definitely the hardest time of year for that position [Dorm Head].” Teacher Ken was also quick to point out how the community factor of Westtown makes a difference on dorm.
“I’ve lived in apartment complexes before. And nowhere have I lived [in a place] where the people are as friendly as they are here. Here, everyone’s got a conversation for you,” Teacher Ken said.
As part of the interview, T. Ken was asked about advice that he had for new students and new dorm parents. As for the latter, he spoke about the advice that faculty “give to all teachers,” stating that “it’s much easier to start off strict and then dial back as the school year goes on.” To new boarders, he advised that they “lean into the community aspect” and that “Westtown’s budget is going to the programs and resources that are outside of your room.”
Clearly, the sense of community at Westtown has had a great impact on T. Ken’s experience as a dorm head, and his service to the hall has impacted hundreds of students.
