The Marlborough cult-ure

During Homecoming last fall, I interviewed Marlborough dates for the Marlborough Instagram account, Mustang Fits. The question I asked was simple: Describe Marlborough in one word. Although an array of descriptors were used from “bumpin” to “paradox,” an overwhelming number used the word “culty.”

From an outsider’s perspective, Marlborough is a cult. From getting married to the school with our white dresses at graduation or “pinned,” a term used to solidify a relationship in the 1950s, in 9th grade, I cannot deny the similarities between Marlborough and a cult. However, it is not just the traditions, but the students that cause our tight, sometimes strange community to resemble a cult.

As I am writing this, my final View From the Top, I have a little over three months until I graduate and approximately eight more weeks of school. All of this to say, I’ve spent a lot of time wandering these ever graceful halls. And my parting gift (dare I say, advice?) for all Marlborough students: Embrace the cult.

To me, the clearest manifestation of the cult mentality is without a doubt the alma mater. I remember learning it for the first time as I was about to enter 7th grade, laughing with my best friend about how bizarre it is that we have to sing this song about the purity and grace of Marlborough students. However, each year the time comes around to sing it during ASM, I find that my heart swells a little bit more. There’s something about wrapping my arms around the student next to me, whether we’re friends or not, and swaying off-beat to the song that’s defined Marlborough from the start.

A tear is always brought to my eye while I chant “Love of Marlborough will endure.” I can assure you, my love will endure to the utmost degree even once I part from this school.

So I implore you, yell this final line and embrace (I know this is corny) the community around you, as there is no such thing as being too cool for the alma mater. In fact, it is undeniably uncool to not chant in unison your undying love for our school.

Another thing I love about the Marlborough cult is the lack of care in terms of “looking cool.” Many times I’ve walked to school feeling mortified by all the onlooking cars in whatever full-out Spirit Week or Pumpkin Day outfit I’m in, but the second I step through the Marlborough gates and see the 500-plus students all equally dressed up, I feel nothing but pride. Embrace the insanity that is going to a girls’ school and the complete lack of care in terms of “looking good” or “cool.” Be like me and wear a wig and full face paint for spirit week.

If there’s one thing I have learned here, it’s that the more you put into this school, the more you’ll get out of it. Welcome the weirdness and dedication of the Marlborough community and join the cult with open arms.

The final culty aspect of this school is how close I feel with the members of my grade. Sure, to an outside perspective, this may appear as a strange sisterhood where we drink each other’s blood and cast spells, but it’s actually just a mutual respect and love for being among some pretty great people. My advice for any non-seniors is to talk to the random person next to you in class, because you never know who could be your next closest friend. For instance, some of my best friends I’ve made have been by simply taking a risk and sitting next to a new person.

Marlborough may be a cult, but I beg of you to embrace it, because it’s the best cult out there.