Interview with Hudson College Alum, Alice Noble Irwin
- Name
Alice Noble Irwin - Grades (year)
Gr. 10 - Gr. 12 - University (major)
Dalhousie University (Environment, Sustainability, & Society) - Gender
Female - Enrolment
Day student - Job/Career
Communications and Engagement Officer for Dalhousie's Office of Sustainability
Alice, a Hudson College alumna, shared her perspective on the school's inclusive and supportive culture, caring teachers, flexible academic model, welcoming leadership, and strong sense of community. She reflected on how Hudson gave her a second chance during a difficult period in high school, helping her rebuild her confidence, rediscover her love of learning, and develop into a successful university student.
Highlights from the interview
- I talked to Jack Babington, who was, at the time, the principal of the upper school and also the founder of Hudson College. He saw something in me that none of the other schools I was hoping to go to had seen. He accepted me into Hudson with open arms, even though, frankly, I didn't really give a strong reason to be accepted.I talked to Jack Babington, who was, at the time, the principal of the upper school and also the founder of Hudson College. He saw something in me that none of the other schools I was hoping to go to had seen. He accepted me into Hudson with open arms, even though, frankly, I didn't really give a strong reason to be accepted.
It showed me that I could remove myself from the wall I was hiding behind and actually start trying again, be the best student I could be, and succeed.
I think that's something I really appreciate about Hudson. It gave me a second chance to prove myself, and it gave me an environment where I felt comfortable enough to start being a kid again, and a student again, and actually thrive.
My perspective is simply that I'm grateful for the school that Hudson is. I'm grateful for the opportunities it gave me and for supporting me on my journey to finding myself and succeeding at university.
It felt much more like a team than a hierarchy. I think they did a good job of balancing authority without making it feel like there was just one person in power.
I loved Hudson's approach to academics because it split each year into three semesters… I thought that was an incredible breakdown of the course load for my brain, particularly. I liked that I was able to focus on those three courses and not think about anything else.
I think the school puts a lot of emphasis on extracurriculars, and I think they do a great job of promoting them so that students really feel involved in the school.
I loved the teachers at Hudson. I think that is truly what made Hudson for me.
They really believed in me in a way that I didn't when I first came to Hudson. They wouldn't let me slack off. They could tell when I wasn't trying as hard as I could, and they pushed me to do my best while supporting me along the way.
I think Hudson did a really good job of encouraging every student to be themselves and giving them opportunities to have their voices heard, feel important, and feel like they're good enough.
I think the most unique thing about the student body was that there were so many different kinds of people because Hudson really fostered a "Be Yourself" environment.
It felt really good to walk back into the school and feel like I hadn't been forgotten. It was a really cool experience to come back and have all of the teachers remember me, and to reconnect with the teacher-student relationships that I had with them when I left in 2022.
I just think a school that's willing to be flexible to help you learn is so important.
Hudson is a school that makes you feel like you're truly included. They really prioritize making it feel like more than just a place where you come in, finish high school, and leave.
If parents are looking for a school that's the right fit for their child, especially if their child is struggling, I want them to know that they can find a school that will support them.
