The NEHS Spirit at RC
This year, Robert College's Mary Mills Patrick chapter of the National English Honor Society (NEHS) is more active than ever. After its initial years of development, the group has started this one with enthusiasm, new projects and a renewed commitment to promoting the love of English on campus.
The chapter is named in honor of Mary Mills Patrick (1850-1940), an American author, educator and philosopher who established Istanbul Women's College, one of the earliest women's institutions in Turkey, which subsequently became a part of Robert College. At a time when concepts like co-education were groundbreaking, Patrick dedicated her life to advancing liberal arts education and increasing educational opportunities. During her more than three decades as president, she led the college through the late Ottoman and early Republican eras, contributing to its rise to global recognition. Patrick was not just a teacher but also a writer and scholar, having written several publications, including "A Bosphorus Adventure, London" in 1934, which tells the very history of Robert College.
Each NEHS member is expected to reflect the qualities of Mary Mills Patrick. The members are therefore chosen due to their outstanding academic performance, passion for English, great writing and analytical abilities, commitment to service, and inventiveness. As a team, they represent Patrick's legacy of leadership, scholarship, and intellectual capabilities.
Every NEHS member must take part in at least one project this year. The English Prep Mentorship Program, in which NEHS members meet regularly with Prep students to help them feel more comfortable speaking English, is one of the year's highlights. A committee is also organizing an NEHS Symposium, which will unite students from several schools, including Üsküdar American Academy, to celebrate language and literature and exchange views.
This year's NEHS officers are Bensu Ünal and Aslı Defne Türkoğlu from L12; İrem Büyükdeveci and Naz Arıkan from L11; and Elif Eren, Esra Geçer, and Gülin Yaman from L10, working under the guidance of Ms. Shockley and Ms. Kelly as their advisors.
New members will begin officially working on their projects in the following weeks. Students who would like to join the chapter next year should check often for updates regarding applications and key deadlines.
The Mary Mills Patrick chapter of NEHS remains an initiative that allows students to develop their communication abilities, practice creativity, and honor the legacy of learning and empowerment that Robert College and Mary Mills Patrick have left behind. Watch for their activities and announcements!
