Henry Abbott

Sophomore Bootcamp. For some reason, these words elicit dread and despair akin to the draft for some “poor, poor” sophomores. I’m not here to bash those who hate Bootcamp (that’s a lie), but I am here to share why I think it’s one of the most beneficial events the College offers.

First, it’s free. Literally everything is free: free merch, free Bowdoin logs, free Career Exploration and Development (CXD) advisors, free alumni panels, free audiences for such talented oyster farmers, free L.L. Bean merch. LITERALLY EVERYTHING IS FREE! I recall when I attended Bootcamp last spring hearing the groans and whimpers of my poor, poor boarding school classmates detesting the fact that they had to put effort into improving themselves (shocker). I believe that Bootcamp is all about perspective. A famous complaint is, “I already have a resume and LinkedIn. Why do I have to be here?” Well, if you put on your thinking caps, you can see that your work can always be improved upon. You have a resume? You can make it better! You already have a summer internship? You can sharpen your skills to recreate similar success.

The real gag is that most of you dragging your feet going into Bootcamp don’t have it all together, and that’s okay! THAT’S THE WHOLE POINT OF BEING THERE! You don’t win an award for being the most nonchalant person at Bootcamp, but you do gain acceptance into a desired role by being prepared. By attending Bootcamp, you’ll have the rare opportunity to focus solely on career hunting—a point of envy for the junior and senior classes. You’ll soon see how challenging it is to compile applications while juggling classes and extracurricular activities during the school year.

A strong resume, cover letter format and LinkedIn will also make your appointments at the CXD much more efficient. Imagine how embarrassing it would be going into that office with nothing in hand, knowing damn well that the outstanding ladies at the CXD literally made a whole event for you to get your footing.

I’m obviously very passionate about this (I’m very passionate about everything), since I had such a good time at Bootcamp. Beyond the professional enhancement, I had such a good time seeing students in my grade! This is the last semester before everyone goes abroad, and I made sure to soak that up (along with all the free stuff)! In addition to the apricity of Maine in the springtime, I loved hanging in my College House (shoutout Reed). The Sophomore Gala topping it off?! Come on now! It’s a party for your whole grade! It’s an open, clean space for you to break it down—and break it down I did (shoutout to Dana Hillebrecht ’26).

Basically, if you have everything together, congratulations! You won capitalism. If you don’t? Welcome to an informative, engaging event that will set you up for success. Regardless, please stop complaining about free help, free food and free oyster farming.

Sincerely, Your 2025 Bootcamp Leader,

Neiman Mocombe

Neiman Mocombe is a member of the Class of 2026.