Returning to Eagle Hill

Mathew Symonds ’22 on growth, mentorship, and giving back.

A 2022 alumnus has returned to Eagle Hill School—not to visit, but to mentor and intern. This fall, Mathew Symonds brings his passion for programming, 3D and game design, entrepreneurship, and metalwork to the next generation of Pioneers.

Although he’s new to mentoring, Symonds already recognizes the impact he’s having on the community. “It’s amazing seeing students get enthusiastic about school like I did… everyone’s excited to show you what (they’ve) done and the progress they’re making.” Students will ask Mathew, “Can I do this?” and he responds, “Why NOT?” He emphasizes giving students the same respect and guidance he received: “Meeting students where they are makes all the difference.”

Symonds credits Eagle Hill for this attentive mindset. “Before Eagle Hill, I never did a single piece of work… but I started caring because of my teachers here and I wanted to make people proud. They gave me the work ethic I never had before.” Several mentors, including Dr. Stone, Dr. Riendeau, Dr. McCaffrey, Mr. Myra, and his advisor, Mr. Kanozek, left a lasting impact; he says, however, that almost every teacher did something small but meaningful.

In the years after graduation, Symonds had opportunities to reflect on his professional experiences and consider the communities to which he wished to belong. “I wanted to work in an environment where I knew I’d be surrounded by good people… People like Dr. Stone made sure I was in a good place, and that feeling stuck with me.” Now, he carries forward that same energy with current Eagle Hill students. Whether he’s in a computer science classroom, or advising students on a project in the Makerspace, he notes to students, “even a small gesture like saying thank you improves your mentality. Trust me, students make this place as good as the teachers do.”

“I had this feeling I was too rough around the edges to succeed. But the teachers managed me perfectly. Allow yourself to be helped. People care. That’s all you need.”

Reflecting on his own Eagle Hill journey, he added that, when he first started, “I had this feeling I was too rough around the edges to succeed. But the teachers managed me perfectly. Allow yourself to be helped. People care. That’s all you need.”

By returning as a mentor and intern, Mathew Symonds brings his experience and passion full circle—continuing to live Eagle Hill’s core value of Purpose beyond graduation while inspiring the next generation of Pioneers.