Cora Major ‘27 and Tessa Barton ‘27 have my number one pick for the best double dorm room on campus. It can be scary arriving at Northwood in September unsure about your rooming arrangement, but luckily for these two, they got the best roommates they could have asked for. From complete strangers in the fall, they have developed a strong lifelong friendship. So strong, I had to do a deep dive into this room and find out how the pair work so well together.

Tessa’s bed, desk, and dresser. Photo: Rylie Griffiths ’26.

First is Tessa’s side of the room. Having lofted beds with desks underneath saves valuable space. This gives them a hybrid workspace that they use both for getting ready and for doing homework. On her desk is a big mirror, desk organizers, and a candle warmer. Whenever you walk into this room, you will be sure to find her there.

Cora’s bed, desk and standing organizer. Photo: Rylie Griffiths ’26.

Cora’s side has a similar set up and carries the same theme. They share the same room decorating style with light colors and a sense of summer. Their lights are the cherry on top of all of it. To add to this, they are both quite aesthetic as demonstrated on their personality boards hung up on the walls. Both boards hold pictures of friends and family, meaningful quotes, cards, and letters. These boards bring the room to life and are a great way to make it feel more like home.

Their closet with anything you could need. Photo: Rylie Griffiths ’26.

My favorite feature of their room is their walk-in closet. It is one of the biggest in the girl’s dorms, being very open and even has its own window. They have carefully organized it and always keep it neat and tidy, just like the rest of their room. Together, they have a ton of clothes that they share with each other and friends. If you need a coat or shoes for going out, they have every style you need.

Their huge window. Photo: Rylie Griffiths ’26.

Finally, the gigantic window. It makes the already large and bright room feel even bigger and allows for even more light. Also, with their room facing the academic building, they are always able to say hi or wave to friends that are walking to class. This fits with their outgoing personalities and is just another reason why they have the best double.

Ella Malloy’25 at College of the Holy Cross. Photo: Holy Cross Athletics

Ella’s time at Northwood during the 2024-2025 school year was nothing short of incredible. She made the most of her time on campus, building strong relationships with teammates, classmates, and faculty. Her positive attitude and commitment to improving each day made her a respected member of the Northwood community. Ella played defense on the Girls Prep team and came to school committed to play NCAA D1 hockey at the College of Holy Cross. Since graduating, she has moved on to play for Holy Cross in the Hockey East division. I recently had the chance to catch up with Ella and talk about her time at Northwood, her transition to college hockey, and what she has learned along the way. Here is what she had to say, as told to Rylie Griffiths ’26.

“My favorite moment at Holy Cross so far was scoring my first college goal. My parents were both there. It was the end of September, our first weekend playing, and it was my first game. You couldn’t have written a better first game. Beyond that, I love my team and have become really close with everyone, from my class to the upperclassmen. Our team is doing really well this year. We’ve broken several program records, reached 10 wins, and are nationally ranked for the first time. It’s a really exciting time, and I feel grateful to be part of writing a new chapter at Holy Cross.

“The biggest adjustment I’ve noticed from high school to college is definitely the hockey. Not necessarily the pace, but trying to find your role on a new team with teammates that could be four or five years older than you. At Northwood, I had an established role and knew that what I contributed to the team was consistent. In college, it’s not that way when you walk in the door. It can be really difficult to find your role as we play fewer games, so you have to perform your best when you’re given the opportunity.

“I feel like my time at Northwood really showed me the type of person and player I wanted to become. We were lucky to have such a talented group, with girls going on to so many different places. Everyone brought something unique, and I tried to learn from that. Seeing what I admired in others and how I could bring those qualities into my own life as a player and as a person. That also applied to the teachers and staff. Gilly, for example, always had so much energy. It was hard to be in a bad mood around him, and that stuck with me. In college, there are long days with classes, practices, lifts, and games, but I’ve tried to bring that same positive energy every day. Northwood taught me the importance of being someone people want to be around.

“What I miss most about Northwood is the people. The people truly make the place. The campus is beautiful, and walking by the lake every day was something I didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but when I look back, it’s the memories with people that stand out the most—the fun we had as a team, in class, and in the dorms. I still check in with a lot of people from Northwood because they’re always on my mind.

“My favorite Northwood memory was winning the Challenge Cup in Washington. That was an incredible feeling. Winning the Northwood tournament was also really special. I loved those moments because our team worked hard and truly earned it. There’s nothing better than holding a trophy over your head with your teammates.

“My future plans right now are to major in biology or neuroscience at Holy Cross. I recently got into a biology research lab for next year, which will help me build my résumé and work toward my goal of attending medical school after I finish my undergraduate degree. I also want to keep playing hockey for as long as possible. Going pro would be incredible, and while I know there’s still a lot of work ahead, it’s something I’d love to pursue.”

“My family and I chose Northwood because it allowed me to have a better education and play hockey at one of the highest levels. I live about an hour away from here, and I have always been a homebody, so the thought of moving away from home at 15 years old scared me a lot. But the second I toured, I instantly felt that this place would soon become home, making the decision seem easy. To this day, it is still the best decision I have ever made, and I continue to enjoy every day here.

“The most important thing hockey has taught me is that it is more than a sport, and I can’t even imagine who or where I would be without it. The two biggest things hockey has taught me are resilience and hard work. I learned that no matter how many times you get knocked down, you have to get back up, work hard even when no one is watching, and hold yourself accountable. Although I learned these two lessons in hockey, I believe they apply way beyond the rink, and by living by them, I continue to push myself every day and get better.

“I can’t think of just one person who has had the biggest impact on my time here at Northwood. I believe everyone at Northwood, whether it is a teacher helping me get better grades or Jim telling me to have a good day every day when he serves me lunch. I believe my teammates, past and present, have had the greatest impact on me. They always push me to be the best version of myself and are always there for me on my best and worst days, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

“Northwood has given me countless memories that I will never forget, like winning the Northwood tournament three years in a row, days spent at Northwood beach, and more. But I think one of my favorite memories has to be when a group of my teammates and I walked into town to get Emma’s ice cream, then sat around a fire on Mirror Lake just enjoying each other’s company.

“Although I am very scared of college, I’m very excited to play hockey at the next level and hopefully meet new people and make new friends.

“Outside of school and hockey, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. And in the summer, I enjoy being on the water and surfing.”

As told to Rylie Griffiths ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.