September Alumni Spotlight
Hometown: Woodstock, CT
WA Class of: 2016
Currently living in: Philadelphia, PA
Favorite WA Memory: I loved doing the school musicals every spring! It was the activity I looked forward to most every year without fail.
Favorite WA Teacher: I loved being an active student leader in the music department with Ms. Ranta and Model United Nations led by Ms. Dziedzic. Both programs are great for fostering a tight-knit community and giving students opportunities for travel and experiential learning outside of school.
After WA Graduation: I went to college at Temple University in Philadelphia and studied political science and communication studies — I also spent a summer abroad in Geneva, Switzerland studying global governance, economic development, and human rights. I was lucky enough to be able to graduate early, thanks to the Honors/Early College Experience classes I took at WA, which transferred over as college credits.
Today: In 2020, I worked on several political campaigns doing communications and advertising. Now, for the past few years, I have worked in development, finance, and communications for WHYY, Philly's NPR and PBS member station. I love working for a nonprofit whose mission I care about, and the coolest thing I've gotten to do at work is produce an event with Terry Gross, the host of Fresh Air on NPR. In my free time, I like to run, explore the city, and be a mother to my dog, Benji. I'm also active in political organizing. I try to visit the Quiet Corner as often as I can to see my family and enjoy nature.
WA Takeaway: As a student from Woodstock for whom WA was the public option, I'm often amazed by what a good public school education I received. It's also such a unique opportunity to be able to go to school with students from around the world — and around the corner. But, by far, the biggest thing I took away from WA was my many cherished lifelong friendships!
Advice for Future Centaurs: I would encourage incoming students to make the most of the extracurricular activities and clubs that are offered — you may meet some of your best friends or discover a new lifelong passion!