Posted February 25, 2025 in Alumni Profile
Lawrence School, 2019
B.A. College of the Holy Cross, 2023
Since graduating from Lawrence, what have you been up to?
After graduating from Lawrence, I went to the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Deaf Studies. Since then, I’ve moved to Providence, Rhode Island, and have been teaching and volunteering within the deaf community. I’m now a teaching assistant at a Montessori school, which feels similar to my experience at Lawrence. I work with 15 preschoolers, helping them learn at their own pace and ensuring that school is a positive experience. I love it because I remember how challenging mainstream school was for me, and I have a lot of empathy for kids learning differently.
I’m going back to school to get my educational interpreting license. Miss G (Shannon Galambos) has been instrumental in helping me find the right program, and I’m looking forward to applying soon, which is exciting.
What were your first impressions of Lawrence when you started in the eighth grade and what were those impressions like once you graduated?
I remember touring Lawrence and making a joke that everyone understood. It was such a refreshing feeling. I felt like I had finally found a place where I connected with people. I was like, ‘Wow, they get my jokes. This is so nice, especially after struggling to connect with people at my old school.’
That sense of belonging stayed with me, but it wasn’t until after I graduated that I fully appreciated the uniqueness of Lawrence’s small class sizes. In college, I realized how much I missed the close relationships with my teachers. That level of individual attention and genuine care is truly special, and I’m so grateful for my time at Lawrence. The care and attention the teachers pay to you while you’re in school also goes past graduation.
What activities were you involved in at Lawrence?
Looking back, I was involved in quite a bit! I was active in the Student Council and served as Senior Class President. I also enjoyed being a student ambassador and participating on the volleyball, cheerleading, and softball teams. Theater was a big part of my experience, and I especially enjoyed my time with GYLI (Global Youth Leadership Institute). It was an amazing opportunity to travel each summer with students from other schools to develop our leadership skills. Our trip to Costa Rica was so much fun!
How did you balance academics and extracurricular activities?
I think my love of learning and being around people definitely helped. Academics always came first, but I also thrived on being involved. My friends were a big motivator when it came to sports. I wouldn’t have joined softball or volleyball if it weren’t for them, and I’m so glad I did because I ended up loving softball.
What are your favorite memories from Lawrence?
I always loved the big events like Homecoming! It was so fun to see everyone dressed up. The school spirit at sporting events was amazing too. Even if we were losing, the support from classmates was always positive. Senior Week was definitely a highlight, with all the locker decorations and the chance to celebrate with everyone before graduation. And I can’t forget GYLI!
What advice would you give a new Lawrence student?
My advice to new Lawrence students is to learn how to prioritize and utilize the school’s resources. Understanding your IEP and accommodations is very important, because you’ll need to be your own advocate in college and life in general. Lawrence helped me so much with this, especially senior year through Life Skills. The world can feel overwhelming sometimes, but having these skills will make a huge difference.
What advice do you have for students who learn differently?
Don’t be afraid to explore different learning styles. I’m a very visual and hands-on learner, but I’ve also found that sometimes note-taking can be helpful. For students who learn differently, I think the best thing you can do is embrace your unique learning style and be open about it. It will help lead to academic and social success.
What makes Lawrence such a special place?
Lawrence is special because of the genuine care from the teachers. Small class sizes and access to technology are great, but it’s the teachers’ dedication that truly makes a difference. They truly care about each student’s success, and that goes beyond the classroom. Many teachers are also involved in extracurriculars, which creates a strong connection between them and the students.
The social environment at Lawrence is also very special. Students are surrounded by peers with a variety of learning differences, which creates a more inclusive and well-rounded experience. Lawrence also understands the importance of balancing academics with extracurriculars like sports and theater, making sure students have time to be kids.
What advice would you give your eighth grade self?
I'd tell myself to relax and enjoy the moment. I struggled with anxiety in seventh grade, but I learned that it’s okay to take a breath, be present, and focus on learning and cherishing time with friends and family. Have fun and embrace new experiences.
How do you spend your free time in Providence?
I’m lucky to have three great roommates, and I love spending time with them. Since my family is in Ohio, my friends here have become my support system. One of our favorite things is volunteering with WaterFire. We help build the wood piles in the morning and then tend to the fires at night. It’s a bit of work, but also a lot of fun. During the summer, I love checking out the local farmer’s markets and craft fairs. Of course, I spend a lot of time with my dog. I got him in college and he’s great.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be happily working as an interpreter. I envision myself living on the East Coast and traveling, ideally using my interpreting skills abroad. I’d love to revisit Versailles and explore fashion museums in the UK.
Do you think that Lawrence contributed to your love of lifelong learning?
Lawrence absolutely contributed to my love of learning. In seventh grade, I dreaded school. But the teachers at Lawrence, with their genuine care and passion for their students, completely changed my perspective. They rewired how I learn, making it easier and more enjoyable. The school’s emphasis on learning at your own pace was especially valuable, both at Lawrence and later in college when I faced challenges.