Posted April 28, 2025 in Alumni Profile
Lawrence School, 2019
B.A. DePaul University, 2023
Since graduating from Lawrence, what have you been up to?
After Lawrence, I went to DePaul University in Chicago, where I studied organizational communications with a minor in hospitality management and event planning. I loved my time at DePaul. Their slogan, 'The city is your classroom,’ really resonated with me. I gained invaluable hands-on experience by exploring various businesses and places throughout the city, which allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world situations—which is something I also developed at Lawrence.
I graduated from DePaul in March 2023 and now work in Chicago as an executive assistant for a high-net-worth family. I love my job. It has so many awesome perks and learning opportunities. I’ve never learned so much in a single job because I handle a wide variety of responsibilities, which is really exciting. I’ve also gotten to travel internationally and domestically with the family, something I never anticipated in this type of position. It’s been a cool journey.
How did Lawrence help prepare you for college?
The supportive teachers at Lawrence and their belief in me were so impactful, and reflecting now, I see how much that support shaped my current success. I often think about how my teachers shaped who I am today. Mr. (Gary) Ising has had such a strong impact on my education and my life. I still talk to him and ask for advice.
They helped me understand my learning needs and encouraged me to push myself academically with high-level classes. I believe that without taking those higher-level classes, the transition to the increased workload of college would have been much more difficult.
When I started college, I felt prepared because I challenged myself in high school. Although balancing college life was a bit overwhelming at first, the skills and experiences I gained at Lawrence set me up for success. Building connections with teachers and staff who understood and supported my learning differences helped immensely.
What advice would you give to a new Lawrence student?
I would say, just jump right in. You might be coming from a place where you’re hesitant to get involved because you haven’t always been told you’ll be successful or able to achieve your goals. But when I came to Lawrence, I immediately got involved in sports, National Honor Society—I just wanted to feel that sense of, ‘Okay, I can still participate and do all the things I want to do, and also succeed in my education.’ That was really important to me.
So, I think it’s about really jumping in and seeing what you’re capable of doing. I was able to do that in high school, and it carried over to college where I really figured out how to manage my time, balance my commitments, and prioritize what I really wanted.
What advice would you give current students who learn differently?
Don’t be ashamed of it. For a long time, especially in public school, I was embarrassed that I needed extra accommodations or help, feeling like I wasn’t ‘normal’ compared to my friends. Coming to Lawrence and since then, I’ve really accepted that this is a part of me, and it’s what makes me special, unique, and different.
I even see it as my own kind of superpower because I now understand how I learn best and what I need to be successful. It’s nothing to be afraid of or ashamed of; it’s a unique aspect, and Lawrence is so special because they teach you that it’s okay—it’s not a problem or an issue. You are not broken. For the longest time, I believed it was, but now I realize it’s not.
What were some of your favorite memories from Lawrence?
Oh my gosh! There are so many amazing memories that I was a part of. I played basketball all four years. I never could have imagined playing basketball throughout high school, but truly being a part of the team and growing as a leader was so much fun. Road games were always the best, with bus rides and team dinners. Similarly, the energy at home games was always top notch, especially when both the girls’ and boys’ teams played.
Being a student ambassador was one of the most pivotal moments in my high school career. I can remember looking at Lawrence and feeling shy, scared, and nervous to come somewhere new. Meeting those kind, welcoming, and enthusiastic ambassadors who showed me around made me realize that when I became a student, I wanted to give that back. The opportunity to give back to those who walked through those doors feeling shy, scared, and nervous to come somewhere new was so special and rewarding.
Another significant memory was being part of the National Honor Society. Coming from a background where I struggled so much academically, I never thought it was possible. So, when I came to Lawrence and then became president of the NHS, it was a really eye-opening experience. I think it directly led to the leadership opportunities I had in college, in my job, and in other areas of my life. It helped me discover my passion for leading groups and stepping into that role instead of always being a follower. I really loved that.
I was also in music for a year and we performed at Bloom, which was really special. Even though I’m not musically talented, I learned how to play the piano specifically for Bloom. I don’t even know if I still remember how! But it was a great experience, and having my parents there with a table made it even more meaningful.
If you could go back in time and give your high school self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to relax. It’s all going to work out. No matter the path you take, whether college or not, you’ll find where you’re meant to be. You’ll discover your place, your career, your job—exactly where you’re supposed to be.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Fitness is a big part of my life. I worked at SoulCycle, an indoor cycling studio, in college and built some of the most amazing friendships. Living and going to school in a big city like Chicago really helped me grow up in a way that felt different from friends in more traditional college settings.
Beyond that, I’m a big foodie and love exploring Chicago’s diverse restaurants and neighborhoods. I’m also currently into collecting records and enjoy visiting the city’s record stores and vintage shops with friends. I also work part-time as an executive assistant and fulfillment manager for a life and mentality coach. I discovered her on Instagram after my freshman year of college and was immediately drawn to her work. During COVID, I felt a bit stagnant and was actively seeking personal growth. I participated in her program, which was impactful, and then proactively offered to work for her.
So, I keep busy with my full-time job, part-time work, babysitting, working out, and spending time with friends. I have a really fulfilling life here and no plans to change it. Of course, I also love to travel with family and friends.
Since you're a foodie in Chicago, do you like deep dish or thin crust more?
Thin crust all the way! I’m not a deep dish girl—it’s too heavy for me. I could have a bite, but a whole slice or pizza is too much. Plus, I’m not a big tomato person, so all that sauce isn’t my thing. Chicago has so many amazing thin-crust options!
How excited are you to be this year’s Commencement speaker?
Oh my gosh, I’m so excited! I was asked last year, and I was beyond thrilled. However, I was in Italy for two and a half weeks for work, and I would have landed the day before the ceremony. I felt like that would’ve been too much to manage, especially with 20-hour workdays. I worried I wouldn’t get another opportunity, but here we are, and I’m so excited!
I learned so much from my time at Lawrence, and I've learned even more since. I hope to inspire at least one person to pursue their goals, just as I did.
It’s just going to be really special for me to return to the place that truly fueled me and enabled everything I’m doing in life. It will be special to share my experiences and encourage these students as they begin their lives. It’s amazing to think about where I am now and wish I could tell my younger self six years ago about the exciting journey ahead.
What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
When I came to Lawrence, I couldn’t write numbers because of my dyslexia and dyscalculia. I couldn’t distinguish between certain numbers like threes and eights, or sixes and nines. I needed a scribe for all my exams and note-taking. Lawrence helped me retrain my brain and the neural pathways involved in writing numbers. I was able to relearn how to do it, which often surprises people. They’re often astonished when I explain that I simply couldn’t write them.
Now, I have no problem writing numbers, which is crazy to think about considering how much I struggled. That difficulty was a significant reason I failed so often before coming to Lawrence. Now, my brain functions completely differently and I feel so lucky to have gotten the help I needed.
Another thing people might not know about me is that in 2018 when the Parkland shooting happened, I had some very close friends who were students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I organized and led a student walkout to make a change in our school and raise awareness. We had stations for all students to take action. We wrote letters to state congress leaders, we made phone calls to local representatives, and held student-led discussions on school safety to educate everyone on the importance of this subject. I was so proud of us and how it all came together.