Posted May 17, 2021 in Alumni Profile
Lawrence School, Class of 2014
College of Wooster, Class of 2018
Since graduating from Lawrence, what have you been up to?
I earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the College of Wooster in 2018. Since then, I’ve moved to Chicago and just completed my first year as a dual-degree graduate student. I’m pursuing both a master's from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), and a master's from The University of Chicago. In the future, I hope to combine my degrees in theology and social work to pursue a career in the field of mental health in an equine setting, as well as in congregational ministry.
In my spare time, I’m a co-manager of LSTC’s recycling and compost program, for which I produce educational materials and host lectures aimed at preserving the earth and caring for marginalized populations. Some of my friends from Lawrence might remember that I loved to figure skate—I still do! There is a free rink just three blocks from my apartment, which I visit often. This summer, I’m headed to Yellowstone National Park to work in a ministry program for three months!
Tell us about your experience at College of Wooster...
I love to learn and I was really drawn to the College of Wooster’s program specifically because every student completes a thesis. The process of research and construction on a topic that I care about was easily one of the best academic experiences I’ve ever had.
In my sophomore year, I began working as an equine specialist at an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Barn. While there, I co-facilitated mental health counseling with the role of keeping both the horses and humans physically safe. This experience allowed me to really think deeply about animal theology and its intersections with equine therapy.
What skills did you learn at Lawrence that helped you in college?
In my first year seminar class, the professor focused on how to read syllabi, how to manage time, academic writing, as well as many other foundational skills. I was repeatedly surprised by how many students had never heard of any of these concepts. I was very familiar with these areas because the seminar was basically a refresh of Lawrence’s Learning Strategies I and II classes. I showed up on day one ready to take on the rigor of an undergraduate degree.
I also feel Lawrence gave me confidence in self-advocacy. I often asked for help from teachers in high school—I’d drop in their rooms at the start of the day to try and better understand calculus or chemistry. In the transition to Wooster, it was natural to do the same. Combining this ability with my learning accommodations really benefited me.
What is your fondest memory of Lawrence?
I loved all the classes (except for AP Physics—that was just hard). Advanced Studio Art, for example, allowed me to explore my creativity. I remember painting a temporary mural on the lawn. Halfway through, we gave up on using brushes and just smeared paint on the grass with our hands. It was a really fun day (check out the photo above!). I also have so many wonderful memories involving Morigrana Brandon-Bowers ’14, who is still one of my closest friends. While at Lawrence, we were attached at the hip and were often laughing—loudly!
What advice would you give a current Lawrence student?
I talk about Lawrence over and over and still consider it the very best place to learn. My advice to younger students is simply to appreciate your time there! Lawrence is unlike any other school. The entire staff is committed to student success and I am beyond grateful to call myself an alum.