Alumni Updates

Legacy of Montessori:

I took my first steps on the academic path of knowledge in the Montessori School of Albany as a primary student. My family had just moved to the area from Caracas, Venezuela, and I was very unused to life in America. Upon enrolling, I was immersed in a community of passionate teachers and vibrant kids who instantly made me feel accepted and comfortable. The handson teaching methods and the materials helped me adjust and learn as I grew older and transitioned from different classes and teachers. I remember eagerly looking forward to the various academic fairs that were hosted each year, especially when science was involved. My passion for natural sciences started in a Montessori classroom as I watched a rendition of the creation of the universe, acted out with balloons and various other props. Perhaps if my children are ever struggling with this concept, I can attempt to recreate this rendition that made such an impact on my interests.

The Montessori curriculum instills lifelong values in its students. I will forever remember the lessons I learned about kindness and respect from Sandy and Julie while I was a lower elementary student. They resonated within me while I was very young, and have carried over from then into today. Every day, I am reminded that a little kindness and a willingness to help others goes a long way. The peace curriculum taught me how to be a good moderator, and I still use these skills today. I had the opportunity to orchestrate two upperlevel English classes this semester, and I utilized several of the skills I learned from the Montessori peace curriculum to facilitate discussion and provide different perspectives on a number of topics. These lessons have also helped me develop a desire to help others and to work with others to try and find solutions to current issues so that my children and future generations may have a safe and healthy future. Montessori set a foundation which has stayed with me ever since the first time I set foot in the Montessori School of Albany. As I seek to improve myself and learn more about the world, this very foundation has helped me in numerous ways. I am very thankful for all of the lessons I have learned, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to study at a Montessori School.

Three to five words to describe the Woodland Hill/MSA experience:

Community, Ingenuity, Passion, Respect, Peace

Current passion:

I swim for Swarthmore College at the Division III level. I have been swimming since the age of 5, and I am privileged to have received the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. I also help coach the Bethlehem area YMCA club swimming team.

Honors:

Cum Laude 2014, Alumni Scholar 2014, Clarkson University Leadership Award 2014, NISCAA Scholastic AllAmerican Student Athlete 2014

For Fun:

I enjoy going on road trips with my friends from back home. While I’m away at college, I love to be outdoors and spend time outside playing friends. I also enjoy going into Philadelphia to eat at various restaurants.