LOOKING BACK ON YOUR TIME AT WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL, WHAT EXPERIENCES OR MEMORIES STAND OUT TO YOU THE MOST?

Overall, I had a very positive and rewarding experience at West Bloomfi eld High School, both academically and through involvement with extracurricular activities.

One of my favorite experiences was being a member of the Poms team for all four years of high school. I built lasting friendships with my teammates, and looked forward to after-school practices and performing at football and basketball games. I remember also going to baseball games and hockey to support friends, and have great memories cheering classmates on.

The senior year traditions, such as the Powderpuff football game, were especially fun as it brought our class together and added excitement to our fi nal year. Even just meeting up with friends in the atrium mornings before class was a fun way to connect with those whom I didn’t share classes with.

Academically, the Medical Mentorship class was especially impactful, as it gave me the opportunity to shadow my former orthodontist and helped solidify my goal of pursuing a career in orthodontics.

I also got to spend my first two years of high school with my older brother and we even had a weightlifting class together. It was a lot of fun to get to spend time with him during high school, even just running into each other in the hallways or at lunch.


WAS THERE A TEACHER, CLASS, AND/OR SUBJECT THAT HAD A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU, AND WHY?

Several of my former teachers had a lasting impact on me, but Mrs. Mulcahy, Mrs. Ismail and Mr. Abel were among my favorite teachers. Their passion for education was apparent and they had the ability to make even the most challenging lessons enjoyable.

All three of these teachers encouraged students to put in the hard work and often went the extra mile to help guide us to success. I remember attending an extra study session that Mr. Abel put on with our AP Calc class to ensure we were ready for our exam. While we were all stressed, he still managed to make the session lighthearted and, of course, extremely helpful.

I have had many teachers and professors throughout my different levels of education, and it is rare to fi nd someone who is able to present the information in a digestible and coherent way, while connecting with students using empathy and kindness.


WHAT LESSONS OR SKILLS DID WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL HELP YOU DEVELOP THAT YOU STILL USE TODAY?

I was able to develop and set the foundation for good study habits through my AP classes. This helped as I transitioned into my undergraduate studies and into a more rigorous schedule. Taking AP classes also taught me the importance of time management, as I learned to balance academics, extracurricular activities and time with friends and family.

These were all important skills throughout the 11 years of schooling I went through after high school, and they continue to play an important role in my life today.

Additionally, being on the Poms team taught me about working with others for a common goal, and being the captain of the JV Poms team provided me with a leadership opportunity. These are very important skills to have as an orthodontist because I must act as a leader in the clinic daily. However, I am also a part of a team and cannot be successful without the support of all of the staff that I work with.


HOW HAS YOUR APPRECIATION FOR WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL CHANGED OR GROWN SINCE GRADUATING?

I look back fondly on my time at West Bloomfield High School since graduating and often talk about those days when I get together with my friends I made in high school. While it could sometimes be difficult to appreciate in the moment, WBHS provided a balance of a good education with quality educators, ample opportunities for extracurricular activities and a great deal of school spirit.

I truly appreciate my years at WBHS and continue to be proud to be a Laker. After high school, I went to the University of Michigan for the rest of my schooling and my Laker spirit shined as I cheered on the Lakers who became a part of the Michigan football team, like Donovan Edwards, Semaj Morgan and even Coach Bellamy.


IN WHAT WAYS DID BEING A LAKER HELP SHAPE WHO YOU ARE PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

In the past few years, I have met several people who went to WBHS, and even if we weren’t in the same graduating class our shared history of being students at WBHS has provided a sense of community and formed a connection between us.

My husband is also a Laker, and although he graduated a few years before me we enjoy talking about WBHS history – like the fashion show – and teachers we had in common.

Additionally, after my orthodontic training I moved back to the area and started my career at HBI Orthodontics. It has been wonderful to connect with patients and their parents who are Lakers, and those who will be future Lakers. It feels great to give back and work in the community that I grew up in.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AS THEY PREPARE FOR LIFE AFTER GRADUATION, AND FRESHMEN AS THEY BEGIN HIGH SCHOOL?

My advice for seniors is to take advantage of all the school activities and celebrations surrounding your final year. Life truly moves so quickly, even more so as you get older, so enjoy these exciting times before you’re out in the real world.

My advice for freshmen would be to get involved in both clubs and activities and do not be afraid to try something new. Having a multifaceted high school experience will undoubtedly positively impact how you approach the world and interact with others after high school, and if you plan on continuing your education, a well-rounded high school experience is crucial during the college admissions process. WBHS certainly provides a wonderful foundation to build those experiences.