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

At the risk of sounding cliché, the single memory that stands out the most was when I met my best friend, Sara Colville, during Mr. Latra’s ninth grade health class. Seventeen years later and we are still best friends.

Some other impactful memories were when I made the MIFA ensemble as a sophomore, when I was accepted to Michigan State University and of course when I walked at graduation!


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

I have two teachers who made a huge impact on me. I took English with Mr. Toy and also worked as his independent study my senior year. Besides being an amazing teacher and role model, Mr. Toy really taught me the importance of reading for pleasure. He was always recommending interesting and unique reads – my senior year I was particularly interested in Japanese literature and he started me on my journey with several memorable and profound novels. Since then, I read all the time and try to always explore diœ erent genres and subject matter thanks in part to Mr. Toy.

Secondly but equally impactful was Señora Bye. She unlocked a love for language I didn’t know I had. I ended up minoring in Spanish in college because I fell in love with Spanish – gracias a Señora Bye. She was also a tremendous female role model to have at WBHS. Señora Bye was so approachable and funny, but she was also incredibly dedicated to her students and hardworking. I remember wanting to be just like her, and I still do!


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

West Bloomfield is a very unique and special community because of how diverse we are. When I got to university, I was shocked at how sheltered my peers were and how little they knew about other cultures/ethnicities/religions. So a huge lesson that West Bloomfi eld taught me is embracing diversity!

It’s so important in the “real world” to be able to interact and embrace people from all diœ erent backgrounds and that was something that I’m grateful was ingrained in me throughout my time at WBHS.


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

There’s defi nite truth to the adage “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. I remember chomping at the bit to graduate so I could experience a change of scenery. Now that I’m in my 30s with young children, who will in a few short years be in public school, I look back fondly on my time at West Bloomfi eld.


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

Being a Laker gave me the freedom to embrace my interests. High school is such a formative time, and I left WBHS having a stronger sense of my personal identity. I certainly still had a lot to learn after high school, but going to a high school that encouraged individuality gave me confi dence to continue on my personal and professional journey. Now, I work as the CEO of a marketing company. The choices I made since leaving WBHS led me to a thriving career and a fulfilling personal life.


WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS?

I would advise the graduating seniors to embrace all of the opportunities that lie ahead of them. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to your studies or profession.

I would also suggest that you don’t compare yourself to your peers. There are so many paths to take after graduation – different colleges to go to, different jobs to take, different communities to become involved in. No single path is the “right one”.