Jessica Proulx, Class of 2000, Watertown CT

What are you up to? Currently I am the owner and director of The OM Center a yoga, massage, yoga teacher school, wellness retreat, meditation center here in Watertown. I am also the CEO of a yoga inspired apparel company called OM ShanTEEs and a screen printing business called CT Inked Apparel. I live in Watertown with my boyfriend and life partner of 16 years and spend so much time traveling around the world, creating art, and teaching.

How'd you get here? I have no freaking idea! Yoga has been a passion of mine since I was a teenager and I have been studying Eastern Philosophy and religion for many years. I took the traditional path of college (UCONN grad), studied abroad in Thailand, and worked a corporate job - but it just didn't quite fit. You learn very quickly how little money matters when you are unhappy. I took the dive into my current life about 5 years ago and it pretty immediately became a monster. My life has grown into a passion playground where I live big and really love what I do.

What are your goals? To see everything and do everything I can before this life is over. I plan to retire from this current scene around 45 and who knows from there. I am ready for whatever I open myself up to.

Advice for WHS Students? LIVE. Live big. Don't settle for what you think it the right thing to do and instead do what your heart guides you to do. When you live passionately, things tend to fall into place. Let go of fear. See the world - you will learn more from meeting people and eating food and living in different places than any book could ever teach you.

What do you lie about? Not much - I can't think of anything. Honesty is very important!