Already Making Change: Hannah Jack

Hannah Jack, Class of 2020, Watertown CT

What are you up to? I’m currently working on finishing my Capstone which is creating an outdoor handicap accessible outdoor classroom in an old, abandoned courtyard. When I was in 7th grade I was physically bullied and ended up missing all of 7th and most of 8th grade. During that time, I spent my days working with the students in the special education classroom as I was unable to read or write from the traumatic brain injury I sustained. I am a full believer that the students I met in that classroom cured me. Their positivity and happiness kept me going to strive to get better. This classroom is dedicated to those students so I can give them the happiness that they gave me over 6 years ago. I have already raised about $400 but am looking to raise a minimum of $2,000 in order to purchase wheelchair accessible tables. I hope to have this classroom all put together before I head off to college in August!

How'd you get here? I have been a resident of Watertown all my life and have loved every second of being a part of the Watertown Public School community. I was extremely active in school as I was a varsity field hockey player, the lead in two WHS musicals, secretary of the National Honor Society, a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society, and I was also the President of Interact Club. This club raised thousands of dollars for Relay for Life which focused on cancer research. I love to get involved in community service which is why choosing my senior capstone was an easy choice.

What are your goals? My goals in the future are creating an outdoor handicap accessible classroom at WHS for everyone to enjoy. I’m going to attend Quinnipiac University in the Fall to major in Health Science and my goal for the future is to be a Neurologist!!

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Don’t procrastinate!!!

Loading up on Education: Valdrin Sadiku

Valdrin Sadiku, Class of 2009, Prospect, CT

What are you up to? I’m in my final year at The University of Hartford, studying Risk Management and Insurance. I also just started a full-time position at Travelers Insurance in Hartford, CT working in the claims department. I have also been very fortunate to work with a start up company Tauruseer, a Risk Management Platform, for this Spring semester.

How'd you get here? After my high school career was in the books, it was a rough road of working countless hours. I wasn't interested in going to college right after high school, so I moved to Florida in 2010 and worked for a home improvement company loading trucks at Raymond's Building Supply Company. The long physical hours put a big toll on my body, physically and mentally, and I knew that this was not where I wanted to be. I felt that the only solution to make something of myself was to pursue my education again.

After years of being away from school, I finally enrolled to Pasco-Hernando State College in Wesley Chapel, Florida in 2015. I found myself with a new generation of students where I thought I was never going to fit in, but man was I wrong. Joining the institution was a great eye opener for opportunity as well as understanding that age is just a number. In 2017 I received my AA (associates degree). This was just the beginning of a long road in education.

In 2018, I moved back home to Connecticut and had the goal of finishing my education in a well respected university. I chose The University of Hartford to study in the Barney School of Business. By working hard to meet deadlines and to be the best student possible, I achieved membership status in the National Honor Society, which is truly something I thought I would never accomplish.

Just remember that it doesn't matter what your background is or how old you are, the opportunity to grow starts with the will you have in yourself.

What are your goals? I am grateful to be employed and start a career with a well established company at Travelers. I feel this is just a starting point in my career where I can learn the principles of the insurance industry and keep moving forward. I plan to work hard and become an Underwriter or Risk Manager for a well respected firm. The ultimate goal is to own my own business or reach the level of a Vice President in the insurance field. Don't let fear get into the way as risk can be a valuable reward. The sky is the limit, if you want it bad enough.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Crack the books harder. Be responsible for your positive outcomes, learn from the negative.

Law Degree in DC: Ellie Miske

Updated Story: Ellie Miske, 2011, Washington, DC

What are you up to since the last time you shared your story? When I shared my story three years ago, I was in law school doing a semester in DC program through UConn School of Law. Since then, I graduated from law school, passed the bar exam, and started a job as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, DC.

How'd you get here since the last time you shared? I connected with as many people as possible during my semester in DC. Even though over two years had passed before I moved back to DC, I stayed in touch with many of the people I met through emails, phone calls, and meeting for lunch when I visited. This helped me secure my current job. I also clerked at the Connecticut Appellate Court for a year after graduation. This allowed me to develop my research and writing skills with one-on-one mentoring from a judge.

What are your goals now? Have they changed? While in law school, I was focused on getting a job doing something I cared about. Now that I have gotten a job in the field that I want, in the place that I want, I am starting to think long term. Do I have a good work-life balance? Do I picture myself here in 5 years? 10 years? More? What do I like about my job? What don't I like about the job? Is it flexible with leave and benefits? Can I work from home? Essentially, my goals have changed in that now I can focus on if my job is right for me long-term, and if not, what I envision for myself in the future.

February 13, 2017: Ellie Miske, Class of 2011, Washington, D.C.

What are you up to? I'm currently in my second year of law school at University of Connecticut Law School. I'm participating in the "Semester in D.C." program. In this program, I'm working on the Judiciary Committee portfolio for Senator Blumenthal. The Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over federal judges and other issues regarding the federal courts. For example, handling the Attorney General appointee (Jeff Sessions)  hearings, as well as the upcoming hearings for the Supreme Court nomination. I also do a variety of other projects (many of which are regarding current events).

How'd you get here? After graduating from WHS, I went to University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I double majored in Political Science and Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies. I graduated a semester early and interned in the Northwestern District Attorney. I started law school the following fall. 

While in undergrad, I was involved in student government and campus activism. I was working on women's issues such as combatting campus sexual assault and domestic violence. I also worked at our women's center as a rape crisis counselor.

I became interested in law while working on these initiatives. I worked closely with our Title IX Coordinator and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. Both of these women had law degrees even though they weren't practicing lawyers. One of my favorite professors at the time also had a law degree. I started talking in depth to these mentors about a law degree and realized how flexible it was. I realized with scholarships (and especially UConn's in-state tuition) this could be an option for me.

What are your goals? I want to work in a position where I am making a difference. I'd love to work in government, public policy, or at a non-profit. I am also interested in labor law and will be working at AFSCME's International headquarters in Washington, D.C. this upcoming summer.

Advice for WHS Students? Don't be afraid to ask to grab lunch or a coffee with people who have jobs that you find interesting. Getting to know people helps you learn what your options are and then when opportunities come up in the future, they'll already have you in mind. "Networking" is a buzz word, but it is also a really helpful skill and the earlier you master it, the more opportunities you will have.

What do you feel grateful for today? I feel grateful that I have been able to continue my education and have had guidance from people who went out of their way to support me. Which is exactly why I want to "pay it forward" and reach out to help any students at WHS who wants to learn more about my career path.

Creating Art and Inspiring Peace: Ashley Guerrera

Ashley Guerrera, Class of 2012, Watertown, CT

What are you up to? I’m currently a Milieu (Crisis) Therapist and Art Therapist at Newport Academy in Bethlehem, Connecticut. I work on the female campus. Newport is an impatient teen residential facilities in which we treat a variety of mental health issues, eating disorders, substance abuse, and trauma.

How'd you get here? Throughout my entire life, art has always been a passion of mine. In high school, I made sure to take all of the art classes Watertown High School provided, including AP Studio Art with Mrs. B. The goal was to build my college art portfolio for art school. After high school, I attended an art school in Portland, Maine, Maine College of Art. I was working on getting my BFA in ceramics. Soon after my freshman year in art school, I realized it wasn’t my purpose and that I wanted to do something more with my career, something that focused on utilizing art to help others. I immediately thought back to Miss. Uryse’s ceramic class; she showed a slide show to the class about art therapy. At that moment, I knew that was what I wanted to do moving forward.

Soon enough, I transferred back home to Connecticut and went to Albertus Magnus College in New Haven. I graduated with my BA in Studio Art and Art Therapy in 2016. During my undergraduate program, I interned at The Harold Leever Cancer Center for my art therapy practicum. I got accepted into the Masters of Art in Art Therapy and Counseling program (MAATC) at Albertus Magnus to get my double masters degree. This program was absolutely amazing ! The best 3 1/2 years I have ever had. I had the opportunity to intern at Oak Hill in West Hartford where I worked with children/teens with intellectual disabilities. Additionally had the opportunity to intern at Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center in Waterbury, Yale New Haven Children's Hospital in New Haven working on the Child Life Unit in the Arts for Healing Program, and a private practice in Bridgeport working with families, children/teens, and adults with a variety of mental health issues.

Right after graduate school, I applied to Newport Academy and was offered my current job as a therapist.

What are your goals? I currently have my associate license (LPCA) and am working to get my LPC and my art therapy license (ATR). My goal one day is to open my own holistic wellness center that provides a wide range of experiential therapies. I also want to get my reki and doula certifications.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? You will do some amazing things one day. Never doubt yourself and the power you have with your art. You will touch many.

Creating His Own World: Robert Barkow

Robert Barkow, Class of 2016, Brooklyn, New York

What are you up to? I'm a video game developer and the creator of the massive multiplayer adventure Ruinic which is set to release on Steam soon! I currently live in Brooklyn, New York and anything computer related is what I'm up to, whether it be programming, graphic design, or web design!

How'd you get here? After graduating from Watertown High School, I decided to take a gamble and not join the military or go to college so that I could focus on my goals. I continued to work on my computer development projects, which date back to when I was 10 years old. Between then and now, I have taught myself a vast array of computer skills. I was also given the opportunity to work on various projects by other developers, which in return gave me recognition in various communities. In 2018, I was given the opportunity to sign an agreement with VALVE Corporation (which is the developer of the software distribution platform Steam) for my video game Ruinic In November of 2018, 5 days before my 21st birthday, I signed. Soon enough, I realized that investing time into your goals and never caving under pressure will always lead to success.

What are your goals? It has been my goal for as long as I can remember to make a video game that people can enjoy, so I would say I am currently living my goals. However, my main goal right now is to keep developing Ruinic and make sure it's stable for release. I can see myself developing other video games after I finish Ruinic, traveling, or finding a new passion to chase. I’m developing most likely as you're reading this, so great things are being worked on beyond this page!

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? You can never fail, you can succeed and if you don't succeed, then you will learn.

Conquering Goals: Chris Terzigni

Chris Terzigni, Class of 2008, Holliston, MA

What are you up to? I’m currently the principal of Founders Academy, a small charter middle school in Woonsocket, RI. I live in Holliston, MA with my beautiful fiancé, Laura. We relocated back to New England in October after spending the last 10 years in North Carolina, where we both attended school at High Point University.

How'd you get here? After graduating from WHS, I attended High Point University in High Point, NC where I earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Elementary Education. After I graduated, I found a job as a 4th grade teacher. Between then and now, I have taught 4th grade, 6th grade and K-5 STEM. I was also given the opportunity to work outside the classroom as a Personalized Learning Coordinator, where I oversaw the implementation of a one-to-one tablet program for two different middle schools. In 2017, I was given the opportunity to return to school at High Point University on a full-ride scholarship to earn my master's degree in Educational Leadership. I earned my Educational Leadership master's degree in May of 2018. Soon enough, I served as an Assistant Principal at an elementary school in Greensboro, NC before relocating to Massachusetts and accepting my current position as principal.

What are your goals? It has been my goal for as long as I can remember to teach and then to become an administrator, so I would say I am currently living my goals and at a point where I need to start building new goals. I can see myself going back to school to earn my doctorate within the education field and after I have gained some valuable experience, look into leadership roles at a district level. I’m getting married in October of 2020, so starting a family and settling down is definitely on the horizon for me as well.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Take more classes that would earn you college credit... college is expensive, the less classes you have to take, the less money it will cost you. :-)

Drawing Young Blood to Radio: Caitlin Duffy

Caitlin Duffy, Class of 2011, Middletown, CT

What are you up to? I’m in the medical field where I am a licensed phlebotomist. I currently work in a gastroenterology practice (stomach & intestinal doctor) where I assist with blood draws, as well as medical records and billing. In addition, I am active in the Connecticut arts community and host my very own radio show on WMRD 1150AM, Middletown, Connecticut’s grassroots station. I play an eclectic mix in the same vein as I did on college radio. My hope is to use an old-school platform to elevate musical voices close to my community. I like to keep my ear to the floor by attending community jazz and classical concerts.

How'd you get here? I hold a Bachelor of Arts in French from Drew University from which I graduated in 2015. I was going to pursue a Master's in Teaching but gratefully discovered that public education isn’t my arena. For now, I am focused on developing a lucrative career with the skills I have. In the future, I will travel to France to work. The late Madame Mary Jane Miller was a huge influence on me. She was my favorite French teacher and helped shaped who I am in a critical time of my life. She inspired me to pursue my passions regardless of how others felt about them, or of how I come across. She helped me find confidence in being quirky which I have carried with me throughout adulthood.

What are your goals? I have plans to take classes in the fall for medical billing and coding so that I can further develop my skills and reach my financial goals. As for radio, WWUH and WESU are on my radio as potential platforms to share my taste for Northeastern, US music. My hope is to interview more local musicians and elevate their work to a broader audience, namely young people who wouldn't normally think to "tune in" to local radio. Please see any of my shows on demand on wliswmrd.net!

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Forget about the haters, we all end up going off and doing our own thing anyway.

Professor of Music: Steve Leisring

Steve Leisring, Class of 1981,  Lawrence, Kansas

What are you up to? I am currently Professor of Music, School of Music, The University of Kansas (Jayhawks) Lawrence, KS.

I teach Applied Trumpet, and courses that go along with it such as brass pedagogy, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire. My students are music majors who play trumpet as their main instrument who are majoring in Music Education, Music Therapy, Performance, Composition, and Jazz. My current students have come to Kansas from 10 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 4 countries, including China, Afghanistan, South Korea, and Costa Rica.

Most people do not know that a professor's role at a Research 1 institution like KU goes far beyond teaching. Only 40% of my contract is teaching. This is typical at major flagship universities. 20% is Service to the university such as committees or recruiting, and 40% is Research, or, in the case of an Applied Music Professor, it is Creative Activity. My Creative Activity is musical performance. Since coming to KU in 2003, I have performed and taught in 17 countries, including in more than 20 cities and universities in China. In the last two years, I have performed and/or taught in Spain, Estonia, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, France, China and Taiwan. Highlights of my career: performances as soloists with symphony orchestras and bands in China, performing with the National Orchestra of Spain in October of 2019 in Madrid; 100 performances with the Kansas City Symphony including the National Anthem at Game 6 of the 2014 World Series; twice featured at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Umbria Jazzfest in Italy, "Jazz en Vienne", France; Kennedy Center; with the Tokyo Symphony in Japan; performing in Sidney Australia; and with Ellis and Delfeayo Marsalis at Tanglewood in MA. In 2015, was given my greatest honor from my former WHS Band Director, Robert Pettinichi, who nominated me for the Wall of Honor at WHS, and was selected.

How'd you get here? After high school graduation, I spent 6 years getting degrees in Music Education and Performance at the University of North Texas, followed by a Master's degree in Orchestral Performance at the Mannes College of Music, New School University in NYC. Immediately after, I was chosen for a position in the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, Canary Islands, Spain, where I was from 1989-2003. While in Spain, began teaching a lot, played about 100 concerts a year and performed at two World Expos, in Sevilla '92 and Lisbon '98; recorded about 25 CDs; performed all over Spain, and in London, Germany etc. I also re-lived high school life playing semi-pro baseball in Spain's top baseball league for 3 years. I was selected for tenure-track position at the University of Kansas in 2003, after an international search.

What are your goals? I want to continue as a music professor, and hopefully continue to be performing in new countries and return to others. I’m excited to be judging a competition in Lviv, Ukraine in March 2020 and also returning to the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki Finland to teach, as well as Poland and Central Conservatory in Beijing China, where I have taught almost each of the last 15 years. I’d like to continue to help students from all over reach their dreams. I am happy to respond to any WHS students with questions about music in college.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Find someone who is doing what you want to do, and talk to them about it. Most people don’t end up doing exactly what they studied in college. The best thing to do is follow your passions. There are so many more careers out there that are connected to your passions that you can’t possibly know about in high school. Do not be afraid to leave. Look outside of your area for college, the Midwest and West are very different places and may offer great opportunities for study. I was so lucky a former Little League coach suggested I look West. It was the best decision for me to go to college outside of Connecticut. Be serious, work hard toward toward your passions and it will work out.