We're Back: TownMag.co’s Transformative Year

Townies, we’re back and better than ever! This past year has been transformative for TownMag.co. I’ve had the time to invest in reflection and renewal throughout the pandemic. This has been a difficult and stressful year for all of us and our community has collectively been through so much. I took a step back to assess how TownMag.co fits in within this moment of history and I learned how we can grow to better serve our community.

After much deliberation, research, and conversation, we’ve rebranded to better fit our mission as a social impact product, made our site more accessible, and paved the way for growth. I’m excited to share our new changes this with you.

1. Brand: TownMag.co has new designs and a refreshed mission and vision. I explored the meaning behind TownMag.co and tried to answer the question as to how we can better represent it. TownMag.co has always been about conversations and connections that create something honest and beautiful. We’re a constellation of stories, returning to share them with current high school students to give them a map and help them navigate the many different decisions and choices in life after high school.

2. Policy: TownMag.co is a guaranteed safe space for all alumni to share their stories. Our platform has been a positive, supportive community since we’ve launched, but we acknowledged last year that we hadn’t received any alumni stories from Black alumni. We want to make it absolutely clear we’re doing everything we can to create an inclusive platform for all alumni to share their stories without fear of hate speech or harassment. Read our Hate Speech and Harassment Policy here.

   Additionally, we’ve created an Alumni Representation Policy. When alumni share their story with us, they become alumni representatives of TownMag.co. In the rare occurrence of certain public circumstances happen before or after an alumni story is shared, we reserve the right to take the alumni story off our platform once we are made aware of the event or circumstances, because the alumni no longer represents our values and mission. Read our Alumni Representation and Responsibility Policy here.

3. Accessibility: This website is now accessible for everyone to share their stories. We’ve upgraded our technology to allow alumni to share their stories through video and/or audio files in addition to submitting a written story. We now accept .mp4, .mp3, .pdf, .jpg, .png files. Check out our new process and share your story today.

4. Growth: We’re growing! We’re piloting TownMag.co in communities close to our hometown, and we’re accepting stories from Torrington High School alumni. If you’re a Torrington High School alumni, you can share your story today and we will share it with THS students! We’ll be starting to market and launch in Torrington this upcoming Fall 2021.

5. Reflection: I've been running TownMag.co for 5 years now, on an incredibly small budget with limited resources, and it’s been a success within our community. I’ll be exploring ways to grow TownMag.co so that other communities can utilize alumni relations and connections also. We're back up and running, growing, with an updated brand. We'll see where we go from here, won't we?

Thank you for being a TownMag.co supporter. I’m eager to grow and publish new alumni stories for 2021. Our core goal has never changed: bridge the gap between current students and alumni by sharing honest stories about life after high school.

Colleen Murphy

Founder of TownMag.co

Are you a Watertown High School alumni or a Torrington High School alumni? Share your story today!

You're Invited: Virtual Townies Talk 2020

Virtual Townies Talk 2020 - Friday, May 22, 2020 at 1:00 pm.

WHS and TOWN will be hosting our third annual Townies Talk, an alumni storyteller panel virtually on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm via Zoom. We’re excited to be able to bring a bit of joy and inspiration back to the high school during this stressful time.

To learn more about this event, please check out event details from the past two years here and here. It will be a little different this year, but the exciting news is that by using this format, alumni from all over the country can participate. We will have 12 alumni speakers, who will share their story and answer any questions students might have.

WHS students:

This is a great event for you to learn more about life after high school. If you’re a WHS student interested in hanging out with us, sign up below! If you have any questions, please, ask Leah Bellemare or Nicole Lewis.

SIGN UP IS CLOSED. Do you still want to watch it? Click here to see our alumni panel.

Alumni speakers

Chris Terzigni, 2008

Matt Frappier, 2001

Olivia Grella, 2013

Ashley Guerrera, 2012

Tom Frenette, 2010

Rick Mastroianni, 2009

April Carrara, 1986

Edward Norton, 2009

Matthew O'Meara, 2012

Miranda Weidemier, 2009

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 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.

CANCELED: You're Invited: WHS Sophomore Career Fair

Sophomore WHS Career Fair

On the morning of Wednesday, March 25th, WHS will be hosting a Career Fair for our sophomore students. WHS is looking for volunteers to come back to the high school and speak about their career paths to current students.

The event will be organized similar to a trade show or college fair, where participants will be stationed at tables and students can visit tables and chat with participants. This way students can learn about the necessary training/schooling needs, what it is like to work in that field, and have the opportunity to ask questions in a more personal and focused manner. In the past, students found this event meaningful and helpful for their post-secondary planning.

Sign up for the WHS Career Fair today:

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Can’t make the event? Share your story!

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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. :-)

Nurse Emily

Emily Cusick, Class of 2013, Providence, RI -> Walpole, MA

What are you up to since the last time you shared your story? I left Watertown, moved to Nashville, moved to Providence, and now will be moving to Walpole, MA this month! I’m currently a registered nurse for the Thoracic Surgery Department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

How'd you get here since the last time you shared? I accepted a job at Vanderbilt Medical Center and moved to Nashville six weeks after graduating college. Starting over in a brand new city with a brand new job was very intimidating, but I had found my new niche. I lived there for two years and was lucky enough to work with some pretty amazing people. I was able to experience a different way of life in Nashville and it will always have a piece of my heart. However, as much as I loved it, I was also in a long distance relationship and couldn’t wait to finally come home. I have been living in Providence, RI since May but commuting to work in Boston from there while working the night shift is definitely not ideal, so my boyfriend and I will be moving to Walpole at the end of the month!

What are your goals now? Have they changed? I have always been focused on what comes next, so for now I’m learning to live in the present. I’m finally working in Boston and living with my boyfriend which was the ultimate end goal. I still want to work in the Emergency Department and go back to school, but it’ll happen when it happens. If there’s anything I’ve learned these past two years is to let go of the need to have control over everything and just see where life takes you, you’ll get to where you’re supposed to be.

Emily Cusick, Class of 2013, Fairfield, CT

June 2016 Story

What are you up to?  I am currently a rising senior in the nursing program at Sacred Heart University. I play the tenor saxophone in the university band and I am a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. I've been working in the General Surgery unit at Stamford Hospital for a year now, and I just accepted a position in the Emergency Department at Saint Mary's Hospital!

How'd you get here? After lots of laughs, tears, and hard work, I'm finally one year away from becoming a Registered Nurse. I love that I've gotten experience in the hospital prior to graduation, it's definitely given me more confidence in the field that I'm going into. I've put in a lot of time into studying and clinical hours and I'm excited to see it all pay off.

What are your goals? I hope to one day be a nurse in the Emergency Department, and to later continue my education and become a Doctor of Nursing Practice. I've had amazing learning experiences both inside the classroom and at clinical, and hope to eventually become a nursing professor at a university.

Advice for WHS Students? Time goes by faster as every year of school goes by. Don't wish away your time and always live in the moment. Embrace new opportunities, you'll never know what kind of experiences you'll have or what friends you will make along the way until you try something new. Travel as much as you can, you won't regret it!

What is your favorite snack food? Chips and guacamole for sure, or anything that I can put hot sauce on.

How Art Connects with Medicine: Lindsey Parenteau

Lindsey Parenteau-Oshel, Class of 2011, Jacksonville, Florida Updated Story

What are you up to since the last time you shared your story? Since I last shared my story, I graduated with my Masters in Occupational Therapy and moved to North Florida to live with my husband as he pursues his career. A job offer came up for an OT in the school system, and I could not resist. I currently work as a school based OT specifically with kids in elementary schools. A typical day for me in the school generally goes with seeing students with ALL types of disabilities either for individual time or in a small group to work on different goals that help them to be successful and as functional as possible in class and throughout the school day. Typical goals we usually address focus on helping with handwriting skills, cutting skills, transitions between classrooms, attention during seated classwork, and self care tasks like dressing or opening containers during lunch. Often times, my job involves providing teachers various adaptations to skills such as writing with different pencils or grips, using adapted paper with lines and colors, providing assistive technology like ipads or eye gaze devices to assist with reading/writing or providing resources on sensory strategies to allow students to have movement breaks and increase attention. All in all, I love every aspect of my job especially getting to use fun crafts and games to allow my students to be as successful as possible.

How'd you get here since the last time you shared? Last time I shared, I was just getting started in the OT field while in graduate school. I truly did not even know what it meant to be a therapist because my only experience was through book learning and teacher lectures. Since then, I've become a licensed "OT" in Florida and have gained so much experience out in the field learning more than ever being hands on. Initially, I started work at a Skilled Nursing Facility helping various patients that have had injuries/illnesses such as strokes, dementia, knee replacements, etc. gain independence back to their daily lives. The work was fast paced and typically you would only work with a patient for a few weeks and they would go home. This job was not the route I had envisioned for my career and sought out to find my true passion, working with kids.

What are your goals now? Have they changed? My goals and to try to get through this first school year as successful as possible and hope that I did a good enough job to be picked up for more school years to come. My goals have definitely changed as I see the realistic side of actual work and adulthood living on my own with my husband far away from Nashville. I still think some day it would be amazing to have my own clinic for kids to come and receive therapy, and maybe 30-40 years from now, become a professor to teach the next generation of therapist. But for right now, I'm keeping my goals to being the best I can be right now for the students I current have everyday.

Lindsey Parenteau, 2011, Nashville, TN September 20 2016

What are you up to? I am currently enrolled in the Masters of Occupational Therapy program at Tennessee State University. I was 1 out of 30 students chosen from a pool of 500 applicants for the program, so I am still in shock and very thankful. What is occupational therapy, you ask? Well, it can help you get back into your work or job, but it can also be much more than that. Occupational therapy is the therapeutic use of everyday activities or occupations that are meaningful to the patient to promote independence in function. The profession works with all age groups and many different types of disabilities, both physical and mental.

How'd you get here? I have always loved art and music but I also knew I wanted to use my time helping others and making an impact in their lives, specifically children. As I was choosing my future profession, I tried my best to pick something that incorporated both of those aspects I enjoyed. Luckily, OT focuses on using crafts and participation as a type of therapy, so I knew it was the perfect route to go for me. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science. OT is a very competitive field so I had to work hard to keep up a high GPA so that I could be accepted into a graduate program.

What are your goals? My number one goal is to get through the program so I can get started with my career. Once I get my Masters of Occupational Therapy, my dream is to become a traveling OT and pick up contracts around the around the globe. I couldn't pass up such an amazing career opportunity that allows me to travel and get paid at the same time.

Advice for WHS Students? If you have a dream or goal that seems unreachable or unrealistic, don't give up on it. Make it achievable.  I went a direction that allowed me to incorporate art and creativity in a purposeful way. I still get to do what I love everyday, but I choose a path that allowed me to grow and have a stable career that I truly enjoy.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go? I would go to London, England in a heartbeat!

Life Throws You Curveballs: Shelby Iava

Shelby Iava, Class of 2013, Watertown, CT

What are you up to since the last time you shared your story? Well, my career path has taken a total 180, but I guess that happens! Currently I work in Human Resources at Waterbury Hospital.

How'd you get here since the last time you shared your story? Once I graduated from college I was on the immediate job hunt just like everyone else. That very same summer I was offered my first job as a sports reporter! It was amazing and I was on cloud 9. And, not to mention, I was the only female sports reporter for the entire company, which covered two daily newspapers. But unfortunately college doesn't prepare you as well as you would think. Although I loved what I did, the company was less than ideal. That being said, I stuck it out for a year and a half and got out! It just goes to show, even though you think you have your life planned out, it doesn't always work that way, but it's okay. I love where I'm at with life and couldn't be more happier.

What are your goals now? Have they changed? For right now my goals are just to try to strive to be the best that I can each and everyday. I hope I dabble back into reporting eventually, there are aspects of it that I miss, a lot! But for the time being I’m just going to let life happen.

Shelby Iava, Class of 2013, Keene, NH, June 21, 2016 A Senior and Sports Editor

What are you up to? I'm currently entering my senior year of college at Keene State College. I'm going into my senior year, but I have already finished my Bachelors of Arts in Journalism. 

How'd you get here? After driving through almost every state in New England to get to school, there's not a doubt in my mind that I would change anything. Over these past few years at Keene, I've managed to work with almost every single type of news outlet there is (from newspaper to TV). I have been involved in our award winning newspaper The Equinox, and this year, I will be the sports editor. I have also worked behind the scenes and anchored for KSC-TV.

What are your goals? My goals? Jeeze, I barely know what I'm going to have for dinner. I would love to be able to work in the sports industry for a little while, ESPN and all that jazz. Later on down the road, I would love to work for a magazine or maybe travel the world, get a glimpse at what is out there. I'd love to use my degree to show everyone that not all media is mainstream/untrue and that some of it is actually the truth.

Advice for WHS Students? My advice, time moves faster than you think, especially the older you get. Enjoy the time you have now and don't hold anything back. Cliché, I know, but it's the truth. Also, keep your true friends by your side, because no matter who you are, or where you go, people will come and go, but thats life and your true friends will be there by your side. When one door closes, another one is just about to open.

What is your favorite color? My favorite color is red.

It's the Simple Things: Lauren Vail Parenteau

Lauren Parenteau, Class of 2011, Watertown, NY

What are you up to? I am currently living in upstate New York with my husband. He is in the military and stationed here at Ford Drum. While I am living my life as a military spouse, I continue my path of elementary education and substitute at the local and surrounding school districts. The plans are to move back to CT in the next year or so. Although this has been an exciting adventure, we are looking forward to moving back and being with family and friends.

How'd you get here? I got where I am today with the help and guidance of some amazing friends and family. I have always had to drive to educate and work with children. From the age of 6, I played school with my dolls and had all the excitement of the first day of school. I like to think that my passion of education stems from my anxiety growing up. I struggled with anxiety at the beginning of 5th grade and looking back I can see how school staff and certain teachers were supportive of me and provided me with the tools to move forward. Going to college at CCSU, I focused on becoming the best teacher for my students, whatever that was to them. For some students, I’m a mom, a friend, or even someone to talk to. Quickly after graduation, I moved up to NY to be with my husband to support him during his contract with the military, just as he supported me through college.

What are your goals? My goals are to move back to CT, buy a home, build my career, and start a family. The typical family sitcom.

Lauren Vail, Class of 2011, Watertown, CT July 19, 2016

What are you up to? What am I up to? Oh boy. I am still in school. I am studying Elementary Education at Central, so I guess you can say I'll be in school for the rest of my life. While going to school, I work at the local Staples as a copy center associate, making copies for a living. So if you ever need a good copy, just ask for me! I have an amazing boyfriend who helps me get through the stress of work and school. He's my rock, as corny as that may be to say.

How'd you get here? It's crazy to say that going to school is what made me want to become a teacher. I suffered from severe anxiety growing up and I got bullied for that. I never really had a teacher that made me feel comfortable about my disorder, so I decided to become that teacher. Many kids are suffering from severe anxiety and many adults don't understand how to cope. I'd like to be the teacher that students feel comfortable talking to.

What are your goals? My goals are typical: Get a great job, marry the love of my life, and live a happy life. I'm not looking to move to the city or become America's Next Top Model. I want the simple things in life.

Advice for WHS Students? Cherish the moments. I can say there's a lot of things I wish I did back in high school, and I do have regrets. So here are some tips...

1. Don't get hung up on one boy. 
2. One true friend is better than 10 "friends".
3. Become friends with the teachers....they are the one grading your papers! 
4. Join an art class!
5. Don't be stressed about college! Apply to the ones you really want to go to. 
6. And lastly, don't hesitate to reach for what you want! Go for it!

What are the ingredients for a perfect day? The ingredients for a perfect day are: happiness, loved ones, fun adventures, and laughter.

Pharma Life: Jennifer Donato

Jennifer Donato, Class of 2011, Nottingham, MD

What are you up to? At this moment, I will be starting my career as a clinical pharmacist at Frederick Memorial Hospital in Frederick, MD and will be taking an exam to transfer my Connecticut Pharmacist License to Maryland so I can practice in the state of Maryland.

How'd you get here? I graduated from the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy in May 2018. A short month and a half later, I started my post graduate year one (PGY1) pharmacy residency at St. Vincent's Medical Center (SVMC) in Bridgeport, CT. During residency I gained a ton of experience in different areas of clinical pharmacy within the hospital. After 3 months had gone by, I had to decide what I wanted to do when this residency program was over. In November/December 2018 I had decided to apply to various hospitals across the country for a post graduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residency program in critical care. While applying to the various hospitals, I could tell my heart was not in it although I loved my critical care and emergency medicine rotations at SVMC. I did not receive any interviews from the programs I had applied to and not only did I notice but my mentor at SVMC had noticed I was not heart broken over the rejections. With the help from my mentor, I had decided to finish residency with a positive attitude and see where life would take me. And that's when I decided to move to Maryland when residency was over to start my career and my life too, since my boyfriend was already residing there.

What are your goals? My future goals are to become a board certified pharmacist in pharmacotherapy and to continue to grow as a clinical pharmacist.

Jennifer Donato, 2011, Oakville, CT - January 17, 2018

What are you up to? Currently, I am in my last year of pharmacy school at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy in Downtown Hartford. This program is unlike a traditional pharmacy school where you do 2 years of pre-pharmacy and 4 years of pharmacy; instead at USJ SOP, you must received a bachelors degree prior to being accepted and then do 3 full calendar years of pharmacy. I am also in the process of applying to pharmacy residency programs.

How'd you get here? After graduating from WHS, I attended at the University of Bridgeport and received my bachelors of science in health sciences. Unlike a lot of people who I knew in high school, I knew that I wanted to do something in the healthcare profession, specifically pharmacy. So during my time at UB, I took prerequisites for pharmacy school, along with your general education courses, and courses in health sciences. It was super stressful applying to pharmacy school because I had to maintain a pretty high GPA in order to be competitive, my personal statement needed to be unique, and if the school was interested in me, I had to go through an interview process. And as a young adult at the time, I had never had to go through a professional interview. While going to school, I also had a part time job at ShopRite Pharmacy in Southbury. This job really solidified the fact that I wanted to go to pharmacy school and become a pharmacist. By March 2015, I knew I was accepted into USJ SOP and was excited to continue on the journey towards a rewarding career.

What are your goals? My goals for the future is to become a clinical pharmacist in a hospital. I would love to be board certified in critical care, where I can work in an ICU. This would require me to do two years of residency.

What has been your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge was during my junior year of college. At UB they have a contract with UCONN where I could apply to their pharmacy school and I'd be looked at as a UCONN student rather than an outsider applying to their program. At the time, I did apply, but unfortunately did not get an interview. Although this may not seem like a challenge to most, I was devastated and had to decide whether or not I wanted to try again the following year and earn a bachelors degree as well. If this didn't happen to me, I wouldn't be where I am today.

What has been your happiest moment? My happiest moment was this past September/October. I was in Arizona/New Mexico for school, working at Gallup Indian Medical Center. This hospital is for Navajo Native Americans who live on the reservation. They are underserved and struggle everyday. At this hospital, there are pharmacy run clinics where the pharmacists see the patients and change medication therapy depending on what clinic the pharmacist is working in. The clinics ranges from diabetes to asthma clinic, as well as anticoagulation (blood thinner) clinic to HIV clinic. I also had the opportunity to live on the reservation. It was definitely a culture shock. There is nothing for miles around and some people are still live without running water or electricity. It was a meaningful experience to understand how the Navajo people live. On a positive note, I did get to do some traveling and see parts of the United States that I didn't think I would ever be able to see.

Advice for WHS Students? If you know what you want to do right out of high school, go for it! It might not be easy and you may not succeed right away, but in the end it will be worth it. Work hard and don't let others bring you down for wanting to do something different. This is your life and you only get one of them.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Confidence is something that you gain over time.

Townies Talk 2019

Our second Townies Talk 2019 event was a success! On April 8th, at least 60 Watertown High School students filed into the assembly room. Alumni told their stories about wildly different paths in life and gave great advice while students listened. It was so fantastic to be offline and in reality. We appreciate the teachers who encouraged students to attend the event and we think the 90 minutes was valuable time that not only helped students understand specific careers paths, but also life in general. 

The following day was Sophomore Career Day, ran by Nicole Lewis and Linda Bellemare. On April 9th, 54 volunteers from the community came to Watertown High School to speak with sophomores about their careers. Over 75% of the speakers were Watertown High School Alumni. Students learned about the necessary skills, training, and education to enter each field. Students also got to learn about what a typical day working in each field is like. This Career Day event will better help prepare sophomores before they enter junior year and begin to focus on taking courses tailored to their potential career paths and preparing for the SATs.

Thank you to all of the alumni that came out for the event, the teachers who organized, and the students who listened to our stories.

This year we brought a video crew to document the event, with hopes of creating better TOWN content. Stay tuned!

Giving Hope: Heather Humphrey

Heather Humphrey, Class of 2008, Oakville, Connecticut

What are you up to? I work as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner for an outpatient behavioral health program. I care for both patients with mental illness as well as substance abuse. I provide medication assisted treatment (such as Suboxone) to individuals with Opiate Use Disorder and work with an amazing group of clinicians to provide group programs and services to these patients. 

Other than my career I’m a mom to two beautiful boys and I have an amazing husband.

How'd you get here? Growing up I’ve had a lot of personal experience with substance abuse and mental health. Seeing first-hand what it can do to someone and their loved ones pushed me to find a way to help those in need. Watertown High School have me a great starting point, as I started in the CNA program there. From there I went to college for to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and began my career as a Psychiatric Nurse on an inpatient floor. I became manager of the floor while I pursued my degree as a Psych Nurse Practitioner. Once this was done, I started working at the outpatient program. They had a need in their addictions program, so I offered to help there (not realizing at the time I had an interest in addictions). I fell in love with working with those patients and the rest is history. I now work with those who have mental health issues as well as those with substance abuse problems.

What are your goals? The goal I have for my practice, and life in general, is to give people hope. Hope that there is help out there and someone who cares. Hope that the addiction doesn’t have to continue to run their lives and that they can and will overcome it. My goal is to help people realize that mental health as well as addiction are a disease. I believe there needs to be more education about mental health and substance abuse problems and more support from our communities to help these individuals.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? As much as I love my life and where I am both personally and in my career, there are days I wish I traveled more, tried new things, explored the world. Be fearless, don’t let anyone tell you what should make you happy or what kind of life you should have.

The Hard Things - Share Your Story

“I think this is a beautiful idea to begin a platform not only addressing the good but the bad as well. Finding others you can genuinely connect with who share similar feelings will help to build a stronger more cohesive community. Expressing ones inner thoughts allows others to heal along side them whether that be independently or as a unit.”

We asked the TOWN community to tell us the problems that they think are the most common, but unspoken about, in our community. Thank you to those who took the time to give us feedback. The top three biggest problems we’ve heard are mental iIllness, alcoholism, opioid addiction. Racism, sexism, and loneliness were also mentioned as problems, but not nearly as often as these others.

We are starting to write a series on each called the Hard Things, focusing on mental illness, alcoholism, and opioid addiction. To make this really impactful, we’d love for WHS alumni community to share their own Hard Things stories. De-stigmatizing mental illness and substance abuse disorders can benefit our community; your story could encourage someone to finally reach out for help or give someone hope that they too can recover.

We all know someone who has struggled with at least one of these hard things. Some of us may have even experienced them ourselves. If you feel motivated to share any bit of your story, anonymously or owning it, we support you and will make sure this is the safest space to share it.

[If you are filling this out anonymously - in the fields Name, Email, just put “Anonymous” and “anonymous@anonymous.com”]

Read more about benefits of destigmatizing here: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2016/07-08/upfront-destigmatizing

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201705/the-catastrophic-effects-mental-health-stigma

Townies Talk 2019 - WHS Alumni Week

On Monday April 8, 2019 TOWN and WHS will be hosting our second annual Townies Talk, an alumni storyteller panel at Watertown High School. Alumni are invited to return to the high school to share your story, answer questions, and inspire current WHS students. In addition, on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, we are inviting alumni to attend Career Day for Sophomores.

We're excited that there are two opportunities for alumni to head back to WHS to share their stories. It’ll be great to be off-line and in real-life, to share ideas, and inspire the community.

WHS Students can sign up in the library with Nicole Lewis.

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Itinerary

Monday April 8th - 8:30am- 11am

Alumni are invited to Watertown High School for breakfast, coffee, and storytelling. Story tellers will share their stories with WHS students. The first portion of the morning will be devoted to sharing stories and answering student questions. If time permits, we will then break up into smaller groups based upon career/interest to answer questions and talk personally with students.

Confirmed speakers are:  Matt O’Meara, Lauren Parenteau (Vail), Elizabeth Saraceno, Emily Cusick, Brooke Duffany, Samantha Trayer, Jamie Trayer, Nathaniel Habeggar, Colleen Murphy, Elizabeth Almerinda Mendes, John Dipaola, & Ed Norton

*Note: Townies Talk Breakfast Panel is not open to the public; this event is specifically for WHS students, staff, speakers, sponsors and volunteers only.

Tuesday April 9th - 8:30am - 11am

WHS will be hosting Career Panels for our Sophomore students. On this morning, sophomores will rotate between panels of guest speakers representing various careers to learn about the training/schooling needs, what it is like to work in that field, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Confirmed alumni are:  Bob LaBonne Jr., Matt O’Meara, Lauren Parenteau (Vail), Emily Cusick, Jennifer Donato, Samantha Trayer, Jamie Trayer, Colleen Murphy, Elizabeth Almerinda Mendes Ed Norton & so many others!

*You do not need to prepare anything for this event - you would simply show up and speak informally with a small group of students about your career.

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Can’t make the event? Share your story!

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Like what we are doing? We need funds to keep things like this going! Donate today and help us create the best experience for Townies Talk. 

WHS CJ Saraceno Scholarship FundRager

Please join TOWN Mag, the class of 2007 and the Saraceno family in supporting the CJ Saraceno Scholarship fund by celebrating his 30th birthday at La Bella Vista in Waterbury on Friday, February 1, 2019. Tickets are $50.

On September 29, 2013 our fellow alumnus tragically lost his life in an unexpected motor vehicle accident in Los Angeles, CA. Upon hearing of his passing and in order to honor his memory, his classmates created the CJ Saraceno Scholarship Fund. The Watertown High School class of 2007 donated their entire treasury to the fund. To date, 7 scholarships have been award to Watertown High School students in CJ’s name. In order to keep it going, we’re inviting you to join us at the fundraiser to raise money. It will include hors d’oeurves, a cash bar, live music, and raffle prizes. Can’t attend? Make a donation! Venmo a donation to @cjwhsscholarship with the name “Donation” or “Ticket” in the subject.

#chasejoy

Happy New Year, Townies

Happy New Year, Townies! We love the idea of starting fresh, of course. 2018 was a great year for TOWN and as we reflect we can’t help but be grateful for all of the support from the community. Thanks for following along with us and helping us check off our goals. Our biggest goal last year was to create the event Townies Talk, and we did it!

In 2019, we have some very specific goals that we want to put out into the universe: publish at least 12 more alumni stories, hold another Townies Talk event with the goal of reaching 4x as many students and having double the alumni speakers, and to start our series about The Hard Things so that we can be more real, raw, and honest with our content. A plus would be creating a TOWN video, but we’ll see about that.

Keep supporting us in 2019, find us on social media and spread the word to friends. If you haven’t shared your story yet, share it today and inspire someone. Help us reach our goal!

Always Smiling: Jeffrey Desena

Jeffrey Desena, Class of 1996, Watertown, CT

What are you up to? I am currently the District Resource Officer for all of the public schools in the Town of Watertown. I spend the majority of my day at Watertown High School but I also teach D.A.R.E. at Swift Middle School. The program is geared towards helping kids make smart decisions and really go over their options prior to high school. In my spare time I coach youth soccer in town for WAYS.

How'd you get here? It was a long road, to be honest. I graduated from WHS in 1996 and had no clue what career path I wanted to follow. I attended Naugatuck Valley Community College initially for Business Management. I felt like something was missing and took a few Sociology and Criminal Justice courses which really deepened my interest in Law Enforcement. I began taking police tests and was hired by the Town of Watertown. Over my 18 years here, I’ve worked night and day shift patrol, did a temporary Detective Bureau stint, and have been Union Vice President and Treasurer. The School Resource Officer position was posted in 2016 and it is something I always wanted to do. I felt like I would be a good fit because even though I had a great family growing up, I often found myself in trouble due to bad decision making and poor friend choices. I can relate to the kids and give them constructive criticism based on my experiences. I have been amazed at their trust in me and there is not a day that goes by where I do not go to work with a smile. It can feel like a burden when a lot of kids count on you, but I love it and would not have it any other way. I feel like I found my true niche in my profession.

What are your goals? My future goals are to continue working with kids, and trying to be a positive influence. When I retire I would ultimately like to move down south. The hotter the better.

What has been your biggest challenge? My biggest challenge has been trying to find myself within my career. Although I love policing, I always felt like something was missing being on patrol. A lot of your interactions with people happen in negative situations. Once in a while, you feel like you make a difference, but a lot of the time you have to uphold the law and be stern. As District Resource Officer, it me an opportunity to do the community policing I absolutely love to do.

What has been your happiest moment?: When kids tell me they appreciate what I do for them.

Advice for WHS Students? Just be yourself. High School is about finding yourself. I feel when you are being yourself - that is true happiness.

If you could tell your high school self one thing, what would it be? Listen to Mom and Dad! They were right.

Going and Homecoming

Going and Homecoming | Written by Demo Gakidis

I wanted to get out of Watertown. I never felt as though it were for me. Too small. Too boring. I believed I was destined for more. My parents moved into town only a few years before I was born – I never felt the generational pull to the town others had. Went to school in Watertown, was an okay student. Probably could have tried harder, though. Maybe I would have left earlier. My friends were good. We’d drive around town. Invent games just to keep ourselves entertained. Pulled together by a need to get out.

I eventually left. And I came back. And I left again. And, still, I come back sometimes. I know the old adage is that you don’t appreciate something until it’s gone. Well, Watertown is never truly gone. In fact, it’s very much the same. Shocking, even, in its sameness. Every time I expect this miraculous change to exist and it doesn’t happen. I change. I’ve gone off to college, secured a full time job, left the country for a bit. In all those times, I’ve come back thinking, oh yes can’t wait to see how different everything is. But it’s always the same. I’m different. Sure, maybe shops have closed down or new ones opened up. Or more houses are being built in what was once just land you hardly noticed existed. But, at the heart of it, Watertown is still exactly the same. Sleepy. Quaint. Familiar.

So, if you want to leave Watertown, go out. Leave. Discover the world outside of Watertown. It’s massive. It’s unpredictable. It’s scary. But, it’s yours to see. When you lived the life you dreamed for yourself on the shores of Lake Winnemaug years and years ago, come back to Watertown. Connect with friends. Drive down the little roads you used to every day. Get a bagel from your favorite breakfast place. Marvel about how much time has passed. Watertown will be there, waiting for you.

Demosthenes (Demo) Gakidis is lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and works as a Research Coordinator at PSTAR (Program on Sexuality, Technology, Action Research) at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Connecticut in 2013 and a master's degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Pennsylvania in 2018. 

Sponsor Highlight: CrossFit Reload

We're so excited that CrossFit Reload has sponsored us for the second year in a row. CrossFit Reload has been in the Watertown since 2007 and is the Watertown community's first CrossFit gym. The best news: they are growing! They'll be moving to a much larger box this May, and to be true to their Watertown roots, of course they are staying in town!