Thriving in the Desert: Joshua Thompson

Joshua Thompson, Class of 2011, Phoenix AZ

What are you up to? I'm currently working as a dining room manager for a retirement community. I love working with the elderly; they inspire me everyday to keep pushing towards my goals and working towards a better me.

How'd you get here? I graduated high school in 2011 and went off to my dream school In Boston. Unfortunately, life took quite a turn and I packed up and moved to Phoenix, AZ after only a year and a half of college. I thought I would never get anywhere out here. I was lost. No friends, no job, no nothing. After only a month, I received a call from a company I didn't even remember applying to. I honestly thought it would be temporary. I was hired as a server and relief cook. I worked my butt off proving myself to anyone who would pay attention. After a year, I became a kitchen supervisor. But that just wasn't for me so I worked and worked until I was given the opportunity to run the dining room. It has been an amazing experience to this day.

What are your goals? My goal right now is to be in upper level hotel restaurant management. Maybe even run my own hotel someday.

Advice for WHS Students? Don't give up. You may be growing up in a small town but you're not limited to the small town. You really can do anything and go anywhere. If you have a dream to go somewhere, then go. Don't worry about the money, it will find its way. Everything always works out. If you put good out into the world you really will get it back ten times over.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go? Thailand.

Have you told your story yet?

We'd love your feedback! Have you told your story yet? If you have, great! If not, let us know why. 

The Power of Predicting the Future: Ryan Jacovich

Ryan Jacovich, Class of 2009, Watertown, CT

What are you up to? Currently working as a database marketing analyst at Reed Exhibitions in Norwalk. They are the worldwide leader in organizing trade shows in both the business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) realms. Some of the more well known shows we organize include the PGA merchandise show, New York Comic Con, PAX shows, and Book Con. 

My job comes into play on the data side. I spend a lot of my time writing SQL code to pull data from our internal database of contacts. This determines our set of individuals that would receive messaging about an upcoming show. 

The other major portion of my job is devoted to special projects mostly of a statistical nature. This is the area that interests me the most because I can try to literally predict the future! We use statistical modeling techniques to try and solve business problems. A few examples include predicting which of our exhibitors are likely to not come back to the following year's event, and scoring a specific list of individuals to try and figure out who the best customers are. Some of these projects are being done for the first time within the company, so I've been able to grow with these projects. The fact that all of this can be done using math is honestly pretty amazing. 

My most recent project has been to build an entire database from scratch using a newly learned programming language.  Myself and two others from the team have been pulling our best "Silicon Valley" impersonation by not only building the database, but putting that data into a visualization software program for others in the company to be able to consume it easier.  Rather than having to make some charts and graphs in excel, you simply just pick what you want to see and everything you need to know appears at the push of a button.  It has been the most difficult thing I've ever tried to do, but it has been incredibly rewarding.

I have been granted the opportunity to work on some amazing projects here.  It is easy to go to work when you love what you do and enjoy who you do it with.  Our team knows how to stay loose and have fun.. certainly not your stereotypical data nerds.

How'd you get here? I graduated from Bryant University in 2013 with a degree in Business with concentrations in Finance and Applied Math and Statistics (quite the mouthful). I started off planning to be some sort of Wall Street banker managing my investments, but quickly learned that it wasn't all that interesting to me. 

I've always been a math person and my first statistics class had me hooked. I graduated with a 4.0 in my stats concentration and got my first job right out of college at Mohegan Sun. I was privy to all sorts of interesting data on our customers and was able to learn my second programming language. I also was able to apply the statistical modeling techniques I had learned at Bryant. I was there for a year and half until I was headhunted on LinkedIn (get a profile if you don't have one) and wound up at Reed 3 weeks later.

What are your goals? I want to keep learning. I have the privilege of working with a full-time statistician, which has been amazing for advancing my knowledge in the field. I want to be able to answer questions with data rather than opinions. An answer backed up by numbers and facts is a powerful answer indeed.

It's also a goal of mine to get my work-life balance back in order. I've been spending a lot of time focusing on work, so I've made it a point to go out more. I've picked up golf in the last year, joined the company softball team, and made some more appearances at happy hours in the Norwalk area.  I'm still undecided, but I've thought about moving down to Fairfield/Norwalk as well.. great area!

Advice for WHS Students? 

1. Although you may be a ways away from the work world.. make sure you find something you enjoy doing. Sitting down at a desk job would be brutal if I didn't honestly love working with data. 

2. I mentioned it earlier, but get a LinkedIn and keep it updated.  I've come across countless opportunities from it and it's the only reason I'm at Reed right now.

3. Be respectful and open to helping people.  They will remember; trust me!

What is your greatest weakness? Probably my attention to detail. Sometimes I get too wrapped up and focused on a problem. I can do 90% of the work in 30 minutes but the last 10% might take 2 hours.  That 90% might be good enough already!

Japan was Not Part of the Plan: Christine Bradshaw

Christine Bradshaw, Class of 2012, Yamato, Kanagawa, Japan

What are you up to? I am currently a live-in nanny for an American military family in Japan. So basically, I hang out with 4 of the cutest kids Monday through Friday and get paid for it. The oldest are home schooled, so I help with their schooling as well. Not a bad gig. When I'm not nannying I'm also a private English tutor. And when I'm not doing either of those I'm trying to navigate through Japan without getting lost.

How'd you get here? This past summer after graduating, I was a live-in nanny for part of the summer for a family living in the DC area. I had the best time ever. I got to live in a new area and explore DC, but unlike the 8th grade trip, I actually absorbed some of the significance. While nannying I was applying to every teaching job under the sun. I was determined to use my degree in elementary education to be a teacher right after graduation. In the beginning I didn't have much luck. Eventually I did receive a couple of job offers, but they were either not where I wanted to be or in a grade/setting I didn't want to work in. Fears of not having a job I loved, or worse (having to move back home) set in. I thought that maybe I should look into nannying because I really enjoyed myself while doing it. So the mother I was nannying for posted a Facebook status asking if anyone needed a nanny. Sure enough, she got a few responses and a few emails later my flight was booked for Japan.

What are your goals? I have no idea. Seriously, I thought about it and I really don't know. I'm kind of taking everything a year at a time because who knows what life will look like a year from now and where I'll be. Oh, but I definitely want to own a bunch of dogs and travel a bunch but no real adult goals yet.

Advice for WHS Students? You don't have to follow the path everyone else is taking. It was really hard for me a first to delay going into teaching because I thought that was what I was supposed to do. I stopped trying to live by a plan. Now I'm living in a new country, learning so many new things and I'm so happy I did it. Take risks, seize opportunities and blaze your own path. Life definitely doesn't go as planned.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go? Galápagos Islands

Software Engineer and Underwater Investigator: Joseph Adamski

Joseph Adamski, Class of 2009, Newington, CT

What are you up to? I am currently working as a software engineer at HYPACK in Middletown, which was a small start up company that was bought out by a Fortune 500. The software we develop deals with the field of hydrography, such as using echo sounders in order to generate maps of the ocean bottom. Most of my time is spent working on magnetometers, which assist various organizations in finding all sorts of objects on the seafloor such as unexploded ordinance or ship wrecks. I've also recently been doing some work on measuring water quality using environmental sensors in order to ensure drinking water is safe. 

I'm currently finishing up my MBA at Central Connecticut State University in business analytics. So hopefully when I'm burned out on being a code monkey I can move onto new things.

How'd you get here? Probably the biggest help in getting to where I am today was financial assistance. Mr. Lozaw and Mr. Brown wrote me a letter of recommendation for a National Science Foundation scholarship, which ended up covering the majority of my tuition at CCSU while getting my Bachelors in Computer Science. AP Java was also a big help in getting me started in the field, so kudos to the now retired Miss Smith. Other than that, I just really like programming and so I made it my job.

What are your goals? In my undergrad, I double majored in sociology and computer science. I have always wanted to get my PhD in a topic such as computational social science which combines the two fields.

Advice for WHS Students? Find a career path you really like. Don't rush into anything and take your time. You're bound to have a few flounders and failures but it is how you learn and recover from them that really matters.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go? Bletchley Park

Coaching with New Goals: Emily O'Connor

Emily O'Connor, Class of 2009, Watertown CT

What are you up to? Well, I'm in school... again. I just got into Waterbury UCONN's accelerated nursing program, where I'll receive my second bachelors degree. 

I actually still spend a lot of time at WHS. I coach during fall semester (volleyball) and spring semester (softball). Coaching has become a huge part of who I am and being able to do so at my alma mater makes it that much more fun! I coach the sports that I fell in love with, with all of the coaches who taught me. Yes - all my coaches are still there. Ally Demarest was my volleyball coach in Senior year of high school. Keith Borkowski and George Palomba have coached me since I was 13 year old. Now, they are the men I stand beside on the softball field, coaching. To have a full circle experience (playing, coaching and umping) has given me a better appreciation for each sport.

How'd you get here? After graduating high school I moved to New Haven and attended SCSU for 4 years and received my Bachelors Degree in Bilingual Speech Pathology. 2 years and approximately 20 graduate school rejection letters later (yes - 20) I decided to move on. I worked for one year as an ABA therapist; I worked one-on-one with children who where non-verbally autistic. While this was a rewarding job, I knew it was not my CAREER.

My new goal is nursing. I'll be the third generation of nurses in my family. I had to re-take EVERY science class I ever took at SCSU, because mine where now either too old or based on speech pathology (I was thrilled). I saved some money and did this at NVCC. During this time, I was coaching and working as the special events coordinator for Watertown Parks and Recreation. All of these things leads us to present day Emily. I'm still coaching, waiting for more schooling, and working at the Parks and Rec office (10 years later).

What are your goals? I would ultimately like to work in pediatric nursing nursing and eventually become a Nurse Practitioner. I love helping people, so cliche, I know... but I do.

Advice for WHS Students? It's okay to be rejected (coming from me, I was rejected over 20 times for graduate schools, I know the feeling). It's is not always negative, it's simply a change of plans. 

Also, stay in touch with your high school friends because while your college friends are great, my best friend has been the same person since day one. Thanks Han!

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go? Ireland.

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Learning to Fly: 2nd Lt Zach Holmes

Zach Holmes, Class of 2012, Pensacola FL

What are you up to? I'm currently studying to become a Combat Systems Officer in the United States Air Force. It's like the old navigator position, but I could also be responsible for electronic warfare and/or all combat systems, depending on the aircraft I'm in. I'm basically a high-tech version of "Goose" from "Top Gun".

How'd you get here? I graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May, 2016 with a B.S. in Physics. I also commissioned as a 2d Lt in the United States Air Force, after going through ROTC.

What are your goals? I'm focused on getting through our rigorous training program first. After that, I'd love to be assigned to either an F-15E, an AC-130, or a B-1. They're really cool aircrafts. I also want to travel (a lot).

Advice for WHS Students? Don't be afraid of failure. Failure is the key to success. If you do poorly at something, take a step back from it, analyze the situation, and take the proper action to make sure you succeed at it the next time around, or learn a lesson from it. The only time failure hurts you is when you decide to ignore it or dwell on it.

If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?  I would love to go to New Zealand. I've always wanted to hike across it.

A Townie Pirate: Mike Lemay

Mike Lemay, Class of 2009, Fort Lauderdale, FL

What are you up to? I've been living and working as the first mate onboard a private yacht for the past year or so (yes, like the show Below Deck). We basically just go island hopping around the Caribbean, helping the boss and his family on vacation.

How'd you get here? Well, after I graduated from UConn with my Bachelors in Education and a business management minor, I stepped into the "real world" and wasn't sure what I wanted to do. We've all heard the cliché "do what you love and you won't work a day in your life." Well, two of my favorite things to do are boats and beaches, so I packed my truck and drove to Fort Lauderdale. That pretty much brings us up to here.

What are your goals? I actually just started the process for my next two steps. I'm getting my captains license next month, and shortly thereafter I plan to start a yacht management company. Other than that, I've woken up happy every day since I started in this industry, so if I can keep that up, I'll be satisfied.

Advice for WHS Students? I'll have to answer this with the same cliché I've been living my life by:

DO WHAT YOU LOVE!

It doesn't matter if it's cars, art, sports or science. There are far too many people I've met that don't enjoy what they do, and it kills me. It's great to have goals in life, just make sure the juice is worth the squeeze. 

Also, listen to your parents! I never thought my dad knew what I was going through, but it turns out he did. Now I'm asking my dad questions nearly every day.

What is the last movie you saw in the theatre? The Revenant

From College to the NFL: Tom Frenette

Tom Frenette, Class of 2010, Miami, FL

What are you up to? Currently working as a video producer & editor for the Miami Dolphins. My 5th grade Polk School yearbook says I wanted to be a Wide Receiver for the Dolphins when I'm 30. I'm not making the big bucks like those guys, but I get to run out with them during player intros. Close enough right?

How'd you get here? After WHS, I went to SCSU for 4 years. I couldn't have asked for a better place to really grow up. The opportunities it awarded landed me my dream job right out of school!

What are your goals? Just to better myself everyday. It's usually something that relates to learning or trying something new in my profession, but it can also be something as small as being polite or trying to limit my road rage due to the incompetent South Florida drivers.

Advice for WHS Students? Broaden your horizons. WHS isn't the most diverse school, but that just isn't the case in the real world. Go outside your comfort zone, and meet people different than yourself. You'll be much better for it.

What is your greatest weakness? I second guess myself too often.

The Results Are In: What field do you work in?

So a few days ago we asked what field you guys are in. Here are some results. Health & Medical take the lead along with Education. We also got 6 responses from people who didn't attend WHS - so that's cool.

If you didn't take the poll - go ahead and submit your answers!

What Field do you Work In?

So far - these are the fields of work of our story tellers. Pretty diverse, eh?

But, these are not all of the fields out there! Who is working in transportation, construction, fishing or farming? Who is working in entertainment or law? Let's show WHS students what is out there. We know a job is just one part of the story - but what field of work are you in? Tell us your story today.

Share Your Story

Think Small for Big Impact

We are told so often to think about the big picture, that I started to wonder, are we forgetting about the smaller picture? The one that directly affects our daily lives? If we have an open mind to think “smaller”, “closer”, and “more local”, can we create a bigger impact? Let’s take a step back.. or maybe, a step closer.

Every day, we are sorting through tons of media and information. It’s not easy to take a break and look around at our personal present and reality. We are taken out of the moment and thrown into something much larger than ourselves. We become so overwhelmed that we feel as though we can’t make an impact because we feel so tiny compared to the “big picture” (or at least I do).

This is where it’s okay to “think small”. If we focus our energy on the local level, rather than worrying about the “big” picture that we are so often presented, we can affect great change in ways that often surprise us.

This "small" thought is what lead me to TOWN Mag. TOWN’s mission is to focus on our own small community, our roots, and our public high school in Watertown, CT. We can connect and strengthen the community by using this platform to share stories and inspire young adults who will someday be the ones creating change.

Here are some ways you yourself can improve the Watertown community - or whichever place you now call home.

Create Jobs - Do you own a business in town and could use some help? Create a job. Do you have skills and knowledge a high school or young adult could benefit from? Create an internship. Empower young people to succeed and make your business or idea stronger.

Shop Small - You’ve heard this so often, but it really is true. Stay away from these big chain stores and find what you are looking for in smaller establishments. By supporting the local economy and community, it will thrive. Buy a gift from those adorable shops downtown. Eat out on Main Street. The more money we put into our community, the better it will be.

Bring People Together - Plan a town-wide concert, makers-faire, or festival. Start an annual block party with your neighbors. Create a traditional Thursday night pot-luck and have friends and family come over to eat a delish meal. There doesn’t need to be a reason for celebration - these are the things that make us human and feed our souls.

Help Out - Make it a goal to help someone out or volunteer in town. Hang out with older townies who need some company or volunteer to babysit younger townies when a friend needs a hand. Use your skills and help with photography for a non-profit. Adopt a rescue dog. There are so many ways to lend a hand and brighten a day.

Be Kind - I know, I know, I'm a little bit cliche when it comes to these. But, we are all in this together. Be nice to your neighbors, your friends, your enemies, your boss, your employees, your kids, your dog, your neighbor, your cranky friend, your teacher, that guy who walks by your house every morning. At the end of the day, it’s the thing that matters most.

Are you already making big impact by "thinking smaller”? Share your story with TOWN. 

A Running RN: Jennifer D'Angelo

Jennifer D'Angelo, Class of 2008, Cheshire, CT

What are you up to? I'm very happy to be a registered nurse at Smilow Cancer Hospital, part of Yale-New Haven Hospital. I started working there in May, on one of the outpatient floors. My day consists of administering chemotherapy to hematology patients (patients diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma), drawing their labs and giving them blood products as needed. I love taking care of oncology patients. They are the nicest, most grateful people I have ever met. I have taken care of cancer patients whose ages range from early 20s to 90s. 

I recently passed my oncology nursing certification and I am going into my 2nd semester as a graduate nursing student at Western CT State University in the Adult Nurse Practitioner Program. 

Even after tearing my meniscus and getting knee surgery in 2014, I'm still running. I ran my 2nd half-marathon last November; the Disneyland Half Marathon.

How'd you get here? Before my current job, I worked as a RN at Saint Mary's Hospital on an inpatient medical oncology floor. The floor was not 100% oncology so when I got tired of working the 3pm-11pm shift, I moved on to my current job. I absolutely love oncology nursing. If someone told me in high school or even while I was in nursing school, that I would work in oncology, I would have told them, "No way! It's too sad!" But after I graduated nursing school, I had two grandparents diagnosed with cancer. They passed away a year later. It changed me, in a good way. I really love being able to give back to these patients and their families.

What are your goals? In December 2018, I will be done with my MSN degree, take my boards, and become a certified APRN. My dream job would be to continue to work at Yale-New Haven Hospital as one of their oncology APRNs. After I graduate, I want to get married and have kids. 

I also want to run more half marathons and hopefully a full marathon if my knee cooperates.

Advice for WHS Students?

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. Remember what makes you comfortable will never make you grow. 

Don't take your high school relationships seriously. You will change so much even though you may think you won't, you will. True love comes around when you LEAST expect it to. Don't go searching. 

Don't take things or people for granted. Be grateful for your health and for the people in your life who love you. 

May the force be with you.

What is your greatest weakness? I worry too much.

A Townie Mad Scientist: Patrick Finneran

Patrick Finneran, Class of 2010, Waltham, MA

What are you up to? I'm going into my third year of my PhD program for Biochemistry and Biophysics at Brandeis University. For the most part, I work in a research lab and take very few classes. I do research that uses the study of evolution to better understand problems faced in different types of cancer on the level of proteins and molecular interactions.

I've also recently had the chance to drive across the country with my girlfriend and see all the major places I've wanted to see in the United States.

To me, biochemistry and traveling are just different ways to learn more about the world.

How'd you get here? I was lead to think that I wasn't going to succeed if I studied chemistry. For many of my high school classes, I rarely did my homework and some teachers never saw me as one of the best students. No one ever had to directly say it, but it was implied. Statements would be made about the types of students that succeed in college and I never felt like one of them. This had a large impact on me.

I had a very positive experience with psychology in high school and I enjoyed it a lot. So, I went to college as a psychology/Pre-Med major at Western Connecticut State University. Within less than a year I learned I was not in the right program and switched to major in chemistry, which is what I really wanted to do. Eventually, I joined a brand new lab in the department and did biochemistry research for about 2 years. I worked on a research project focused on malaria. Eventually, I applied to a few grad schools and found the one that offered exactly what I was looking for in a program.

What are your goals? I've been changing my goals and making them up as I go along; that's the fun part. One year ago, I would have said I wanted to teach at a college for undergraduates. Right now, I've been thinking about working at a law firm and going to law school to work in intellectual property law for biotech companies. My family will most likely laugh at me if I keep going to school.

Advice for WHS Students? Don't let others influence your opinion of yourself. If you want to do something; go for it. College gives you more motivation than what high school gives you. Also, talk with others about your problems. In my PhD program, every student has a different strength and weakness and it's helpful when we remind each other that both science and life are hard and we can't be perfect so we shouldn't stress out so much.

What is your greatest weakness? Laziness

Townies Worldwide

We have started to fill up our World Map of Townies. That's right, a World Map of Townies. Are you a Global Townie? Do you have an amazing travel story?

Share your story today and snag your spot on the map. 

A Ski Bum & Soccer Coach with a Masters: Jamie Trayer

Jamie Trayer, Class of 2009, Castleton, VT

What are you up to?: I was recently hired as a Program Director for Rutland Recreation and Parks Department. In addition, I am the assistant and goalkeeper coach for Castleton University Women's soccer team. My program director position is very hands on and diverse; one of the main reasons I applied for the job. Currently I develop, direct, supervise and evaluate assigned program activities specific to two facilities within the city, Giorgetti Arena and White Pool. Girogetti Arena is a three season facility that converts from an indoor skate-park (summer), to an ice arena (winter) and then to a turf field (spring). White Pool is currently under a complete renovation and expected to open in June 2017! I also oversee the mountain biking programs, day camps, and adult athletic leagues. My job definitely keeps me on the toes with it's ever changing environment and circumstances, but it allows me to take a creative approach when researching current trends and developing new programming and facility updates. I feel like I need a climbing rope for this huge learning curve but I wouldn't have it any other way. It challenges me just as my athletes do coaching at the collegiate level.

In my spare time I am the part-time assistant and goalkeeper coach for the Castleton Women's Soccer Team. This is my third year with the program and I am hyped to see what this fall has to offer. We are bringing in one of our best recruiting classes yet, that not only offers great talent but phenomenal young women as well.

How'd you get here? I moved to VT just before the end of my undergraduate degree to finish an internship at Green Mountain College as their Assistant Strength and Conditioning coach. Upon completion, I "ski-bumed" it for a year, snowboarding at Killington Mountain while working at Darkside Snowboard Shop and Sun-up Bakery, both located on the Killington Access Road. I was just hanging out, living life, when I ran into one of my connections through Green Mountain College. I was told that the Graduate Assistant (GA) Women's Soccer Coach position unexpectedly opened and they needed someone to step in. Having a background of coaching and playing at the collegiate level, I applied and was hired that week. That opportunity was incredible. As a GA, I coached for their women's soccer team while pursuing my masters degree in Athletic Leadership. I just graduated this past May with a Masters in Athletic Administration. Due to my incredible relationship with my coaching staff and athletes, I decided to stay in the area post-grad and was offered a part-time coaching position for the Fall. Knowing that I was staying, I began searching for a job while I was interning at Middlebury College in Event Management this past spring. I happened upon the Program Director position three days before the deadline and applied. One thing lead to another and here I am!

What are your goals? Since I was young, my end goal has been to be happy in every aspect of my life. I don’t need to make millions of dollars or own pricey materialistic things to define my success or happiness. I’ve discovered that if I obtain a career that I love and am passionate about it, I’ll never have to work a day in my life. Right now, I am happy where I am. My job gives me opportunity to give back on a much larger scale. I get so much love and enjoyment seeing my athletes progress with a new skill. My position as a Program Director allows me to do just that for so many more people. I provide people with fun.

I would love to continue to excel within my coaching career as well. I currently hold two certifications in strength and conditioning and soccer and have goals to renew them annually. I would like to obtain my Level I, II and III Goalkeeping License from the National Soccer Coaches Association in America within the next year or so and obtain my National and Advanced National Goalkeeping Licenses within the next five years. We all have goals to travel and see the world, so in time, that will present itself.

Advice for WHS Students? Breathe, trust yourself and take chances. Every opportunity that has presented itself to me since graduating college and moving to VT, has just happened. I never really had a "plan". It's okay to not know what is next and it's okay to be scared. Sometimes you just have to go with it. That's what I'm doing and the ride has been incredible. Work hard but make time for you. Remember that work is work and life is life. Do what you love and smile.

What are the ingredients for a perfect day? Sound sleep, delicious coffee, killer tunes, great company & spontaneous adventures (waking up to 24" of snow would be amazing as well *pow day*!)

Creating a Community: Hannah Provost

Hannah Provost, Class of 2006, Plattsburgh, NY

What are you up to? We are raising our family while I build my career as a financial advisor. The community we live in is a big part of our lives. We absolutely love Plattsburgh because of how welcoming it has been, how much hope there is for the future, and how incredibly beautiful the landscape is.

How'd you get here? After high school I went to University of Vermont - if you ask Geoff Lutz he would say it was for "Save the Whale Economics".. but really, I went for environmental studies and community & economic development. I didn't love college so I decided to work instead after my Freshman year. I started a career in banking and I met my husband.

About 4 years ago, my husband's job brought us to Plattsburgh. I became interested in becoming a financial advisor after my experience as a branch manager in a local bank. I'm currently finishing up my Bachelor's Degree (apparently I was on the 10 year plan) and have obtained my FINRA series 7 & 65 licenses. In the last 4 years, we also became foster parents and adopted our two amazing, resilient daughters (ages 4 & 6).

What are your goals? I want to raise my girls to be strong, independent, and kind. I want to build a stellar career as a financial planner that allows me to be an active learner. I want to be a leader in growing my community and making it a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Advice for WHS Students? Keep your mind open to new opportunities. The life I have now, which I absolutely love, is one that I could never have imagined even 5 years ago.

What is the last movie you saw in the theatre? Our arts center did a showing of Monsters Inc a couple months ago!

Business Chic and Inspired: Gina Bianca

Gina Bianca, Class of 2009, Southington, CT

What are you up to? I currently own a successful hair salon in Southington which I established in 2014. Gina Bianca Hair is one of the best hair salons in the state and I employ eight talented professionals who are dedicated to making people's day! We service clients from all walks of life and always enjoy the diversity that our location and brand gives us. Currently, I am in the process of expanding my location from 1600 square feet to 4,000 square feet and we have only been open 18 months. Outside of working in the salon, I am in the process of closing on my first home, which will double as an income property. In my free time, which is scarce, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, spoiling my dog and traveling when I can.

How'd you get here? When Junior year at WHS came along and I had to start thinking about college, I must have applied to 20 random schools for all different things. I wanted to be a plastic surgeon, a marine biologist, a teacher, a guidance counselor, a social worker - I had no idea. I had never performed well in school, so I ended up finishing high school and planned on working until I figured it out. Right before graduation, Mrs. Zimmerman assigned us a project where we had to create a business plan and a business for our final project. For no specific reason, I created a hair salon that doubles as a tattoo shop. I was so excited about it and put more time and passion into that assignment than any homework I had ever had. It got me thinking about hair school. I ended up signing up on a whim at the Paul Mitchell School in North Haven and it changed my life forever.

Flash forward a few years and I was doing hair, stuck in auto pilot and not truly fulfilled. I was partying every night, not giving work much effort and pretty much lost passion for what I loved. If you really want to know the secret of how I became successful so quickly, it was that I gave up drugs and alcohol for a solid 3 years and became solely focused on my goals. I knew I wanted to open a business and the one thing holding me back was myself. I spent all my money at the bar, didn't have motivation and surely wasn't looking professional; so I completely stopped! My sobriety opened my eyes to a new world. It hadn't dawned on me that I was never truly myself all of these years, I was living a lifestyle that was destructive and not pushing me towards my goals. I stopped drinking 9/13/12 and remained sober until January of 2016. After all of my hard work and accomplishments I decided that I was allowed to have a little fun again! The discipline, focus and control I had when I was completely sober and focused is how I got where I am today. Now I have no issue partying and having fun in moderation but I am so grateful for the time I spent focused on my career goals!

What are your goals? My goal is to follow through with our expansion and help my team achieve all of their personal and professional goals. I hope to have a staff of 20 inspiring people and grow GBH into a million dollar salon by 2018. We are projected to hit our goals if we keep going the way we have been. I also would like to build my dream house by 2020 and invest in a few more rental properties!

Advice for WHS Students?

1. Always be true to yourself and never think your dreams and goals are too big. Have goals and dreams that are so big you feel uncomfortable telling small minded people. You will be surprised how much support you receive from strangers over friends and family. The people you think will be there for you sometimes won't and that's okay - some journeys are meant to be traveled alone.

2. You have no control over how people act or what happens to you. The only control you have is how you react to what life throws at you. Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react. Also know that if your dreams and goals aren't happening then chances are the problem is you. If you are strong enough to make sacrifices and adjust your behavior you can literally achieve anything in this world that you want - and if anyone tells you otherwise cut them out of your life because chances are they will never be happy for you anyway. 

3. If you're the smartest person in the room you're in the wrong room.

4. Make your Mom proud.

What is the last movie you saw in the theatre? I can't even remember the last time I was at the movies but I'm obsessed with Netflix and am currently watching The Office for the 10th time!!!! Something therapeutic about it for me :)

Determined and Filled with Coffee: Olivia Grella

Olivia Grella, Class of 2013, Willimantic, CT

What are you up to? I'm in my senior year at Eastern Connecticut State University. I study psychology and have done a lot of research in the areas of eating disorders, body perceptions, cultural standards, and exercise behaviors. Other than that, I run cross country and track. I also work in the Advising Center where I help freshmen and sophomores with any school counseling problems or concerns.

How'd you get here?  A lot of coffee to carry me through long nights of sitting behind a computer running statistics. My roommates would rotate who would come to the lab and bring me the next cup. To be completely honest, I never thought I would become so invested in the research aspect of psychology.

When I first started psych I was completely set on becoming a high school guidance counselor and didn't want to spend time in any other area. But after I took a class where I conducted my own research on physique anxiety and exercise behaviors, I realized I wanted to keep doing more. I became close with some of my professors and started helping them with their own projects. I also became a TA for research classes and started helping other students with their research projects. With the guidance of one of my professors, I did an independent study where I looked at cultural standards, body perception, and eating disorder rates. It wasn't until I built these connections with my professors that I went back to my original research and starting doing more with it. This past December, I was given the honor to present this research at Eastern’s Psychological Science Conference. I’m in the process of finding new conferences, possibly ones outside of Connecticut, to present at. 

What are your goals?  I really want to go to graduate school and become a licensed clinical psychologist. I submitted applications to master’s programs in the area of clinical mental health counseling for the time being. Once this degree is completed, I plan to move onto a PhD program in clinical psychology and meet those licensure requirements. I plan on continuing to research and to start focusing more on eating disorders. I really want to use my degree to do something that will make another person's life better. This is where I feel the most passionate. My dream is to become an Eating Disorder Specialist and work on developing new prevention programs. Even though I "narrowed" it down to a concentration, I could still go in so many different directions. That's the great thing about psychology: even if I don't get there right away, the thought of working on a college campus as a clinical mental health counselor or working at an outpatient center with a mixture of patients would make me just as happy because I would still be helping other people improve their mental health.

Advice for WHS Students? Don't pick a path just because it's comfortable. For me, I wanted to be a guidance counselor because it was the only aspect of psychology that I really knew. I was comfortable knowing that the job was actually out there and it was attainable. I'm so happy though that I experienced different parts of psychology and found the research aspect to it as well as the clinical/counseling side. So I really encourage you to explore new things. I know it sounds cliche, but you only know what you've experienced and it's hard to make a life decision if all you know is what's happening around you. If you have an interest in a field, explore every part of it because you never know what you may discover. Also, I highly encourage getting to know your professors, especially if, you have any plans of going to graduate school. They really want to help you succeed and if you build relationships with them early on then you're going to be the one they remember for awesome opportunities. Overall, if there is something you are passionate about, pursue it. Don't let being afraid hold you back. More importantly, don't let others make the decision for you. Your dream may sound crazy now, but with lots of hard work and dedication, you'll be amazed at how much easier and attainable it seems to be.

What are the ingredients for a perfect day? Going for a long run in the morning and coming back to coffee and a good book!

Yeah, well, that's just like your opinion man: John Dipaola

John Dipaola, 2009, Watertown, CT

What are you up to? Surprisingly, not that much at all. I'm currently waiting to hear back from The University of Bridgeport for (hopefully acceptance) into to their Secondary Education Graduate Program. Until then, I am trying to keep myself active and occupied with some part-time work here and there, along with starting my own sports blog (will most likely blow up Facebook when I get a few articles written) and being an avid meathead / exercise enthusiast at the Greater Waterbury YMCA.

How'd you get here? Before even graduating from WHS I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted to end up in life. At the time, I was a pretty OK swimmer, so I looked into schools with Division II and III swim programs. I think that was the first mistake I made because instead of focusing on a university with good academics, I wanted to be an athlete first.

That didn't go as planned because I stopped swimming my very first semester at Southern Connecticut State University. I ended up disliking that university for all the wrong reasons. I transferred to The University of Connecticut (Storrs campus) for two years, before the weight of constant partying, lack of studying and low class attendance, and a miserable relationship took its toll on me (mentally and emotionally). I then transferred campuses to the Waterbury branch while changing my major (when I should have been a senior). After another year and a half and commuting between the Waterbury and Storrs campuses for classes, I finally earned my Undergraduate Degree in English and started my first "big boy" job as a Visual manager of an Abercrombie & Fitch store in Milford (please keep the disrespectful comments to a minimum).

Even though the schedule and hours of retail are completely insane (especially during the holidays) I did make some good professional connections and made a lot of close friends, many of whom I still stay in close contact with today. After a little more than a year of working with the company, I decided to part ways and return to school so that I could fulfill some missing pre-requisites for grad school programs I had been looking at. After a mostly successful spring semester, I mailed my applications and I am now sitting at my computer typing this article.

What are your goals? I can safely say I have no clue where or what I will end up doing in the future. While my current plans are aiming me in the direction of graduate school, I have had so much anxiety over the "what if" scenarios of whether or not I'll get into this program that I've actually begun taking prescription medicine to counteract this. Even though my biggest fear is trying my best to achieve a specific goal (in this case being admitted to the intended grad program) a part of me doesn't fear the unexpected, but instead embraces the possibility of "what if". Even if I end up not getting accepted into the U.B. program, I'd like to further my sports blog development and maybe even end up pursuing a career in sports media. If that doesn't go as planned I still feel very confident in my writing abilities and could pursue careers elsewhere in the field of writing or editing. Even if THAT fails then I could always return to my previous management position, which I thankfully parted with on good terms. I've most definitely got enough back-up plans to keep myself occupied with for a while.

Advice for WHS Students? I mean I could ramble on for hours with this part but I'll give my best few pieces of advice: 

1. Take care of yourself mentally physically, and emotionally. The triangle of mental, physical, and emotional health is absolutely true. Try to challenge yourself with something new each day, whether it's trying new brain game puzzles, or keeping up with a personal interest blog, or even just pushing yourself with strenuous physical activity; these three cornerstones can definitely keep your mind and body in harmony, keeping you refreshed and ready for any challenges life throws at you. Plus it never hurts to look and feel good about yourself, especially when others around you complain about their own lives. 

2. It's the quality, not the quantity of your friendships. When I was a freshman in high school I was not social at all and extremely introverted. As time passed I did begin to open up and make more new friends, but the one constant I noticed was that the few good friends I had when I began were always by my side. After graduating, I still kept the closest contact with these few friends, while my relationship with many others seemed to fade away at times. Even to this very day many years later, I'm still the best of friends with the same six people I was friends with the first day of freshman year. Even though I keep an open mind when it comes to meeting new people, I know that I'll have these guys on my side until the day I die (or they die, whichever comes first).

3. DO NOT DWELL ON THE PAST. Seriously, this part bugs me the most because even I still do it. Even if you have the time of your life in high school or college, these times will pass. Instead of choosing to waste time dwelling on these moments and complaining about "how you wish you could recreate them" spend time actively trying to push your life in the direction of creating a scenario even better than the ones you previously lived out.

"To put it in comparison with professional sports, imagine if Tom Brady woke up everyday and said "Damn I really wish I beat the Giants in the 2007 Super Bowl, that perfect season sure would have been great!" Instead of trying to lead his team to another Super Bowl Championship, his dwelling on the past would only incite more mental errors and probably end his career on a sour note. So with that in mind, don't try and recreate the past from memory, just do your best each day and work for an even brighter future."

I guess a fourth piece of advice I'm still coming to realize now, is that you shouldn't feel pressured to live your life at a certain pace. Too many people are feeling pressured to grow up quickly and find a textbook definition of "success". Nothing happens overnight and even though waiting for what you want sucks, it's pretty much inevitable. Try not to rush into anything (unless you've done your research on it) because change in your life can be very drastic. Just because all your friends are moving out of state for school or work, or getting married at a young age, doesn't mean you should hurry up and do the same thing. I mean if all these people jumped off a bridge and broke their legs, would you want to break your leg too, just because everyone you know has?

What are the ingredients for a perfect day? Waking up early, eating three square healthy meals (with some snacks in between), checking the news for anything new and exciting, getting in some good exercise (whether it's lifting weights, swimming, biking, or even playing organized sports) and then winding down at night with a movie, or some reading.