Townie Turned VP: Matt Frappier

Matt Frappier, Class of 2001, New York, New York

What are you up to? I work as a Vice President in charge of Earned Media at Edelman, a global PR firm based in New York City. To break it down, I work with consumer brands that we interact with every day (think Dove, AXE, Porsche, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HEINEKEN, the list goes on on and on...) and develop strategies to generate coverage in the news.

How'd you get here? It's been a long road getting here! After high school I entered Iona College as a journalism major. I was going to change the world writing stories for the New York Times.. until I took a copy editing class that nearly killed me. My academic advisor suggested I switch my major to Public Relations and the rest was history. Given that my college was so close to NYC I was able to intern throughout my last year in school and kickstart my career. After graduation I looked high and low for jobs LITERALLY pounding the pavement all summer going on interview after interview until something finally came up. Sadly, what I thought would be my dream job wound up with me being laid off. So, I regrouped moved back home and figured everything out.

Little did I know that six weeks later I would get an offer that would literally change my life and actually get me on the right path. Since that fateful day in April 2006 I have done anything you can possibly imagine - plan hotel openings on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas, handle programs on behalf of people like Arianna Huffington and even take celebrities to the secret 103rd floor of the Empire State Building! I am thankful for everything I have done and where my career is headed.

What are your goals? I want to continue to evolve and grow in my career. Even though I have been doing this for over a decade now the industry is changing and to stay relevant I need to continue to grow with it.

Advice for WHS Students? NEVER GIVE UP. After I got laid off I was so disappointed and depressed, but after a couple days I got myself up and started interviewing for jobs. If I had never done that I doubt that I would be anywhere near as successful as I am today.

What do you feel grateful for today? I am grateful for everything I have achieved, it's been a long, crazy ride and I am thankful for everything that has been and that will be.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We're spreading the love to all of you townies. Whether you're single and killing it or married with adorable kids, we hope you have a great love-filled Valentine's Day!

Do you have a beautiful, corny, amazing, sappy, love story? Share it today!

Townies Worldwide

We've received responses from Saudi Arabia to South Africa to Australia. Have you let us know where you are? Take our quick survey now and let us know where you are at! Where In The World Are WHS Alumni? 

Thank You Future Alumni

Two weeks ago Juniors at Watertown High School were introduced to TOWN Mag in their SSP classes. Students read TOWN stories and took the time to answer survey questions. We’re excited about the feedback we received and think it will be helpful for not only TOWN Mag but WHS and the community in general. It’s important to us that we understand the thoughts and aspirations of current WHS students and not make assumptions.  Thank you future alumni. Also, thank you to Michelle Baim and Nicole Lewis for allowing us this opportunity!

We asked if students had any comments or questions about TOWN Mag and this was one of the questions that stood out to us. We'd love to answer it.

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“Why did you care enough to make this? It seems strange for random adults to care about some angsty teenagers.”

We care because even though we are random adults, we were once angsty teenagers. Except we didn't have a resource to tell us what was out there in the world after WHS, we didn't have a variety of role models who stuck around town and we truly didn't have a clue what we were getting ourselves into. We've seen graduates live life to the fullest, pursue careers that we would never have been exposed to at WHS, live around the world, and follow their dreams. But we've also seen graduates spend a ton of money transferring schools, change majors and take extra classes, fall down and not get back up, become unemployed after receiving a very expensive degree, or go into extreme debt. We realized that if we had heard any of these stories while we were in high school we may have made different decisions or we may have been more motivated and inspired. These stories aren’t shared to younger generations and we decided they needed to be. As a community we need to learn from each other.

We sat in those same seats staring out the same windows while the teacher spoke in the front of the classroom, having no idea what was about to come next. 

Finally Sharing My Story: Colleen Murphy

Colleen Murphy, Class of 2009, WTN -> BOS -> FLO -> SF -> CLT

What are you up to? I recently made a dramatic change in my life and moved from San Francisco, California to Charlotte, North Carolina (I’m always down for an adventure) so that I could kick it with one of my favorite humans and my high-school sweetheart, Chad. After 5 years of being apart, we reconnected via e-mail. Soon enough, Chad flew out to visit SF last November and we’ve been back together since. 

When it comes to my career, I feel like I have a ton going on right now. I’m the lead creative on the marketing team for a tech company in San Francisco. My employer allowed me to work remotely from North Carolina. Since I work from home, a lot of my day is spent on the computer designing, meeting via Skype, or e-mailing. Working from home is a love/hate relationship; it can be so lonely that I talk to my plants but it also allows me to have a flexible schedule and to travel more often.

In addition to my full-time job, I run TOWN Mag. I started working on TOWN in January of 2016 but it’s been an idea long before that. I had been sitting on the idea since college and with the support from some creative Watertown friends, I started doing the work. I love being able to combine art, design, technology, and social impact. I want to give back to my roots and include everyone in the conversation; everyone’s story truly does matter. 

I’m also teaching graphic design and photography to amazing high schools students at Behailu Academy here in North Carolina. My main goal is to use my creativity to make positive change and inspire others. I’ve always been interested in social change and activism, and now more than ever I’m determined to create community, teach empathy, and use my skills to shed light on certain causes, whether it be through photography or graphic design.

How'd you get here? It’s a long story. I am so lucky, I feel as though I’ve lived a lifetime in my short 25 years on earth.

In 2014, I graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design and a minor in photography. My overall university experience was eye-opening, expensive, interesting, inspiring, and nomadic. Northeastern has a program called COOP and my career experience bleeds into my college experience. Throughout the past 5 years, I’ve lived in 4 different cities, 2 different countries, I’ve worked for 4+ companies, with so many different job titles. I worked for Reebok as a photography and graphic design intern. I worked in Florence, Italy as a European tour guide/intern for a travel company. I nannied, freelanced, and worked at a daycare. I pedicabbed my way through senior year, giving rides to people in and out of Fenway during Red Sox games.

After graduation, I applied for 150 jobs in San Francisco, my next destination. All rejected. I decided to move to SF anyway. I nannied until I landed a design job at a start-up electric bike company. Pretty soon I was riding around San Francisco photographing an electric bike. Then, all of a sudden - bam! The love of my young Watertown life shows up at my door in San Francisco after 5 years of being apart. My philosophies and values started to shift. Fast forward a year later and here I am, living under the Mason Dixon line, learning to love, with my career fully in-tact, figuring out what is coming next.

I think these past couple of years I’ve felt the most confused and rejected. It has been a crazy ride. There have been such high moments like launching TOWN, or learning to ski in Lake Tahoe, or riding an electric bike down the Las Vegas strip. I’ve met amazing people from all over the world; from Kazakstan to Colorado to Florence (shout out to all of the inspiring friends I’ve met). But I’d also be lying if I said that it’s all roses and rainbows all the time. There are low moments too, like feeling completely alone on a snowy Boston night, or having coworkers who are complete bullies, or having a crazy roommate constantly threatening you with lawsuits. Would I trade it? No way. This is what makes life so fantastic and interesting. I’m always learning so much about myself and the world and I’m extremely lucky to have these opportunities, even the "low" moments (I've been really lucky and haven't had "lows" like some people have).

Throughout it all, Watertown has been my roots and support system. My parents have helped me financially and emotionally, and for that I am grateful and privileged. My friends from home remain as important to me as they did 10 years ago and although we have followed extremely different paths, we still know we're townies at heart.

What are your goals? I want to do everything. It’s kind of scary because it’s hard for me to really decide what I really want to do. I’m confused! First and foremost, I’d like to find a city that I really want to live in for longer than 1 year. I am interested in activism and social impact, and I’m thinking about going back to school for education, political science, or art. I also want to be a photographer for the New York Times or National Geographic. I want to hike in every country and I want to live in Japan for at least 3 months. I also have a few business ideas that focus on art, social impact, and international travel. For now, I’m riding the wave. Since I don’t know exactly what I’m destined to do, I’m following my heart and standing up for what I believe in and trusting the universe will show me the way.

Advice for WHS Students?  There are no rules or limits in life, only consequences. You can do whatever you want. There are, of course, steps to be taken to get where you want to go, but as long as you have an end goal in sight, for years or decades, you can do it. If you are determined and focused, you can do whatever makes you happy. If you are confused about what makes you happy, be patient, it will come. If you feel like money limits you on doing what makes you happy - don’t let it. Save your money for your goals and only buy things that you need.  If you feel like nothing really matters, you are kind of right. We truly are just floating in space. But a great teacher and friend of mine once said, “Nothing really matters. But why not make it matter?” 

If you could have a superpower just for today, what would it be? TO FLY.

Happy New Year from TOWN

2016 was an amazing year for TOWN Mag and we couldn't have done it without you. We are excited for a successful 2017 and we hope you are too.  Thank you for a great 2016!

Attention 2016 Townie Storytellers

Have you shared your story with us this past year? We have great news! Juniors at Watertown High School will be reading your stories in class on January, 25 2017. We are excited to finally share these stories with current students. We'd love to give you the opportunity to further your impact. First, you can submit your contact information to share with students. Second, if necessary, you can update your story. Thanks again for taking the time to write and submit your fantastic stories!

Students will have a ton of questions after reading your story. Submit your contact information so that students can e-mail or call you with questions about your story.

Time has gone by since you shared your story with TOWN and there may be parts you'd like to update. Update your story before January 25, 2017 and we will make changes for you.

Adam M. Bartholomeo: WHS Alumni and UCONN MD Candidate Speaks Out

My name is Adam Mayo Bartholomeo. I am a proud Watertown native, a 2nd year medical student at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and President of the Medical-Dental Student Government at the University of Connecticut Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for all your support and funding for UConn Health over the years. The regular investments made to the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine have been incredible in transforming UConn into a true flagship institution. With the new curriculum, new academic wing, and increased research opportunities for students, UConn stands at the forefront of the future of medical education.  I urge you all to come to Farmington and check out the campus if you have not been there in a while.

There are many challenges with the current budget deficits that the State of Connecticut is facing, but I want to use this opportunity to implore you to minimize any cuts to the UConn Health Center.

I chose to attend UConn School of Medicine because almost immediately upon interviewing here I knew that it felt like home. Connecticut is where I belong.  I chose UConn over several other medical schools across the country because I truly felt the education here was something unique and personable. The medical and dental curriculum goes beyond just teaching us the factual base necessary to become knowledgeable physicians, but pushes us to apply this knowledge from day one in real world situations through community, research, and clinical engagement opportunities.

One of my most rewarding experience thus far has been through UConn Health’s Urban Scholar Track (UST), which is a unique opportunity to work with underserved populations on an interdisciplinary health profession team. UST, a CT AHEC program that works in collaboration with the state, UConn School of Medicine and the federal government , has Urban Health Scholars that come from 2 Universities, 4 campuses and 6 health professions schools.

In my first event, we worked with Sickle Cell Disease patients in the Greater Hartford community, and it really emphasized to me the importance of engaging the community as a health care provider. As the event unfolded, I was immediately humbled as I began conversing with the children, families and individuals affected by Sickle Cell Disease. We all ate lunch together while elders in the community played traditional African drum music. The children shared their personal stories confiding in us their memories, pains, and worries about living with Sickle Cell Disease. I enjoyed every minute of building a rapport with the community, and soon realized that I was learning more from them than I was educating them. In fact, the greatest impact I had that day was not through the basic healthcare screening and educational materials, but through forming connections and getting to know these people personally. I grew as a health care provider because it strengthened my appreciation for medicine as a shared experience rather than just an individual service.

These learning enhancement opportunities outside the traditional curriculum are essential for students to become excellent future doctors, and make a real difference to the community. They allow us to form an early bond with the community making us more likely to stay and practice here in the State. In fact, about 85% of students from the SOM are CT residents. Why is this important? CT residents who attend UConn SoM and engage in the community are more likely to stay and practice here in the State. Moreover, factoring in UST, of the 550 students that have participated in UST during its 10 years, more than half are pursuing training in primary care – something Connecticut truly needs!

The level of cuts proposed could make UConn SOM/DM unaffordable for many students/families, potentially shut down programs like UST, and drive excellent students and our future workforce away from the state, perhaps permanently. Connecticut needs knowledgeable doctors, and an investment in UConn SoM/DM is an investment in CT’s own workforce.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you regarding continued support for UConn Health.  I urge you to find a way to restore these impending cuts so UConn Health can continue to provide these important benefits and opportunities to the students and patients in our communities.

Life Icons: What are yours?

Check it out! These icons from the past month are so incredibly different but our roots are in Watertown.

What are your life icons? To find out, share your story!

Townies Worldwide: We asked, You answered

Bit by bit we are filling up the map. We love seeing a global community! Have you let us know where you are? Take our quick survey now - Where In The World Are WHS Alumni?

Studying Bio in the Midwest: Elizabeth Mendes

Elizabeth Mendes, Class of 2013, Evansville, IN

Update: “In Indiana the sky goes on for miles regardless of the direction you're looking in. Almost everyone who has asked me where I went to college has asked me why I picked Indiana (specifically UE). I didn't want to live in Connecticut. The only school I applied to in CT, and my only rejection, was Yale. I think I applied to around 12+ colleges including: Boston University, University of Miami (Florida), Penn State, and Colorado State (just to name a few). Out of all of those I picked a small private liberal arts school in the middle of the US that I HAD NEVER VISITED BEFORE! Why? I honestly don't really know. At the time I was between archaeology (UE) and environment engineering (Umiami), and I just kind of decided to go with what 7 year old Elizabeth would have done. UE had a great program, gorgeous looking campus, small class sizes, and gave me a wonderful scholarship. ⁣⁣
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So one hot day in August I loaded up a mini -van and made the trip out to UE for the first time. It was the best choice I could have made. In Indiana I made friends I consider family, grew as a student, and met professors who truly believed (and still believe) in me. I look back on every individual experience I had throughout my undergraduate career and reflect on how truly precious it was. ⁣⁣
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I am in graduate school, but it doesn't compare to those first few years where you discover who you really are. High schoolers or people reading this post thinking about going to college. Go with your gut. Pick a place that is sticking out to you (even if you don't really know why) and just do it, it might be a truly treasured experience. ⁣Do not be afraid to "let college consume you", I think if you are going for a career / path in academia, that is kind of what you have to do. I KNOW there are many other roads to take, but I love the one I traveled. ⁣⁣

"No memory is ever alone; it's at the end of a trail of memories, a dozen trails that each have their own associations." ⁣⁣

What are you up to? I'm a Biology Major and a senior at the University of Evansville.

How'd you get here? Applied to college right out of high school and ended up choosing to go to the  University of Evansville.

What are your goals? I want to eventually go to graduate school and get my PHD in Animal Physiology.

Advice for WHS Students? Don't give up. It doesn't get easier when you graduate and go to college and it probably never will, but the wisdom and experience you gain through the work you put into your future will pay off.

What do you lie about? I try not to lie.

Where in the world are WHS Alumni?

We are going to fill up our Townie WorldWide Map. We know that there are many of you living throughout the world or even just in a city over. Take this quick survey and let us know where you are!

High Performance Techie: Matt Dwyer

Matt Dwyer, Class of 2010, Los Alamos, New Mexico

What are you up to? I am currently working as a Computer Science Researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory along with getting my Master of Science online. I am in the High Performance Computing (HPC) Design group on the visualization team. If you don't know what HPC is, think of thousands of powerful computers connected in a room about the size of a football field used to run one or more simulations. My team is tasked with creating and testing emerging visualization technologies that can be used to enhance the understanding of the simulations run on these supercomputers.

How'd you get here? During my undergrad at Lynchburg College, I had an internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory which opened up an opportunity my senior year to intern at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Through hard work and a great deal of learning, I made a good impression and landed a full-time job.

What are your goals? My goals are to get a Ph.D. in Computer Science and become a leading researcher in my field.

Advice for WHS Students? Make every opportunity a learning opportunity. Even if you don't intend to pursue higher education, make it a point always be open to new ideas and learn from your mistakes in every aspect of your life.

What can you smell right now? Black coffee and chicken pot pie.

Electrified: Steve Sicard

Steve Sicard, Class of 2011, Southington, CT

What are you up to? Currently I am two years into my electrical apprenticeship for an industrial company in Waterbury. I service industrial and manufacturing facilities across the state as well as build control and automation systems. I spend most of my time working, but I have recently enrolled back in school to get an electrical engineering degree.

How'd you get here? I guess this all started my senior year of high school. To be honest, I never really cared much about school. I skated my way through high school, having more fun than anything else. I don't regret that, high school was a blast and I'm glad about how I did it.

Senior year everyone was applying to schools and figuring out what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives. I, on the other hand, was in denial about it ending. So, when March came around and I had to make a decision on what to do, I chose to go to Western Connecticut State University to study Criminal Justice. This decision was based solely on the fact that many of my friends were going there and that everyone always told me that I HAD to go to college after high school. Two years of school went by and I realized how much I despised the subject. That's when it hit me. Why should I go to school and waste all this money on something I don't even like? I actually signed a leave of absence form that day and dropped out of school, unbeknownst to my parents, of course.

I finished out the semester working full time for a local amusement park as a mechanic. This is when it all changed for me. My boss at the time was very supportive in my decision but also pushed me to do better. He encouraged me to work with every type of trades-person that he hired and told me to try to find one I liked and pursue it. I tried all of them, but found electrical work especially interesting. Fast forward 3 years and here I am: trade school completed, half-way through an apprenticeship, and back in school for something I really love.

What are your goals? As of now (they seem to change constantly) I'm pursuing my master electrician's license, a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, and working to obtain a professional engineering license. I have been all over the place in what I want to do with my life and I finally have found a future I'm very focused on. I'm fascinated by electrical control and automation and want a career in designing and building those systems.

Advice for WHS Students? For starters, you DO NOT have to go to college directly after high school. I 100% believe that higher education is the way to go, but don't rush it. If you don't really understand what you want to do, you could end up with years and thousands of dollars wasted on something you will may never use, with possibly a paper to show for it (if you make it through). Instead, take every opportunity to try different things and explore what really interests you. Once you have found that out, pursue it with everything you got. You'll never fail if you give something 100%.

Secondly, NOTHING is going to be given to you. You have to work your ass off for everything. One of the biggest things I have noticed about my generation is the sense of entitlement everyone seems to have. Don't expect to get anywhere in life being lazy, it may have worked in high school, but in the real world you will fail.

Finally, never stop striving to do better. One of the best quotes I have ever heard was this "Successful people continuously learn new things, unsuccessful people think they know it all."

P.S. Don't be afraid to work with your hands. Growing up I worked on anything I could get my hands on, from cars to bikes, but I was always told that it wouldn't take me anywhere. WRONG. The world will always need skilled trades.

A Townie Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a coming up and that means it’s reunion time (whether you like it or not!) Thanksgiving in Watertown is a basically resurrection of your Watertown past. It's bumping into someone you haven't seen for 10 years at the grocery store, cracking peanuts on Thanksgiving Eve at O'Joes, or hiding from an old arch-nemisis at the WHS football game on Thanksgiving day. So, who will be back in town next week?

We’re excited to see reunion photos, so make sure to tag us!

@townmagwhs #towniethanksgiving

Inspiring Future Mathematicians: Kayla Bingham

Kayla Bingham, Class of 2011, Manchester, CT

What are you up to? Currently I am teaching 8th grade math at Chippens Hill Middle School in Bristol. This is my first year teaching, so I'm busy with work all the time and my students can be very challenging as well. However, I'm really happy with what I am doing because I have some pretty amazing students, and I get to help them navigate their final year before going on to high school as young adults. I hope to show them how cool math can actually be and how useful the skills they are learning will be to them in the future.

How'd you get here? After starting my undergrad at UCONN in engineering, I quickly realized that that particular field wasn't best suited for me and I decided to pursue one of my childhood career aspiration of becoming a teacher. It didn't take much for me to decide on education because I had many amazing teachers in Watertown Public Schools. Many of my high school teachers had a clear passion for both teaching and their subject area, so I knew that teaching secondary math is where I belonged. After receiving my Bachelor of Science in mathematics from UCONN, I applied for their Teacher Preparation Program for College Graduates, an intensive, one-year program that allowed me to earn my Master's degree and complete a certification program simultaneously.

What are your goals? Well, my first goal is to survive my first two years of teaching, with observations and evaluations as well as completing the TEAM program for new teachers. I also really want to help my students understand that math isn't so scary and difficult, and there's no such thing as a "math person." Everyone learns at their own pace, and it might just take you longer and more practice to get it.

Advice for WHS Students? Similar to what I want for my students! Believe in yourself and work hard. Not everything in life comes easy, but more often than not, it's worth the hard work and the journey getting there. Also, don't let people tell you that your career goals aren't good enough. One reason I started in engineering was because of outside pressure. I'm glad I changed my plans to something I truly enjoy doing.

How did you start your day? I started my day by waking up nice and early to get to school!

Our Town Yogi: Jessica Proulx

Jessica Proulx, Class of 2000, Watertown CT

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

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

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

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

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

Air Force Staff Sergeant Making Moves: David Davidson

David Davidson, Class of 2009 (from Kaynor Tech) Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, Arizona

What are you up to? I am currently a Senior Airman (sew on Staff Sergeant) in the United States Air Force, stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. I'm a Aircraft Armament Systems Technician, which basically means Aircraft Weapons Load Crew member. I work on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It's my responsibility to ensure that the weapons system on the aircraft works properly to ensure safe and successful weapons release. I also load the various bombs, missiles, and guns that are on the aircraft. I'm married with two kids, a 4-year-old and 9-month-old. I am also working on getting a certificate in Medical Billing and Coding.

How'd you get here? I did not graduate from Watertown High School, but I did go to school in Watertown up until 8th grade and spent a pretty good chunk of my life living there. I ended up going to Kaynor Tech for high school. I chose the electronics shop as my trade of choice.

I wasn't too sure what I wanted to do after high school. After graduation, I was denied a scholarship at NVCC, which lead me to work a year at CoCo Key Water Resort as a lifeguard.

I started to become really interested in the military, more specifically, the air force. I got the ball rolling on the process of getting into the air force and I finally left for basic training in November of 2010. I graduated from basic training in January of 2011. After spending 5 months in Texas, I graduated tech school. After tech school, it was onto Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. During the four years spent in Idaho, many things happened. I started working on the F15E Strike Eagle. I was TDY (temporary duty assignment) to quite a few places (Louisiana, Las Vegas, Panama City, Salt Lake City) and had a seven month deployment overseas. Also, during this time, I met and got married to my wife. In July of 2015, I PCS'd (Permanent Change of Stations) to Luke Air Force Base.

What are your goals? Up until recently my goal was to make the next rank of Staff Sergeant. I found out a couple weeks ago that I'll be putting on Staff Sergeant on October 1st, and I can say that I achieved that goal. My next goal is to get back into school and start working on a degree to set myself up for my future outside of the air force.

Advice for WHS Students? Don't limit yourself for your plans after high school. I studied electronics for four years in high school and now I'm working in a labor intensive aircraft maintenance job where I rarely put my knowledge of electronics to use. There are countless career fields out there. If you try one and you like it you should stick with it. If not, then try something else. It's better to do something you like than to be miserable doing something you don't.

How did you start your day? My day typically starts the same. I wake up at 5 am, shower and put the uniform on, have a bowl of cereal and then I'm out the door for work.

Expect the Unexpected: Lindsay Bugryn

Lindsay Bugryn, Class of 2009, Watertown, CT

What are you up to? I just started my 2nd year of teaching! Last year I taught 2nd grade and this year I am teaching Kindergarten in Waterbury. I absolutely love being in the classroom day to day. It's amazing to see how much my students learn throughout the year. I am also coaching the dance team at WHS. This will be my 4th year coaching the team. It's a great way to share my passion of dance with others! 

Who would of ever thought I'd be dating someone from high school that I never spoke to?! Well, I am! We've been dating for 4 years, 3 of those years he's been serving in the Air Force. Only a few months left until he's back to Watertown! 

If I'm not teaching, planning lessons, coaching or spending time with friends and family, you can always find me hanging out with my dog!

How'd you get here? I attended University of New Haven for my undergrad. I received my Bachelors Degree in Communications. My dream was to become a news anchor. That dream quickly changed after I was crowned Miss University of New Haven my senior year and started working with children in school systems. As I began to spend more time working in different schools, I realized I could be a positive influence while doing something I really enjoyed. I was able to work with children of all ages, however, I became very passionate about working with elementary aged children. Seeing how eager elementary school children are to learn made me recognize I could make a huge impact and help mold their futures. 

This led me to go back to school for my masters degree. Almost two years ago, I received my Masters in Elementary Education from The University of Bridgeport. After completing my student teaching in Wolcott, I was awarded Outstanding Student Teacher of the year. I was then offered a full time position teaching in Waterbury. Since then, I have loved every minute of it and can't wait to see what the future holds.

What are your goals? I plan to go back to school for my 6th year. Down the road I may decide to take on an administration role, but for now the classroom is where I want to be! I also hope to continue to build the dance team at the high school!

Advice for WHS Students? Expect the unexpected, prepare for obstacles, dream big, be happy and always believe in yourself.

How did you start your day? With 20 big smiles from my Kindergarteners!