Q: How long were you at CMS?

A:  I joined CMS when I was three. I left after upper elementary.

Q: Where are you now?

A: I am currently a student at St. Edward’s University. I’m working on a double major in political science and economics. My long-term plan is to go abroad and be a diplomat.

Q: Describe some of your memorable moments as a student.

A: I remember going into the kitchen and baking focaccia bread every now and then. I remember another time I confused the sugar for the salt. I also enjoyed recess on the field with the big oak tree. We played Capture the Flag and Freeze Tag. I have fond memories of the teachers. Gina was a really impactful person for me, as were Cindy, and Jinny. 

Q: Describe your transition to traditional school.

A: On the first day of school, I walked into the classroom and chose a spot not realizing there was a seating chart. Traditional school was something I had to work through and adapt to. I made some connections pretty quickly and got support from the teachers. CMS gave me a good foundation for math and other subjects so I was never behind. I was actually ahead of the curriculum. The next year, I went to Meridian, and I got to see friends I had made back in CMS.

Q: How did CMS prepare you for high school?

A: Montessori is tactile, which is my learning style. So it did prepare me not just academically, but also in critical thinking. That is where Montessori helped me a lot. I developed my critical thinking because of the way that everything was presented at CMS.

Q: What interests did you pursue while you were at CMS? Are you still working on those passions?

A: I really got into cooking at CMS, but now I’ve grown out of that a little bit. I developed my love of reading at CMS. And I still read a ton today. 

Q: How do you think your Montessori education prepared you for life?

A: CMS helped me with my ability to connect with people from different cultures. The kind of cultural awareness I developed has supported me in life, in general.

Q: Do you have advice for our current CMS adolescent students?

A: Keep in touch with all your CMS friends after you leave. Now that there are phones, it is easier. They are a really good support group to have. And don’t be afraid to ask questions because you think you will look dumb. I promise you that is not true. By being willing to ask questions, you prepare yourself for your next step in life.