Q: How long were you at CMS?

A: I was at CMS from third grade to sixth grade. My parents found the school by accident while driving around after we moved from Florida.

Q: Where are you now?

 A: I recently completed my Master's in Public Policy and started a new job in Washington D.C. I work with the National Women’s Health Network. 

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

A: I found my closest friends at CMS. These are people I still talk to. I remember the Fall Festival. My friend’s dad would do the hay rides. I also loved playing soccer on the field by the big oak tree. I also enjoyed the trip we took to Mo-Ranch when I was in the third grade.

Q: Describe your transition to traditional school.

A: After CMS, I attended Austin Montessori till the 9th grade. Then I moved to Griffin, which is a traditional school. I discovered I was ahead of students in areas like reading and writing. My transition was pretty smooth. 

Q: How did CMS prepare you for middle school and high school?

A: I developed my writing skills and sense of advocacy and fighting for what's right from CMS. It was not an explicit part of being at CMS. It comes with having a sense of what we think is right and what we are taught is right.

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

A: I really developed my writing skills at CMS. I have always been interested in writing, whether it is creative writing, or writing essays. Now it’s a part of my job. I do a lot of policy writing,  essay writing, memos, and presentations. CMS helped me develop those skills. I got to skip freshman writing in college and went straight to advanced level writing courses.

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

A: Montessori education taught me to think for myself, be creative, and tackle problems head-on, setting me up to handle whatever life throws my way. It encouraged me to explore and learn in my own way, which will always help me adapt and thrive in whatever comes next. 

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

A: Embrace your curiosity! Take advantage of the freedom and flexibility that the Montessori environment offers and pursue what you're interested in because it might just open up pathways for you for the rest of your life!