Q: How long were you at CMS?

A: I started in the Casita classroom and stayed until the third grade. There was no upper Elementary or Nova at that time.

Q: Where are you now?

A: I’m working on my degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tulsa where I’m a sophomore. I have a research job as well, which is fun.

Q: What are some of your most memorable moments at CMS?

A: Gosh there are so many. I participated in a lot of plays. We baked biscuits. I remember working on long division on 40 sheets because we chose a huge number. I liked using the fractional insets for math. I liked math a lot growing up. We also had a tea set in our classroom. I think that’s how I started liking tea. I remember the World Books that we used a lot for research.

Q: Describe your transition to high school after your time at CMS?

A: I went to a Charter school called Gateway for about a year. After that, I went to Meridian from 6th to 12th grade, which is IB affiliated. I was way ahead in math. I’d always ask my teachers for more work. Later, I joined the UIL math club, which I loved. A lot of my CMS friends went to the same high school. The smart kids were the ones from CMS.

Q: In what way did CMS impact your future?

A: I was one hundred percent one of those kids who would do math for most of the day and had to be reminded to do my reading. I definitely still love math, and it’s a huge part of mechanical engineering. Even in high school, I enjoyed math and STEM. I think it’s just interesting and describes how our world works. 

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

A: Montessori helped me want to learn more. I was sitting at my desk wanting to learn. I have a lot of peers who say they don’t want to attend class. I am grateful for the fact that I like to learn, grateful to CMS for that, and for encouraging my creativity. My friends are surprised that I know how to knit, crochet, and embroider. A lot of people don’t know how to be creative. That is such a necessary skill!

Q: Do you have any words of advice for current CMS adolescent students?

A: Keep working hard and don’t be afraid to fail. You are here to learn. Try not to burn yourself out. I feel like that’s the number one cause of people not liking school.