What would be one piece of advice to a student entering TMS for the first time?

The biggest piece of advice I would give is listen to your peers and
advisors at The Marin School.  They are so knowledgable, and just when
you think you know it all, they can surpise you.  Also, take chances,
and try something new.  High school is a time of exploration, so do
what you love, and try new things.  Don’t close any doors. Take
advantage of the way The Marin School schedule works, because it’s
much like college when it comes to office hours, and time management.

What student activities were you involved in at TMS?

I was involved in Student Council (9th grade rep, and Co-Senior
President), yearbook, theater, and creator and captain of the TMS
Cheer Team. What I loved about activities at The Marin School was that
if you wanted something, you could make it happen. The teachers and
staff supported the students to such an extent that if you put
something together and made a plan, you could make it happen.  That’s
how TMS had a cheerleading team.

Is there one experience at TMS that had an impact on your life after TMS?

The biggest experience I had at TMS was…going on the Vision Quest my
senior year, it really acted as a transition into adulthood for me
even though I was still 17 years old. I learned so much about myself,
and what my dreams and aspirations were. On the same note, I loved the
fieldtrips and trips that the Marin School would plan. Who plans beach
day? We did! And every year it was a blast, as well as the Spanish
field trips, and the science ones too!

Did you make friends at TMS with whom you are still friends with today?

Yes!  And I am happy to say today I still talk to Jen, Tomio, Zack,
Charles, Alistair, and Jeff.  Thanks to Facebook I think all my
classmates are now my friends, I just added Stuart!

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of TMS?

When I think of TMS the first thing that comes to mind is the
encouraging faculty and staff.  If it wasn’t for them encouraging me
to do my best and pushing me to new heights, I do not think I would be
as successful. The teachers and staff at TMS really try to connect
with each student on an individual basis; you aren’t just a number or
just a name in a classroom, but a person who has interests,
weaknesses, and strengths, and that’s what I loved while attending
TMS.

What have you been doing since you graduated from TMS?

I feel like I have done so much! I have had two internships which were
both amazing. One was with Bumin and Murray Production Company where I
helped cast the Real Word, Bad Girls Club, and America Psychic. I also
interned at a community college where I worked in the Outreach
Department for admissions. But most exciting is that I was crowned
Miss Ventura County and have had the opportunity to compete for the
title of Miss California under the Miss America system. I am enjoying
going out in my new town and talking to students about
self-confidence, and self-esteem, as well as riding in a few parades.

What are your future plans?

I am currently working on a Masters in Counseling and Guidance K-12 at
California Lutheran University. I am graduating in May 2010, and I
plan to become a High School Guidance Counselor (at The Marin School
eventually!)