5 Questions With...DWS Alumni!
Megan and Kate as students at Detroit Waldorf enjoying our annual Michaelmas festival.
Detroit Waldorf School recently introduced a fun monthly Q&A series with our alumni as a way to reflect and reconnect over past students' fondest memories at DWS. Since launching in September as part of our monthly alum newsletter, 5 Questions With... has received an outpour of responses and wishes to participate.
While all of the recent submissions have been as wonderful and unique as our outstanding alumni, we were especially drawn to a joint submission from long-time friends and Class of 1999 alum, Kate Gmyrek and Megan Myers, that we like to refer to ask our "Then & Now" story. Enjoy!
Kate Gmyrek
1. What years did you attend (and graduate from) Detroit Waldorf, and where did you study after DWS?
· Attended Waldorf Kinderhaus 1988-1991 and DWS 1991-1999. I graduated Berkley High in 2003, DePaul University in 2007 (BA) and USC (Master of Landscape Architecture) in 2013.
2. Can you describe your time at DWS in 5 words or less?
· Foundational, inclusive, imaginative and fun.
3. What is your current profession, and how did DWS help you prepare for this career?
· I’m a Landscape Architect, which is a design profession rooted in both the arts and natural sciences. I have no doubt the arts-based curriculum influenced my trajectory into design, as well as our annual springtime permaculture main lesson in the garden and the regional environmental history classes, much of which stick with me to this day. An eye for color and an interest in ecology have gotten me much further than I would have imagined!
4. Can you share a favorite memory of your time at DWS with us?
· My favorite memories are of the annual traditions, the St. Michaelmas festival, May Day, Santa Lucia, and Advent Garden to name a few. They are simple but beautiful events that yearly tie students to the changing of the seasons, and acknowledge each class’s changing role within the structure of the school as each year passes. They are also moments of shared community, when the whole school along with friends and family get together to do something fun.
5. What advice can you share for future graduates or anyone considering attending DWS
· Future graduates should embrace the unique perspective a Waldorf education enables to find the pleasure and diversity of experience that allow for a curious life.
Megan Myers
1. What years did you attend (and graduate from) Detroit Waldorf, and where did you study after DWS?
· Attended Waldorf Kinderhaus 1988-1991, Attended DWS 1991-1999, Graduated Mercy HS in 2003 and University of Michigan in 2007
2. Can you describe your time at DWS in 5 words or less?
· A place adventure is expected!
3. What is your current profession, and how did DWS help you prepare for this career?
· I work in partnership marketing at The Princeton Review, and I've held similar roles at American Express and the National Basketball Association. What DWS, and Waldorf education on the whole, taught me was the importance of diversity and collaboration. The small class size facilitated a team atmosphere which fostered collaboration and an appreciation for diversity of thought and approach to challenges. There is no way you're going to get two companies to enter into a successful joint venture unless there is a team-first mindset and a genuine appreciation for different solutions based approaches.
4. Can you share a favorite memory of your time at DWS with us?
· Oh, there are so many! Camping trips, car pool rides, Handwork with Mrs. Lalinksky, May Day festivities, the back staircase from the gym to the auditorium (that we weren't supposed to use!), Basketball tournaments, Student/Teacher softball game, Mr. Honey's Circus, playing Puck in the 8th grade play and splitting my pants on stage?! The list could go on...
5. What advice can you share for future graduates or anyone considering attending DWS
· The foundation that a Waldorf education lays within a child is unique and will serve them throughout their entire life. A thirst for knowledge and adventure, along with the values of kindness, appreciation for diversity, and it instills an independent spirit in each child.
Megan and Kate, still friends after all these years!
If you are an alumni, or parent of an alum, and would like to participate in our 5 Questions With... series, please email Katherine Feldhouse at katherinefeldhouse@detroitwaldorf.org.