Liz's Advice to Current Students
“I so appreciate having grown up in Laconia. It was a close-knit community and incredibly supportive, and also gave me a wonderful foundation for life, both academically and socially. The natural beauty of the area is just amazing, and we were so spoiled to grow up in an area with lakes and mountains – swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter. The teachers at Laconia were just stellar – for a small-ish town high school, the quality of the teachers was outstanding – Mr. Liptak (Science), Ms. Ashworth (Chemistry), Mr. Rea (English), Mr. Crockford (Social Studies), Ms. Reardon (Math) were especially strong influences on me and really pushed me and taught me so much. My mom was librarian at the school while I was in high school and she would often talk about how strong the teachers were at LHS. I think in some ways an unappreciated gem in the state. Over time I’ve really started to appreciate that as I think through how much they taught me in just a few years. The other thing I really appreciate – maybe partly about growing up back then but also maybe the location – is how students could do a variety of activities and clubs. I could do math club and field hockey and Astra and Student Council. I worry now that kids (at least here in Washington, DC where I live) have to specialize so early (e.g., if you’re not on a travel soccer team at age 11 you might as well stop playing soccer). I loved being able to do a variety of activities and develop a well-rounded set of skills."
"I might also note that I did a variety of activities in the summers that I think helped me figure out what I wanted to do in life – I did a math and marine biology program at UNH one summer and then did the St. Paul’s Advanced Studies Program, which was excellent. (And I also worked random jobs, like at Friendly’s and spent a summer temping at various offices). There are often scholarships available for summer programs and I really encourage students to explore the possibilities. And use your teachers and other adults – talk to them about how they found their careers, where they went to college, what they did and didn’t like, etc. Look around, try new things, and try to identify things that feel like the right fit for you.”
"Finally, follow your interests but also pay attention to the people you work with. Finding a work environment where you are respected and recognized for what you can contribute is such a key part of life. So look for the people and places that will challenge and support you – life is too short not to prioritize a good work environment, and it’s very possible to find it!"