Lauren

Why I chose Walker’s: At first it wasn't really my choice. An alumna of Walker's was being mentored by my mother, and after meeting me and observing me, she just said I looked and acted like a Walker's girl. I didn't even know much about Walker's at the time, but after my campus tour and seeing the beautiful campus, friendly faces, and amazing teachers, I was sold.

Favorite class: I really could not decide. Over the course of my 4 year journey at Walker's, I have had way too many incredible teachers and class experiences to choose only one.

Leadership positions: President of our Middle School from 2009-10 and Tri-Captain of Middle School Soccer

Clubs/extracurricular activities: Christian Club and outside of school, I work at a barn in Hartford where I help with horseback riding lessons during the school year.

Sports: My interests are varied as I like to do many different things. In Middle School I played soccer in the fall, theatre in the winter, and danced in the spring. However, in Upper School I played soccer in the fall, tried yoga for the first time in the winter, and played tennis in the spring, which was a great experience as well.

Something new I’ve tried at Walker’s: I am positive that if it wasn't for Walker's, I wouldn't have discovered my love for photography and video editing. These are both new things that I have tried because of Walker's, and they have both become hobbies of mine that have opened new doors for my interest not only in a different side of the visual arts (which I was convinced I would never do well in), but also a deeper interest in the technologies that enable me to take beautiful pictures, and stitch together movies.

Favorite spot on campus: There's a small booth in the library that is right next to an extended window that looks out to the dorms, tennis courts, and Bushy Hill Road. In the afternoon when the sun starts setting, I could sit in that booth and study for hours. It's a beautiful view.

Favorite food/meal in Abra’s Dining Hall: Sushi Bar Day. Without a doubt. I mean, how many schools get sushi made for lunch? Our kitchen staff is beyond incredible!

Future plans/goals: I plan on going to Law school to become an attorney, and use that money to do what I really love, which is traveling to foreign countries, and doing community service. I would love to work in Spanish speaking countries (especially in Central America) to help people, especially children learn how to read, write, and speak English, while being able to provide the comfort of being able to also communicate in their native tongue.

How being at Walker’s has changed me: There are many ways that Walker's has changed me, but I think the most noticeable is my confidence. When I first came to Walker's, I didn't even leave my mother's side during the Welcome picnic. I refused to talk to anyone new simply because I was really just afraid of meeting people and making friends. I hadn't really had to do that since kindergarten. Now, I feel as if I can walk into a room where I know next to noone, and start a nice conversation with someone new, walk with my head held high, and feel as if there is nothing and no one by whom I should be intimidated. We use the word "emerge" around campus to the point of exhaustion, but the truth is the word holds true. I have emerged, and I doubt any other Walker's girl would tell you differently.

The most important/valuable thing I’ve learned at Walker’s: I have learned that I don't have to be afraid to speak up, and stand out a bit. I have learned that the people who stand out are the ones who move people's hearts, change their minds, touch their lives, and can eventually change the world - one step at a time. All we have to start with is a seed of confidence. Walker's gave me that seed.

Walker's in three words: Smiles. Community. Confidence.

Walker's Centennial

Meet Elle, '12