If my guidance counselor could see me now! When I think back to my high school days, some of my most treasured memories, I knew in my senior year I wanted a profession that allowed me to travel, explore new territory, experience exciting adventures, and meet new people.
A few years after graduating college, I found myself back at my high school speaking to the fresh faces of seniors about their college options. I had achieved my goals of meeting new people and traveling, but the nomadic spirit inside of me was craving adventure. Shortly thereafter my travels took me to Germany, my first trip abroad! It was then that I realized my calling.
As life has a way of doing, the years rolled by until a pivotal trip to Bermuda. I was a placement counselor for boarding schools in Canada. Despite my role, boarding schools were still a bit of a mystery to me. It was in Bermuda I was first introduced to Darlington. The “it” factor that many use to describe their feelings about the Darlington campus had traveled to the island of Bermuda and entered into my soul. Seven short months later, my family and I moved to Rome to embark on what has become one of the most rewarding adventures of my life.
I am sure my high school teachers and my guidance counselor would have been shocked to learn that I would be responsible for the behavioral, emotional, and academic well-being of young men and women. In fact, there may have been some intervention had they been aware!
Throughout the last seven years at Darlington, I have considered myself to be one of the most fortunate women in the world. My former position as a Head of House and my work with admissions have allowed me to achieve my goals, but more importantly they have given me the great pleasure and privilege to be involved with so many wonderful young men and women and their families as they realize their dreams.
When I am on campus and not traveling the world seeking future Darlington students, I look forward to the hugs in the hallways, the conversations in the dining hall or dorm rooms, the competitions on the fields and courts, and that feeling of family that is so prevalent at Darlington. This is a special place that so many of us are fortunate to call home.
I am not certain if in high school I would have recognized the appeal of living and working at a boarding school such as Darlington. I am sure I had visions of a lifestyle much different and, more than likely, somewhat unrealistic, but I always maintained my inherent need to travel, meet new people and explore new opportunities.
As our seniors prepared for life beyond Darlington, my message to them is to know themselves and what makes them happy. Most will not know where their paths may take them upon graduating, but I am confident that they will have realized their passions and strengths. As all of our lives take many twists and turns, one aspect remains constant, Darlington is a part of who we are.
