Pathway to Success: An Alumni Roundtable

On the threshold of college graduation, four young alumni reflect on their Brimmer foundation

As school was wrapping up for winter break, we had the opportunity to sit down with some members of the Class of 2015 including Keenan Iuliano (Colby College ’19), David Labossiere (Connecticut College ’19), Susanna Calhoun (Santa Clara University ’19), and Chardon Brooks (Bates College ’19), and to hear how life has been going for them. Now seniors in college, they each brought their own unique perspective on how Brimmer has prepared them – both for life at college and the years ahead. Fresh from the Alumni Holiday Party held the night before at the Brae Burn Country Club (see pages 42-43), the group was excited to be back on campus (some of them for the first time since graduation), reconnecting with faculty and friends and touring the Hastings Center. To give them a taste of Brimmer’s newest building, we chose the Innovation Space for our roundtable discussion.

What is it like to be back on campus today?

DAVID: It is quite the experience. I love the new building and it is great to be here catching up with these friends I graduated with.

CHARDON: It’s surreal seeing my old teachers, faculty, and friends in this new space— it’s my first time back since the renovation.

SUSANNA: The campus looks so different! It has been nice to see people that we learned with and learned from—and classmates that I haven’t seen in what feels like forever.

Can you share one of your fondest memories of your time here at Brimmer?

DAVID: I’d have to say it was participating in the Upper School musical, Seussical, my senior year. That’s the beauty of coming to a school like Brimmer—trying something new. Being in the play really got me out of my comfort zone. I only had one line, sadly, but it was an experience!

KEENAN: Visiting two countries through the Winterim Program was a really unique experience for me—one I haven’t had the chance to replicate since I graduated actually. It was really special.

DAVID: Yes! Definitely Winterim as well. I went to Paris and Barcelona, and it was my first time being introduced to a new country. I was very thankful for that opportunity.

CHARDON: I would have to say Brimmer Athletics because it was such a huge part of my high school life—and my middle school life as well!

SUSANNA: For me, it was being involved with all the musicals and plays. That’s really close to home for me. And because I was so actively involved in the arts in high school, I really wanted to pursue theater in college. Honestly, it’s really cool how theater brings people together—David, we might never have gotten to know each other if it weren’t for that play.

Do you remember performing together that year?

DAVID: I do! [laughs] She had the much bigger role! But it was great because she’s so passionate about it. And with me being an athlete and seeing people who are so involved in the arts—that camaraderie of meeting new people—it just wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been in the play.

Because Chardon, Keenan, and Susanna all started at Brimmer in PK or K, they have a unique perspective on what it means to be a “lifer.” We asked them about their earliest memories of each other and what they remember about joining Brimmer’s school community.

CHARDON: I remember playing with Keenan in Kindergarten!

KEENAN: You do?

CHARDON: I do! [laughs] In fact that’s the only way I remember Keenan!

SUSANNA: I met Chardon at the pizza party before Kindergarten started, and I remember telling my mom, “She’s going to be my best friend!”

CHARDON: And we were!

SUSANNA: From Kindergarten all the way to graduating together—I definitely remember that.

CHARDON: I also remember the Gators of the Week—those were a big part of our lives at Brimmer. The awards they gave out for doing something admirable? That was so exciting—the first time I got a Gator.

How did Brimmer prepare each of you for college life? Did a particular teacher, class, or program influence your choice of major?

DAVID: The challenging workload here prepared me well. When I got to college, I knew what to expect.

KEENAN: Going to a small school like Brimmer definitely prepared me for college life because I was used to participating in small groups, contributing, and listening to other people’s ideas. I found myself contributing more in college classes because of it.

SUSANNA: Yes, I would second the workload but also the work ethic. I would add that Brimmer made me a much better writer and public speaker as well. When I got to college, I felt so much more prepared than my peers.

CHARDON: Writing for sure! I went on to become an English major. Brimmer really solidified both my writing skills and my critical thinking skills.

What was it like going from a small school community like Brimmer to a larger college environment?

SUSANNA: Because of Brimmer’s size, you develop strong interpersonal relationships with both teachers and students. When I got to college [Santa Clara University in California], I felt really prepared to use the communication skills I gained at Brimmer to meet new people and make new relationships.

CHARDON: I agree. The community-minded ideals that Brimmer fostered really transferred to college and helped me build relationships with friends and faculty members.

DAVID: I agree with Chardon and Susanna—relationships are really important. Also getting involved with new activities. When I got to Brimmer [in 11th grade] I did things I never expected to do. I ran cross-country. I played baseball with Keenan. I did the musical. Translating that mindset to college made me ask myself, “What can I get involved in at Connecticut College”? In fact, even though I am majoring in Biology, I decided to become a Dance minor. I never dreamed I’d be this involved in dance.

CHARDON: That’s so cool—I had no idea!

SUSANNA: David minoring in Dance makes me so happy!

Speaking of majors, can you tell us about how you each chose yours and why?

SUSANNA: Because I was involved in the Creative Arts (CAP) Diploma program at Brimmer, it was a natural progression for me to double major in Communications and Theatre Arts at Santa Clara. Honestly, I got my start in a journalism class here at Brimmer—making videos for articles – and I’ve been making videos ever since.

KEENAN: After receiving my Global Studies Program Diploma (GSP), I went on to major in Government at Colby with a minor in Economics and Anthropology. I took the foundation I got through my global studies coursework at Brimmer and I was able to apply that to my courses at Colby.

DAVID: I’m a Biology major and a Psychology and Dance double minor [at Connecticut College]. [laughs] Yeah—I’m trying to do a lot! I really took an interest in athletic training and the sciences at Brimmer. I took an Anatomy class with Mrs. [Cecelia] Pan that I really loved. I worked closely with her and she helped me decide to major in Biology.

CHARDON: I’m an English major at Bates College. I was part of the Global Studies Diploma Program at Brimmer as well, with a concentration in Environmental Sciences, and it was my Brimmer senior thesis that really influenced my decision. I was so prepared to work on my senior thesis at Bates—I just don’t think a lot of high school students have the opportunity to experience that kind of a process the way that I did.

Was there a Brimmer teacher who left a lasting impression on you?

CHARDON: My English teacher Jan Sidebotham—I had two classes with her, including AP English, and she definitely inspired me. As did many, many others!

KEENAN: Mr. [Ted] Barker-Hooks’ AP classes—both Micro and Macro Economics— really made a difference in my Economics background. He really helped me figure it all out.

SUSANNA: For me, it was Mr. [David] Cutler’s journalism class. That’s how I got my film foundation. But for Creative Arts overall, it was Mr. [Carl] R-V [Rapisarda-Vallely] and Mr. [Bill] J [Jacob]. I am directing a one-act play this semester and I still reach out to them for suggestions and advice. It is so important to keep in touch with faculty you meet at Brimmer, and to create and maintain those meaningful relationships.

DAVID: Again, Anatomy with Mrs. Pan was such a great class—I loved learning about the human body. It was the class that influenced what I’m doing today.

What softer, more interpersonal skills did you acquire at Brimmer that you feel set you up for success socially in college?

DAVID: Definitely communication and networking skills. At Connecticut College, our alumni office encourages freshman to get involved early on and so many students don’t take advantage of that. But thanks to my Brimmer experience, I headed straight for that office my first week of school!

SUSANNA: Public speaking skills definitely falls into that category for me. In fact, I remember what an influence my 8th grade Inspirations speech had on me. We were always working on our presentation skills and our communication skills. That and the ability to multi-task! We were so busy at Brimmer. Remember? I definitely brought that skill to college with me and it has helped me budget my time well—which has helped me keep my grades up.

DAVID: I would second that. Our advisors and college counselors were very helpful. Not only did we have Ms. Pendergast but we had Mr. [Jack] Murphy as well. They really helped us navigate the college process.

David Barron/Oxygen Group Photography

CHARDON: Brimmer—and Mrs. [Cynthia] Pendergast – really handled the college process so well. I felt so supported. And they had so many great resources. That support helped me develop confidence. Now that we are all moving on from college, we can draw from what we learned from that process. It’s about getting the support you need.

KEENAN: I know this was mentioned before—but writing was one of the big things that helped me at Brimmer. It’s a skill that can be applied in any class, beyond school, in interpersonal relationships, with email. When it comes to basic communication, it is so important to be a good writer.

Head of School Judy Guild reminded the group that Brimmer places much emphasis on the idea of a character education, and she asked our alumni how that emphasis served them in their college life.

KEENAN: Because I started in PK, these ideals have been imbedded in me throughout my time at Brimmer. I feel like these ideas come naturally to me. I don’t think about them day to day, but I know that they are there.

DAVID: Those life skills and core values—the idea of doing the right thing—it is so important to bring those skills to college where you are out on your own. It’s easy to struggle when you’re by yourself, so having time management and life skills when you get to college can make all the difference.

What are your plans for after graduation? Are you looking forward to life after college?

DAVID: First I plan on studying for my National Personal Training Certification this spring, and eventually down the road strength and conditioning as well. But I did a marketing internship last summer and the idea of getting into marketing and sales really interests me. Given my Biology major, I am thinking maybe pharmaceutical sales?

KEENAN: Last summer I was a corporate marketing intern with the Milwaukee Brewers organization. It was really different from what I am studying in school, but it is something I definitely want to continue pursuing. Working in sports, whether it’s baseball or otherwise, is something I really enjoy. I am taking a Sports Athletics class this semester that I’m excited for—I think I prefer the athletic side of sports over the business side.

CHARDON: I have applied for a Fulbright Scholarship to teach and study in Bulgaria after I graduate. If that doesn’t happen, I am interested in a number of other international teaching opportunities.

Head of School Judy Guild and Director of Alumni Affairs Amanda Frank ’88 catch up with the roundtable participants.

David Barron/Oxygen Group Photography

Speaking of sports, Keenan and David can you both share your experience with Brimmer athletics and how it helped you navigate college athletics?

SUSANNA: Last summer I interned at a Silicon Valley software company in their Human Resources Department where I produced e-learning content for internal and external audiences. It has led to a part-time job during my senior year of college. And though it’s not yet definite, I do think I will be working there in the fall.

KEENAN: I play baseball at Colby and played five years of Varsity baseball at Brimmer, and while the level of competition is different at the college level, being on a team at Brimmer helped me figure out what it means to be part of something bigger than myself. Everyone has their own goals for athletics but when you’re on a team, you start thinking about how you can help one another achieve those goals. You learn to figure out “What is my role here? How can I contribute?”

DAVID: Brimmer basketball prepared me to handle competition well. Since I got to college, I’ve been playing with guys who are on highlevel Division I teams or in the NBA and it has really helped bring my game to the next level. I’ve been in a leadership role since my freshman year and was chosen to be Captain this year. There’s so much camaraderie on my team.

You’re too modest to share but how many points have you scored in college so far?

DAVID: I recently hit my 1,000-point mark [group cheering]. Now I’m just looking to take my team to the next level.

If each of your could go back in time, what would you tell your 9th grade self about how to navigate the high school experience?

KEENAN: I’d say don’t be afraid to take advantage of all the available opportunities because Brimmer offers such a wide range of courses. Freshman year I took a stagecraft class, and even though it was outside my comfort zone, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It’s definitely something I might not have tried somewhere else.

DAVID: Get involved! It will make your time at Brimmer so rewarding. My first year here was my junior year and I only played basketball. But if I could go back, I would have done so much more! By my senior year, I was singing in Greenline, performing in the musical, and playing three sports. It helped me meet so many new people.

CHARDON: I think that speaks to the open-minded core value—one of those characteristics that Brimmer students take with them when they graduate. Being able to experiment and have the confidence and courage to try new things outside of their comfort zone.

SUSANNA: Like I mentioned earlier, I was involved in theater and David was involved in basketball, but we were such good friends. At another school, we never would have crossed paths. But here we are—we still keep in touch. It’s awesome. Create those meaningful relationships with your teachers too while you’re here. It’s invaluable.

DAVID: I agree. Don’t be afraid to create those relationships! Brimmer teachers are so much more than just staff. I spent so much time in Mr. [Joe] Iuliano’s office just venting. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help—Brimmer is a very open community—that’s one of the big benefits of this small school.

SUSANNA: Yes! They’re not just your teachers—they actually care about what you’re going through. They care about you as a person, not just as a learner.

Media Art teacher Christian Kiley sets up the photo shoot.

David Barron/Oxygen Group Photography

To wrap up, what advice would you give your 12th grade self about how to navigate the college experience?

DAVID: Stay busy and make connections early on with the career path you want to take. Ask questions. Pursue interests. Be curious. Stay in touch with alumni for networking. Oh, and always be on time for class [laughs]! 8:00 am classes can be tough!

SUSANNA: Don’t take morning classes [laughs]! That’s my advice.

CHARDON: I completely agree with David. I spent so much of my freshman year worried about what I wanted to do and what I should major in. If I could go back, I would try so many new things early on. You have more time than you think to experiment before you decide on a major or focus. Cherish that time and try not to worry. At least not freshman year. Now we can worry [laughs]!

SUSANNA: Take as many classes in as many different areas as you can. I took a Religion class my freshman year and found it so interesting. It’s funny because I was never strong in math and I never saw myself in the business world but I’m taking a business management class in the spring this year! My advice is to try things that interest you even if you don’t end up majoring in them.

DAVID: I have to agree. Being a Biology major, I was never really interested in Economics but because I’m at a liberal arts college, it was a requirement. I took Introduction to Macro Economics and I have to say it impressed me. I never expected that.

SUSANNA: Oh, and study abroad in college! That’s my last piece of advice. I just got back from London and it was incredible.

CHARDON: Yes—that’s a must! ■

At Right: Assistant Head of Academic Affairs Joe Iuliano shares a moment with Susanna Calhoun '15

David Barron/Oxygen Group Photography