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T HE WEBB SCHOOL S webb.org
SPRING/SUMMER 2019 WEBB M AGA ZINE
The Final Word By Praveena Jeereddi ’90 High school is a time to set a strategy for the trajectory of one’s life path...
As I approach my upcoming 30th reunion in 2020, life has come full circle. First, a Vivian Webb student, then a college student, a medical student, a medical intern, a medical resident, a doctor, a wife and now finally, a mother trying to cultivate a nurturing environment so that my children will flourish. Reflecting on my journey thus far, I believe Vivian Webb School gave me the tools, values, and foundational skills to navigate the inevitable vicissitudes of life. Vivian Webb offered the privilege of a single-sex education and co-ed education as well as the day and boarding student experiences. The specific Vivian Webb system and supporting faculty and community fostered endless opportunities for growth and creative exploration. As women we were able to thrive, practice self government and still share experiences and learn from our male cohorts in an equal and positive environment. Early immersion in a diverse community which encompassed local communities, the continental United States and various other nations provided a valuable global perspective at a pivotal age. The Vivian Webb Chapel and its prominent interfaith symbol shine bright in my high school memories. The ideals of diversity, community, and universal perspective were exemplified through the symbol. Seeing it projected in the chapel honoring the major faiths of the world was so powerful, and it reminded me that this was a safe haven where students could share their thoughts, interpretations and observations of the world. The idea of cultural competence, engagement, and inclusion were front and center. High school is a time to set a strategy for the trajectory of one’s life path: where you go to college, where you go to graduate school and ultimately what your profession or career will be. In reality there is rarely
a single path but rather a road with many obstacles and diversions along the way. We are shaped and defined by how we address these challenges and these alternate paths. College was on my road map, yet to pursue my dream of medical school, I had to navigate away from my previous course. The perseverance, resilience, compassion and endurance (Vivian Webb School core values) gained during my formative high school years proved crucial in my academic quest to become a doctor. Here I am today, back in my home town, practicing medicine and raising a family. The typical doctor is clinic and hospitalbased, yet my clinical focus has been hospital and facility- based. My specialty was different. The notion of hospital and facility-based medicine had not been in full force when I started to practice medicine in 2001. Hospital medicine was rapidly evolving and my passion became to create an innovative approach to manage, improve and expand this new model of post-acute-care continuum. As our programs grow and develop we are constantly improving patient care methodologies, coordination and protocols. The theme resonating in my life’s practice is “to serve with a generous spirit.” Ultimately, the role that defines me is that of a mother. I have experienced a sort of renaissance in the values and advantages bestowed upon me during my formative
years. Having three impressionable elementary-age children in this digital era, I would like to instill upon them the principles of equality, acceptance, empathy and honor. The moral compass which I was ingrained with has forged a purposeful and fulfilling life. Vivian Webb was a special experience. As I now volunteer in the parent community at my children’s school I want to impart on them the powerful lessons I had learned as a student at Webb and want them to be of sound mind and spirit. The many Webb alumni narratives exemplify the ideals of this unique institution. I feel fortunate to finally have the opportunity to give back to The Webb Schools by serving as a member of the Alumni Council. In this complex digital age, it is refreshing to see Webb’s value centric leadership model. Surrounded by GPS, Alexa, Siri and Waze, it is even easier now to follow a path of least resistance, with traffic and roadblocks avoided. But truly to succeed you must bravely formulate and create your own path and follow your dreams, and Webb offers a powerful blend of timeless values and innovation to empower its students on their life journeys. Praveena Jeereddi ’90 is an internal medicine physician, practicing throughout Claremont and the Inland Empire. She lives with her family in Claremont and has been serving on the Alumni Council since 2018.