One way students gain the courage and confidence to step outside of their comfort zones is through their participation in the Senior Project Program. During this one-month internship in May, senior girls work outside of the classroom in a professional environment, exploring possible college majors and potential career paths. Some of the host sites for the 50 graduates of the Class of 2019 included The Perkins School for the Blind, Concord Youth Theater, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Silk Purse Design Group.
Ingrid Farrell ’19 interned at Beacon Academy, self-described as “a 14-month school between 8th and 9th grades designed to prepare motivated and promising urban students for success in competitive independent high schools and beyond.” As a member of the Beacon staff, Farrell served as a tutor, SSAT proctor, and office assistant. “Working at Beacon showed me just how powerful having a loving and supportive community is and how important it is for me to work for a place that has a powerful mission that I care about,” Farrell said.
Kiera Glynn ’19 volunteered at Milton Hospital, a partner of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. Glynn chose her site because of her interest in pursuing medicine as a career. As a junior volunteer, she greeted people at the front desk and brought samples to the lab. Gynn also had the opportunity to observe hip and knee replacement surgeries performed by Dr. Dennis Burke and Dr. Nina Shervin. At the conclusion of her project, Glynn learned that it takes a lot of people, in addition to doctors and nurses, to successfully run a hospital.
An interest in real estate and interior design brought Katie Mahoney ’19 to Campion and Company, a Boston luxury real estate company. Mahoney shadowed a real estate agent and attended picture sessions and open houses. Working with her supervisor, she gained skills in market analysis, social media, customer service, and professionalism.
On May 29, the Class of 2019 gathered in the Martin Center for the first annual Senior Project Symposium to share their experiences with their peers, parents, and volunteer evaluators. The symposium was an opportunity for the girls to learn from each other and to further develop their presentation skills.
"Our first Senior Project Symposium was such a success,” said Senior Project Advisor and Director of Alumnae Relations Amanda Power ’07. “Each of our alumnae, parent, and past parent evaluators commented on how impressed they were by the caliber of the projects and professionalism of the girls. We were so proud of them for being part of this inaugural event."