Please share a little bit about yourself and how you came to LCA and what you have done after.
I was an incoming freshman and did not know anyone, but we moved here from PA to LCA because my Dad was the head of school here. It did help adjusting to a new school with my Dad to help me. After LCA, I went to James Madison University in Virginia to study pre-occupational therapy.
You mentioned that LCA prepared you well for college. What was it that LCA did to prepare you so well?
One of my professors actually pulled me aside after class in college and said that they can tell solely from my writing that I came from LCA. I was really proud of that! I credit that to Mrs. Elliot and she taught me how to write so well and to think critically and a lot of the work you do is on your own. LCA did a great job of preparing me for that through sports and understanding the key of time management and working together as a team through proper communication.
Were there any other teachers who played a big role in shaping you and teaching you?
Mrs. Elliot for sure. I’m currently reading her book! I think about the way she impacted me in her AP English class and listening to her guidance. Mostly my coaches and spending time with them every single day and it was wonderful to have them as my mentors. They really want you to do well and thrive–they don’t just tell you what to do. You really have to earn it and learn for yourself.
You mentioned that sports were a big part of your experience here at LCA. What was it like being part of a team here and the life of an athlete?
I went to pre-season two weeks prior to going to school because I didn’t know anyone and I think that was the best decision to meet a lot of great people. I just felt like the seniors took me under their wing and made me feel like I belonged and comfortable and that was a huge difference for me going to LCA. Sports in general, you automatically feel a part of something. I learned some of my hardest lessons and some of my best through sports. You don’t know what you are capable of until you try something and LCA encourages people to try things even if you weren’t sure if you were good at it or not.
Were there other ways that you saw in yourself that you left with a gift and understanding that you didn’t know you had until coming to LCA?
I was encouraged by my mom to play violin for a month and it was not something I was looking forward to playing–that I even hoped a left hand injury would prevent me from having to play! I think it was so good that at LCA, you do have opportunities to try all different kinds of things and even though violin was not mine, I’m still glad I tried it looking back! I also loved Chorale and I had Mr. Schmunk (which is funny because his wife is now my daughter’s piano teacher!)
Were there any other LCA clubs or organizations/traditions that you enjoyed being a part of?
That was the cool part of LCA…I could be involved in so many! I loved that I was a part of Chorale and doing Chorale Tour and my roommate from that experience is someone I still talk to today! I was also a part of an organization that I learned through LCA called Helping Our World and would find ways during the day to rake neighbor’s lawns, give back and find ways to help out the community. I still volunteer and I think the seed planted at LCA encouraged me to do so moving forward.
Anything else you would like to share?
LCA expects excellence. Excellence in the classroom, in the hall, on the field, or in the way you treat people.
This expectation pushes you to rise to the occasion & you might even surprise yourself with what you are able to accomplish.
Liza (‘10) lives with her family in New Hampshire and is currently serving a few local organizations by helping them with marketing, social media and events. Her husband Chris (‘05) is the CRO for a software company based in Europe. Audrey is in second grade and Sophia started Kindergarten.