Seamus
Seamus graduated from 8th grade at Seacoast Waldorf School in 2019. This interview was completed in Seacoast Waldorf School’s Currents Newsletter in May 2024.
What are you up to?
Currently, I am wrapping up my second semester as a freshman at High Point University. First semester was focused on some Gen Ed courses, while this semester I am taking business courses such as Principles of Management and Organization and Principles of Macroeconimics, plus some interesting courses like one on Revolutionaries and Dictators in Central America.
This summer, I will be interning at Maine’s largest commerical real estate firm in Portland.
What are your plans for the future?
I am really enjoying my time in college and doing my best to fully immerse myself and take every advantage of every opportunity that my university offers. In addition to school, I am studying for my real estate license and continue to grow my real estate network (summer of 2023 I interned full-time in Portland at the preeminent commercial real estate firm in Maine). My hope is to return to Maine after I get my degree in Sales and Business.
What do you miss about SWS?
This would be a long list! I had such a great experience at SWS. Some of the big things I enjoyed
were the small classroom feel which allowed us lots of one-on-one time with our teachers but also with each other, the time spent outdoors, the amazing class trips (our 8th grade class went to Spain and Germany!), and tight-knit community. SWS was such a key part of my childhood.
How did your experiences at SWS prepare you for high school and beyond?
The biggest way I think SWS prepared me for high school and college and the workforce was the
way SWS fostered personal interactions and developed our emotional intelligence. Last Fall, I
had the opportunity to visit the SWS Grade 5/6 class during their Business block to talk about my experience in real estate. The eye contact, attentiveness, etc from that class really stood out to me and reminded me how unique SWS in fostering these important basic skills. From shaking someone’s hand to being able to converse comfortably one-to-one or to a group, to being a good listener – these are skills not all of my peers have yet developed – even at the collegiate level.
In addition, I felt SWS helped me to be a well-rounded person and gave me the confidence and ability to thrive at Berwick Academy, where I attended high school, and now thrive at High Point University.
Anything else you would like to share?
Looking back on the decade I spent at SWS, i have no regrets. I had a great childhood and a great school experience. From the athletic and sportsmanship skills I learned with Ms Combs to the academics and arts I learned from so many kind and wonderful teachers, to the extra academic support from Ms Paula, to the support of the administration (including an amazing letter of recommendation from then-director Ms Deirdre when it came time for me to apply to Berwick Academy) – I had too many positive interactions and experiences to recount! But I do want to give a special shout-out to Mr Drennan who, as my teacher from 3rd to 8th grade was endlessly supportive and creative and made learning fun. I see Mr. Drennan as a mentor and someone I will have a life-long relationship with – again, not something everyone can say about their grade and middle school experience.
Lastly, as the eldest of five, I’ve really enjoyed watching my younger siblings at SWS and appreciate having shared experiences with them.
