Preschool teacher Fiona Walsh graduated from Rivendell in 2015 after attending from Preschool through 5th grade. She made her return to Rivendell in 2024 as a camp counselor and preschool teacher for the 2024-25 school year. She took some time to reflect on her journey through Rivendell.
Can you tell us about your experience as a student here? What stands out to you the most about your time at this school?
Looking back on how we were taught and how I turned out, I can really tell that my teachers really had that “whole student approach”. I was cared about on a level beyond academic, and my teachers knew me and how to handle me in a way that best for everyone.
How did your time at Rivendell shape your decision to become a teacher?
It showed me the power an intentional and meaningful teacher can have. My first learning space was so safe and fun, that I wanted to be able to create that for my future students.
How do you think your perspective as an alum influences the way you teach here now?
I really get the Rivendell vibe! Growing up at Rivendell and learning through love and logic, my intrinsic teaching style fits in pretty seamlessly to the school culture.
How do you balance your memories as a student with your role as a teacher?
It’s pretty weird to sit in staff meetings with my old teachers. Sometimes I look around at all the adults who molded my kid brain, and it's hard to accept that they are my peers. I have so many magical Rivendell memories. It’s really special to watch kids grow up in the same space and make those types of memories. I currently teach in the classroom I attended preschool in- which is crazy. I love that I have memories of being a kid in that room, and that I get to continue to make more as a teacher.
How do you feel the school’s culture has evolved since you were a student?
I think just the fact that so many of my teachers are still teaching at Rivendell, goes to show that the strong familial culture is welcoming, warming, and steadfast. Teachers care about their students beyond the walls of the classroom, the teamwork transcends grade level teams, and we all work together to reach our shared goal of student success.
