HMS alumnus Owyn Desrochers, will be speaking to parents and community members on Tuesday, November 27 on how his Montessori education prepared him for high school, college and life. In true Montessori fashion, Owyn reached out to the school and offered to give this presentation. Owyn is a freshman at the University of New Hampshire majoring in Marketing and minoring in Data Analytics. He answered some questions for us about his experiences at HMS.
Owyn, as an HMS adolescent student, standing tall with best friend Joe, classmate Allie and guide Kim at his favorite memory place, Mount Katahdin.
When did you attend HMS?
I began at age 7 and continued through 8th grade.
What is your favorite memory at HMS?
Each fall the Middle School program travels to Mount Katahdin. Camping there with my classmates is my favorite memory.
What makes HMS special?
The faculty.
What was the most valuable skill you learned from HMS?
The best skill I learned at HMS was how to communicate with people. I learned how to connect with my peers and how to make team work happen! I loved our micro-economy program, creating, producing and selling our products. Working in this program is what inspired me to pursue business in college.
Where did you go to school after HMS?
I attended Trinity High School in Manchester, NH. My biggest concern leaving HMS was that I would not be ready for the big changes thrown at me. It turns out HMS has more than prepared me for all of the changes I had to overcome. What I learned at HMS that has best served me is a work ethic that is unlike anything of my peers. HMS has given me a way of standing out in college and pursuing my best work.
Do you retain any ties to HMS?
I love coming back to visit HMS and have recently completed an Eagle Scout project for the school. I keep in touch with most of my classmates, especially my best friend, Joe.
What advice would you give current HMS students?
I would tell current HMS students to enjoy their time there. It goes by fast. Never take anything your teachers say for granted.
What are your ultimate life goals?
At the moment they are to graduate from college and work in a marketing department for a publicly traded company.