An Education That Keeps Giving

East Greenwich High School teachers don't just shape learners, they mold responsible, wise, and well prepared young adults for the future. After growing, developing and learning for four years at East Greenwich High School, I was well prepared for college. It was my teachers who prepared me. As I stepped onto the Providence College campus for the first time, I had the confidence I needed to succeed. I was ready to foster new friendships, become involved in the college community, and actively engage in college level courses. While I witnessed new friends from all across the country struggle to make sense of assignments, rattled by the rigor, I adapted quickly. I was prepared for college level learning. For that, I can thank my EGHS teachers. Their expectations for me throughout high school allowed me to be successful in college.
Beyond college, I am still reflecting on my high school knowledge in my career and daily life. Today, I am a seventh grade special educator. Not a day goes by in my classroom when I don't think about my own education and development. While I certainly learned strategies, pedagogy, and educational philosophy through my college courses, it is my education from the East Greenwich school system that has become my model. I think about the expectations my teachers had for me and how they guided me to meet them. I reflect on the compassion that my teachers not only showed me but taught me to show to others. I try daily to pass these lessons on to my own students.
To my teachers, thank you. Thank you for always encouraging me to keep trying, challenging me to be a better person, and helping me develop my best self. I am most thankful for the safe, comfortable, and loving community in which I was able to grow, while always being challenged to think and apply myself. I hope to emulate the learning experience you gave me for my own students.


Brooke MacDonald ​
Providence College, 2014