Class of 2013, Alumna - written in 2020
I attended St. Mary’s school for the grades PreK-8th. I started in 2003 and graduated in 2013. Then, I moved onto Mercy High School for the next four years and graduated as a senior in 2017. Almost immediately after my graduation, I heard of the opening position at St. Mary’s as a Teacher’s Assistant. I was so excited and applied right away! My mom, Lora Traggiai, actually worked at St. Mary’s in this very position from 2003 to 2016. Being just 17 years old at the time, I was a bit worried about potentially having a full time job going into my first year of college. However, I just knew this was the job for me and I was lucky enough to have the administration agree with me on that! I started as a student at Metropolitan Community College and working as a Teacher’s Assistant in 2017. Sadly, 2020 will be my last year working full time. I am hoping to stick around working in Extended Day and as an Assistant filling in when I can for the years to come. I am leaving to finish getting my teaching degree in Elementary Education at the College of St. Mary's.
I wholeheartedly believe that St. Mary’s shaped me into the woman I am today. The teachers and staff, the students, the community, and the faith life were all so influential for me. Growing in maturity and faith with many of the same kids from PreK to 8th formed some of the strongest bonds. I still talk regularly with quite a few of my former classmates from seven years ago! The teachers and staff were always so amazing. I often think back on many of the fun projects and activities that we got to do. I could tell St. Mary’s prepared me very well for going into high school. All in all, I wouldn’t trade my years at St. Mary’s School for anything, including both my years as a student and an employee!