girl holding volleyball

Leaning In

By Susan Tomases

Teddy Pollack is a junior at Landmark School. She’s friendly, fast-talking, smiles easily, and comfortably offers that she’s happy here. Teddy is a day student, traveling from Arlington, Mass. every day. She plays volleyball, basketball, and tennis at Landmark and also loves to swim, work out, and babysit when time allows. Between a long commute, academics, athletics, and an active social life—there’s not much time in the day for much of anything else.

 

Getting to Landmark

Coming from Carroll School, Teddy had the good fortune of receiving the academic support that she needed through much of her formal schooling. “When I came to Landmark, I was so glad that there were other students from Carroll who were also coming here. I think the transition would have been a lot harder if I didn’t know anyone. But I had some anxiety and making the move from middle to high school had me worried.”

A Fresh Start

Teddy knew that the privilege of going to schools like Carroll and Landmark was an opportunity that many students don’t typically enjoy. Before she started here, she challenged herself to up her game in high school and lean into the fresh start that was being offered to her. “I set my mind to working harder in school, focusing on improving my grades, making more friends, and getting involved in life outside of the classroom.”

Exploring New Interests

One of the many pursuits that she is exploring is taking early childhood elective classes, which are part of the Study Skills department. In this two-part elective, students learn about childhood development, theories and instructional methods and programs, curriculum development, nutritional practices, and much more. Teddy dove head first into the content, learned material that resonated with her, and relished the opportunity to work directly with Landmark’s youngest population through the on-site daycare center, Tot Spot. 

Jennifer Brennan-Blute, director of Tot Spot said of Teddy, “She’s a natural in the preschool. The kids sense her genuine interest in their experiences and are excited to share them with her. Whether she is taking a moment to chat with a 3-year-old about their favorite dinosaur or being chased by a pack of 4-year-olds, Teddy is fully engaged in building relationships that make the preschoolers feel seen and heard.” When asked, Teddy says that she’s planning to go to college after she graduates from Landmark and hopes to continue her early childhood education studies. 

Teddy has contributed to the Landmark community in many ways, and she’s reaping the benefits of her efforts. With the rest of her junior and senior year ahead of her, we’re looking forward to seeing what else Teddy accomplishes when she continues to lean in. 

 

Article originally published in The Lantern Fall 2022/Winter 2023.

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