Beaver Reflections:
I graduated from Beaver in 1971 and received an excellent education. I came to Beaver in 8th grade. When I first started, it was an all-girls school, but when I graduated, there were boys younger than me at the school. I had a small graduating class and we were all friendly with each other. A lot was happening at Beaver and the world when I was in high school, including the Vietnam War. I liked how the community was safe, supportive, and close-knit. I was also a leader in the civic action club and became a community activist. I loved taking jewelry and art classes, and I learned to love literature and writing. Beaver gave me a great writing education, and my love of literature, books, and writing has stuck with me throughout my life.

What is #happeningnow in your life:
After college, due to my love of books, I worked in publishing. After that, I became a marketing director at an architecture and urban design firm in Harvard Square. I really enjoyed my work and decided to go to graduate school at Harvard to become a landscape architect. Currently, I am in my second term as an elected city councilor in Newton. My background in landscape architecture has helped me in my work as an elected official in evaluating proposals and granting special permits.

“No matter what you do or say, half the people are not going to like you. My approach to public service is to do the right thing and be myself at each decision.”
– Andrea Kelley ’71

Advice to Beaver students:
Try to find people you can be yourself around and people that will bring out the best in you.