Beaver Reflections:
I graduated from Beaver in 1969 and was there for six years. There was a Beaver tradition in the paternal side of my family, as I had many relatives who attended Beaver. Looking back, I chose Beaver because two of my closest friends were enrolling but also for Beaver’s fantastic teaching style. Another aspect of Beaver that I appreciated was the diversity of the student body and the introduction of culture and class. Also, in the classroom, I felt welcomed and the curriculum was academically challenging. Looking back, the English and French departments were excellent. Two of my favorite teachers were Ms. Baker and Ms. Strasburger in the English department. Ms. Baker took me under her wing to learn the processes of English and the minor tweaks to make in my writing. Ms. Strasburger helped expand my minimalist writing style and become more descriptive with all my assignments. Overall, Beaver played such a critical role in my college life as I ended up majoring in English. Outside of the classroom, I played field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse during my time at Beaver.

What is #happeningnow in your life:
Following Beaver, I went to Yale University, which was the first year Yale was coed. I finished up college in 3 years instead of 4 because I wanted a taste of the working world. After college, I ended up going to the Lesley Graduate School of Education. There, they had a teacher training program where I had the opportunity to apprentice and teach with other teacher trainees while also receiving my master’s. Following that stint, I moved to Marshfield with my husband and needed a job. Fortunately, my mother is in the educational world and relayed that Milton Academy was looking for an interim college counselor. Looking back, this was ironic because I had to decide between Beaver and Milton Academy for my high school. I got the job as a college counselor and an English teacher for girls. Overall, I was at Milton for three years before I left for maternity leave. After Milton, I went to Nobles to work as a college counselor, teacher, and sports coach. Today, although I no longer work at Nobles, I do college counseling independently. I will do some college counseling work pro bono for students in the area.

“I recently had a college counseling session with a family who was talking about their child ‘falling to pieces’ and struggling with academics, etc. I said, let him fall to pieces but be there to help him. If he needs days off from school, let him take days off from school. At the end of the day, mental health and physical health are more important than any AP or test. Family and strong connections are crucial in life.”
– Kate Coon ’69

Advice to Beaver students:
During your working years post-high school and post-college, there will be bumps in the road. However, there will be lots of time to figure out your career, and although there may be some hiccups along the way, your career will stay afloat. Another piece of advice is to cherish the time with your loved ones and create lasting memories that neither one of you will forget.