Waldorf Alum

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Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Famous Figures Who Benefited from Waldorf Education

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Fostering Creativity and Innovation: Famous Figures Who Benefited from Waldorf Education

Waldorf education stands as a beacon for cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. It provides students with the tools to become well-rounded individuals ready to tackle challenges across industries. Across the globe, many notable figures credit their success to the foundational experiences they had in Waldorf schools. These trailblazers are living proof of how the Waldorf approach—centered around artistic expression, hands-on learning, and holistic development—nurtures innovative, empathetic, and forward-thinking leaders.

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WSD Alumni, Laurel Hays Reflects on Her Waldorf Journey

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WSD Alumni, Laurel Hays Reflects on Her Waldorf Journey

A Waldorf School of DuPage alumna fondly remembers her time at the school, emphasizing the importance of nature, creativity, and hands-on learning. “The school didn’t find its true home until I was in 6th grade, but no matter where we were, it was always a priority to have a nice space for play in nature—recess forests, outdoor activities, etc.,” she shares. Her early connection to nature had a lasting impact, and it continues to shape her life today.

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The Power of Hands-On Learning: Reflections on Waldorf Education

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The Power of Hands-On Learning: Reflections on Waldorf Education

As a Senior Software Engineer at Amazon Web Services, my work now revolves around solving complex real world problems through theoretical knowledge and practical implementation. Much like building a trebuchet, software development requires breaking down big abstract problems (how to fling a pumpkin) into small components (the Trebuchet base, sling, length of the arm, counterweight, etc), pushing things to the limit to see what breaks and troubleshooting to fix it. The school gave me the mindset to approach challenges with curiosity and creativity. It encouraged me to deconstruct problems and figure out how things work—a mindset that was essential when I transitioned to high school and beyond

Crafting Curiosity: The Lasting Impact of Waldorf on My Creative Path

Crafting Curiosity: The Lasting Impact of Waldorf on My Creative Path

When I meet someone who also went to a Waldorf school, I immediately recognize our common foundations, thus, a common understanding of shared emotional intelligence by living through life thinking deeply and intentionally. We lack codependency with technology, we are unapologetic about who we are, and, most importantly, we are curious about the world in whatever form that may be. I, for example, have always been interested in the human condition. This is why I chose to pursue a career in writing, creating, and performing to fulfill my desire to explore what makes us human. I recently graduated from NYU with a BFA in Drama and I now have a community in NYC mixed with talented artists with whom I create, work, and perform in the late hours of the day after clocking out of our day jobs.

Waldorf is Out of This World! Literally..

AWSNA shared this article recently showcasing a Waldorf Alum’s journey into outerspace. Read more below! There’s nothing a Waldorf student can’t do and that’s something we are very proud of. Go Sarah!

Lead Space Operations Engineer, Sarah Gillis, a graduate of Shining Mountain Waldorf School Class of 2012, is aboard SpaceX's Dragon Spacecraft on the Polaris Dawn mission. After years of preparation, Sarah orbited the Earth at 745 miles and completed a spacewalk the morning of Thursday, September 12, 2024. 

The mission makes Gillis one of the first two non-government individuals to conduct an extravehicular activity (EVA) in space. The crew’s mission also includes scientific experiments on cosmic radiation and space vacuum effects.

Gillis has previously prepared NASA astronauts for the first Demo-2 and Crew-1 missions, trained the Inspiration4 astronauts, and supported real-time operations for Dragon’s cargo resupply missions to and from the International Space Station. This is her first trip outerspace.

 

If you’d like to learn more about The Waldorf School of Dupage (WSD) and explore whether or not we are the right fit for your child and family, click below to talk to Veronica, our Director of Enrollment!