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Real Talk 2.0 Perseveres
In its second year, this series of honest classroom discussions led by GPS alumnae on a variety of topics, speaks to the growing desire of our students to learn and embrace non-academic skills.
Although outside forces seemed to be conspiring against this year’s Real Talk series, this beloved part of Alumnae Weekend persevered.
Beginning with the news that Real Talk Keynote Speaker Katy Conroy ‘06 had taken ill and would be unable to board a flight from Chicago to Chattanooga, another alumna rose to the occasion. Mary Helen Miller Montgomery ‘05, whose work for the Times Free Press’ “The Poverty Puzzle” series recently received a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize, agreed to fill in for Conroy in the role of keynote speaker, with fewer than 24 hours to prepare.
As Montgomery was preparing to take the stage, however, a fire alarm sounded. “This is not a drill,” announced Head of School Dr. Autumn Graves.
With the minor situation contained, the Real Talk series continued. “Welcome to Real Talk — we had a burst of reality today,” said Graves. Although Montgomery was unable to address the students in a keynote address, GPS intends to invite her back to talk about the work she does in 21st century journalism and storytelling.
Students proceeded to attend the great variety of sessions on topics as diverse as violin making; self-defense; careers in math, nursing, and non-profit organizations.
Student Anna Oglesby ‘18 said she was glad to have attended a session on nursing, by Tara Counts Parr ‘97, given her interest in pursuing a career in pediatric nursing someday.
During a session titled “Hard Hats, High Heels, and a Little Bit of Dirt” about her work as an environmental scientist, Tyler Thurston Jeffrey ‘02 said, “I know at GPS, you talk a lot about your personal brand. You don’t have to have it all figured out now,” Jeffrey said. Jeffrey is a regional director of external affairs for Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
Meredith Byrum Brown ‘97 conducted a session based on her work as a senior consultant with Byrum Consulting in Chattanooga, as well as CEO of Judgment Health. In “Know Your Judgment Capacity,” Brown discussed the importance of making good choices, especially as our choices impact those around us. “The people I encounter who are the most satisfied and productive in their work (and in all the roles that they play) have found the right fit for their particular judgment capacities.”
“Every encounter you have shapes the way you see the world,” said Brown.
Reminding the students why Real Talk matters, Graves told the students gathered in Frierson Theatre, “We do this in response to student surveys.Over the past two years, 97% of you told us that non-academic skills are important to you — the top answer was Life Skills.”
