When GSFS alumni, friends, and roommates Abby Kalkstein ’06 and Julia Sweeney ’06 attended Alumni Day 2015, they were thrilled to be back on campus and see how much their alma mater has changed and grown in the past nine years since they graduated. That inspired them to volunteer to plan their class’s ten year reunion during this year’s Alumni Day on Saturday, April 9. Abby and Julia share more about what they’re doing, why they’re so excited to be involved in planning their reunion, and what GSFS means to them ten years later.

What are you up to now?

Abby: After Greene Street I went to Central High School, then attended Ursinus College, where I studied psychology. I’m currently working at the University of Pennsylvania as the Admission Specialist of the College of Liberal and Professional Studies.

Julia: I attended Science Leadership Academy for my high school years and then moved on to Temple University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I was fortunate enough to get into a program at Temple that allowed me to continue my education for one year after my undergraduate degree, so this past May I received my Master’s degree in Special Education. I think Greene Street had a lot to do with my interests in becoming an educator!

What made you want to get involved in planning your upcoming ten year GSFS reunion?

Abby: When we went to Alumni Day last year, we were disappointed when we were the only ones from our class to show up. It was great seeing old teachers and staff, but it would have been so nice to see some other familiar faces. We are hoping that by helping to plan our 10 year reunion, we can encourage some of our GSFS peers to attend Alumni Day and see all of the amazing things the school has done since we left.

Julia: I hope that by getting involved and getting the word out early, we can set up a super fun and celebratory event for our ten year reunion!

What can your classmates - and alumni of all ages - look forward to at this year’s Alumni Day?

Abby: The best thing to look forward to is seeing all of the changes that happen. Until Alumni Day 2015 I haven’t had a tour of GSFS to see the changes since I graduated. So much has changed, and the school has grown so much. I think that even the youngest alumni will love the feeling of seeing their alma mater change and grow. It’s also amazing that no matter what, your old teachers will always recognize you and will want to know what you’re up to.

Julia: Seeing all of the exciting and new and different things happening at Greene Street was really inspiring! While there were tons of changes, it also made me feel so nostalgic seeing the little things I remembered and loved so much about my years there, like the mermaid painting on the wall in the Armat Street Building.

What was your favorite part of Alumni Day 2015?

Abby: It was really nice to see the 6th grade class in their new space. They showed us what they are doing with their iPads, and it’s really amazing. It’s great to see that such a small school is able to give their students really great technology to help them learn.

Julia: I loved seeing part of the musical, Annie! Not only was it amazing, I used to be in the musicals when I attended Greene Street, so it brought back tons of fun memories.

How did your GSFS education prepare you for high school, college, and beyond?

Abby: When I entered Central, I was shocked at my ability to not only perform well academically, but also interact with so many students from so many backgrounds. GSFS always taught me how to treat people with respect no matter what.

Julia: Greene Street always gave me such a strong sense of community within my educational realm. That’s really what pushed me into following a career in education! I love school, learning and working together—all things I learned here! I would say so much of who I am, in school and out, is because of my time at GSFS.

Do any teachers stand out as being inspirational for you?

Abby: I loved all of my teachers so much, but Kia definitely stands out as the most inspirational. I was always a very shy student and she pushed me to complete presentations and stand up in front of the class. All students need that push to perform to the best of their abilities which sometimes requires going out of their comfort zone.

Julia: I loved how many volunteer and service projects we would do in her class. I also will never forget Andy, for getting me interested in science and hands-on learning. Any day in the Tree Lab was a great day.

Do you have a favorite GSFS memory?

Abby: The Costa Rica Exchange Program. The places we went, food we tried, and people we met opened a new understanding of culture I had never known.

Julia: All of my memories of attending Meeting for Worship really stand out to me. I may have not been as appreciative of it when I was younger, but now looking back, meeting was always such a pleasant and calming part of my week. I try to give myself that time to reflect now in my life because I think it became such an important part of my personality.

Why does staying connected to Greene Street matter to you?

Abby: I think it’s very important to kids to grow in a place where they feel comfortable and nurtured. Greene Street always made me feel that way. Students are held to a high educational standard, but are also able to be creative and work outside of the box. It was a place where I always felt safe, and still do! I know that I am always welcome back. I want to keep that connection so that I can come back, visit, see what’s new, and stay involved. I hope that other alumni feel the same way.

Julia: I love staying connected to Greene Street because it will always be one of my homes! It helped to shape me into the person I am today, and what better way to appreciate and nurture that then to stay connected in any and all ways that I can.

Save the date! Join Abby, Julia, and other GSFS alumni at Alumni Day 2016: Saturday, April 9.