We recently reached out to alumni asking them what they were up to now and how their time at Riverstone impacted their choices, post-high school. Natalie E., Class of 2016, sent us the the following letter. We love to hear good news from our alumni, and this letter was especially wonderful. We couldn’t wait to share it with our community! Enjoy.
Its crazy to realize that my Riverstone graduation was 5 years ago!
Reflecting on my high school experience now I can see so clearly the valuable foundation it provided for my future self. I remember transferring to Riverstone in 10th grade, and being introduced to the outdoor program with a fall trip to the Sawtooths. I remember feeling out of my comfort zone, not understanding yet the intention behind bringing us all together in nature to bond, but over time those trips gifted me lasting friendship with so many of my classmates and brought us invaluable memories to hold onto.
The three years that followed grew me into a more authentic version of myself more than any time of my life. Prior to Riverstone, I had always dabbled in music in the arts, but had never fully dove into my interests. My classes allowed me to fully explore those zones of interest like performing music, staging and directing a play, and examining art and literature. I discovered my true love, portrait photography, when I was doing a school project. I now have a growing portfolio that I am so proud of and it all started in the classroom!
The coursework was incredibly rich and truly taught me how to think like an individual. I still miss sitting in my classes listening to my peers share their thoughts and opinions on important pieces of work and historical moments. It felt like we weren’t just there for our own interests but were there to really help each other grow. It was such an uplifting group of people to be around.
The teachers were my mentors, my cheerleaders, my coaches, my friends. They saw something unique in each of us and nurtured it like only the best teachers can. I found a home at Riverstone.
I am a fundamentally different person because of Riverstone. It gave me such a well rounded and wholistic view of the world, my community and myself. It taught me how to challenge my own self imposed limitations, to initiate, direct and follow my instincts, to open up to people I would normally not interact with, to be brave in the face of adversity, to take the time to understand the depth and meaning inherent in our studies and in life.
Since then, I have moved on to even more rich and colorful travel experiences. Where my openness to try new things, to come together with others, to ask questions and pursue what lights me up have served me incredibly well. If I had not had the nurturing community of Riverstone back then, I would not be where I am today.
I took that bravery and boldness with me to DC after getting my Business degree and starting an internship on Capitol Hill. They say the year after college brings a lot of realizations about the path you want to take and it becomes an opportunity to truly choose the direction you want to go in. I had a moment to myself where I reconnected to my younger self, when I had directed a play at Riverstone and first discovered my passion for organizing, directing and planning a visual production.
In a semi-post covid world, I became intrigued by the event planning industry. There are so many events happening in DC and I was really drawn to weddings through my interest in photography. Wedding planning was not something I ever thought I could realistically do. But this past year, I’ve worked 35 weddings all over the DC area and have grown SO much in my ability to execute, plan, strategize and organize people and logistics. After a year of trial and error, I now work as a full time Wedding Planner with a catering company in the DC area. I never thought I would land in a job out of college that feels so right for me.
I know without a doubt that without my early guidance at Riverstone, I would never have had found the knowledge or confidence that I truly can steer myself in any direction I want. I never thought I could feel so empowered and assured at this stage of my life and I attribute that to the enduring foundation I built with my classmates, who I still keep in close contact with.
My advice for graduating students at Riverstone is to give your all! Be present for the rich experiences in front of you. Cherish the moments each day where you can open your mind and lean on the people around you. Riverstone really is such a nurturing and supportive environment, where the community is fully invested in your potential.
Thank you Riverstone for seeing the light in me!
With love,
Natalie E
Riverstone International School Class of 2016
University of Idaho Class of 2020
Business Operations Management & Spanish
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