Waterside is known for having outstanding alumni due to their foundational education at the School. Today, we’d like you to meet Jennafer Washington, Class of 2012. Currently, Jenna is a junior at Drexel University majoring in Global Studies with a double minor in French and Spanish. In her spring semester, she is participating in Drexel’s Undergraduate Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program, a 3 to 6 month experience, by working as a Program Assistant at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) in Philadelphia. 

Jenna attended Waterside from first to fifth grade. During her time at the School, she remembers science as her favorite subject to learn about. She was also involved in after-school activities like our school plays and the ballet program that was available while she attended Waterside. 

“Waterside is a foundation. I have a lot of memories from my elementary experience. I still mention that I was able to perform at the Met as a kid to this day!”  

–– Jennafer Washington

After graduating from Waterside, Jenna attended Sacred Heart Greenwich for middle and high school. She participated in the Diversity Club and Girl Power, the women’s empowerment club during her high school career. Jenna was a varsity athlete in Volleyball and Track & Field, and was involved with the winter musical during her time at Sacred Heart. 

“Waterside is the only elementary school I know that truly follows through with their effort to keep in contact with their alumni,” Jenna said. “I’ve gone to SAT prep, college visits, received scholarships, and even internship and resume advice from Waterside. I continue to keep in contact with members of the Waterside community. As an alum, Waterside taught me a lot about community and how to lean on my support systems.”

Jenna continues to be a leader at Drexel, a skill she developed at Waterside. This year, she is vice president of the Drexel University Black Student Union and is a member of the Kappa Sigma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Additionally, she is enjoying her internship at FIRE which advocates for free speech and first amendment rights. 

As the end of her junior year approaches, Jenna isn’t yet sure what awaits her after graduation. She plans to move back to Connecticut while searching for a fulfilling career that allows her to fully use her global knowledge. She is grateful that Waterside is here to help her as she continues on a path to a meaningful career. 

Jenna is committed to Waterside’s promise to “Work Hard, Be Kind, and Respect Learning.” We are so proud of her and wish her luck entering her final year of college!