Alumni Spotlight: Caw & Response, Jay Tavarez-Brown '17

Alumni Spotlight: Caw & Response

This month's Caw & Response catches up with Jay Tavarez-Brown '17, child of Dr. Tavarez who taught Physics at Forest Ridge. Jay is working as a  Project Specialist at the Snohomish County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Hear their thoughts on education, their favorite things to do outside, and the inspiration Sr. O'Dea had on them.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grow up?

I wanted to be a teacher growing up. I had a good influence in the family.

What is the best gift you have been given?
Without a doubt my greatest gift has been my education. Many people including B.B. King, Nelson Mandela, and Michelle Obama have said in different words that education is the one thing that cannot be taken from you. I wholeheartedly agree that it's the most important and valuable thing I have.

What teacher inspired me most? How?
Dr. T. is the teacher that inspired me most. She is my mother, so I witnessed the hard work she put in to not only earn her PhD, but also teach others what she worked so hard to learn.

If you're outside, what are you most likely doing?
If I'm outside, I'm probably giving a tour of a park, weeding, and/or walking and stopping to look at every unfamiliar plant or weird bug.

What gives you hope?
All of the amazing people I meet that want to serve their community and make new connections.

What class or project stretched you the most?
At Forest Ridge, the class that challenged me the most was definitely Brit Lit with Sr. O'Dea. Writing a little bit every day was challenging, but it helped me develop into a better and quicker writer.