Federal Way Public Schools Graduates of Note

Stephanie McBride

Thomas Jefferson High School
Graduate, Class of 2005

Upon graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2005, Stephanie McBride embarked on a grueling program at Boston University where she will simultaneously receive two degrees, a B.A. in psychology and a B.S. in advertising. Her current grade point average is 3.75 and she credits her high school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program as the key to her success.

“The IB program pushed me to excel in many different subjects…I had great teachers who had high expectations, but were also very supportive and encouraging,” says McBride.

Carol Lee, the IB coordinator at TJ had this to say about Stephanie, “As a junior she moved naturally into leadership roles in French Club, National Honor Society and the Drill Team. She worked calmly though all of her International Baccalaureate deadlines and Stephanie could be depended upon to support others at any time.”

What are your most significant accomplishments?
I’ve been able to work more in my chosen field which is psychology and advertising. For this school year, I have an internship in marketing with Tracs, Inc. in Chestnut Hill, MA. They do sports marketing and event management and are an integral part of the Boston Marathon, which is held in April every year.

I also worked in marketing this past summer in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Please describe an experience, event or individual in your public education experience that inspired or motivated you.
Carol Lee, who was my high school advisor, always gave me great advice and encouragement and helped me get to where I wanted to go.

The IB program at TJ definitely prepared me for the type of work I do in college – all the reading I did and papers I wrote then have been invaluable for what I have encountered in college. I doubt that I would have gotten the same experience in regular classes because IB teachers expect a great deal out of you.

What advice would you like to share with teachers in schools today?
Don’t be afraid to learn about your students’ lives. Just knowing a little about their families, their interests, their other classes and their extra-curricular activities will make all the difference when it comes to that student respecting a teacher and trying harder in his or her class. You may hear about students’ failures, but you’ll also be there to celebrate their successes.

What advice do you have for students in schools today?
Appreciate school. Take it seriously. High school is all the preparation you need for college and real life. Listen to your teachers because they know what they are talking about.

High school is a good place for you to try new things and make your mistakes. Practice voicing your opinions now in a low risk environment and you’ll be able to do it well in whatever jobs you have and in later life.