Who are you/what is your current role in the community? When did you graduate/how long did you attend Sidwell Friends?

My name is Cecilia Laguarda and I am an Upper School Science teacher and assistant Crew coach. I graduated in 2013 and started at Sidwell in 7th grade.

What extracurricular activities were you involved with during your time as a Sidwell Friends student?

I was captain of the Crew team and in Passing Notes. I was also co-president of the Latin American Society (LAS).

What was your favorite memory/tradition as a student? What is your favorite memory/tradition as a faculty member?

As a student, I loved the end of the season Stotesbury regatta. It’s one of the oldest and largest competitions for high school rowing and it’s held in Philadelphia every spring. The trip was always a great way to end the season and it made us feel deeply connected to the wider rowing community. As an assistant coach, I got to return with the team last year and it was incredibly special to introduce the tradition of this competition to a new group of students. The boat I coached did much better than any of the boats I ever rowed in!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Watching TV and playing with my cat. During the school year, I have a hard time reading for pleasure, but during my summers I love to read.

What piece of advice do you wish you had known when you were a Sidwell Friends student?

I wish I had realized how much time there was to do the things I wanted to do. As a student, I felt like I had to specialize in certain activities or subjects that would become my whole personality as an adult and that I had to know exactly what I wanted to do in the future. As an adult, I realize just how much time there is to learn new things, decide to do something different with my life, and enjoy the hobbies I already have!