Who are you/what is your current role in the community?

Hello! My name is Dominic Lee. I graduated from Sidwell Friends in 2000. I started in 9th grade and spent four rough years as a student. I’m a little shocked they wanted me back… Now I am an Upper School math teacher; assistant golf coach; faculty advisor for the Oat, the greatest paper on campus; and faculty advisor for ASA (Asian Students Association). 

What do you love about the Sidwell Friends community? How is it unique?

I am a huge fan of the thoughtful people in this community. This comes from all levels, from students to faculty members to staff and the administration. Over the years, the school has become more diverse which has led to deep and interesting conversations. I believe the admin and faculty can struggle with being a little too reactive at times. However, when we are given time, we can make great decisions. Right now, I am having a blast working with my department and the other golf coaches. 

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

I was a terrible soccer player for three years (all on JV), trying to chase my brothers’ dreams. Thankfully, I picked up golf and played on varsity for three years. I am so glad that Poff introduced me to a game I can continue to play and enjoy for decades. I feel I have improved almost every year and I continue to create bigger goals than before. 

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

The 12 Days of Christmas was always memorable. As a faculty member, I was included in one of the days which was hilarious. I think our senior prank hasn’t been topped. As a student, I remember the seniors sitting up in front of Meeting for Worship and showing their leadership to the community. I felt a sense of pride being one of those seniors. Sadly, that has gone by the wayside in recent years. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I try to play as much golf as I can. This was a particularly good year in terms of places I was able to play and finishes in tournaments. I won a Fried Egg Golf tournament with a buddy, John Marshall, at Hollywood Golf Club in New Jersey. That may have been the biggest win of my career. I reached a few goals I made at the beginning of the year, and there is still time to reach a couple of others! 

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

Don’t write what you think the teacher wants to read. Write what you are passionate about (within reason). The funny thing is I did that early in the year as a freshman, and my teacher brought me in because she thought I plagiarized my paper! That sent me down the wrong rabbit hole. Thankfully, Ms. Berry led me to the correct path my senior year. This kind of thinking pertains to many things in life, but it was most apparent to me in terms of writing.