Alumni Today
Featured Alum
Meghan Cummings
Sage Class Year: 2003
College and Grad Year: Simon’s Rock College of Bard, 2007 AA and United States Air Force Academy 2011 BS
Major/Minor: Simon’s Rock College – Liberal Arts AA Asian Studies, Politics, and Chinese
US Air Force Academy: BS in Foreign Area Studies with a minor in Chinese
Current Job: 2nd Lieutenant USAF Force Support Officer. I am currently working as an Adjutant for a fighter squadron at Elmendorf AFB
Hobbies: Cross country skiing and biathlon, mountain biking, singing in my church choir, hiking, cooking and baking
Career Goals:
I plan on a career in the Air Force with the goal of working humanitarian missions and eventually becoming an Air Attache at an embassy overseas. After that I would love to start my own bakery and catering business.
Latest Feather in Your Cap:
Graduating from the Air Force Academy and earning my commission as a Second Lieutenant.
What You Love About Your Studies/Work:
Even though much of my job entails doing paperwork, my number one job as a force support officer is taking care of people. That might take the form of getting paper work done so someone can get promoted or providing food services so airmen can eat every day. I find it very fulfilling that by doing the administrative work for my squadron I make the lives of the pilots easier, enabling them to get the mission done. I love being an important part of keeping things running smoothly and keeping pilots ready to fly. It’s a great feeling being part of something so much bigger than myself.
Talk a bit about transition from Sage to high school and college:
Sage pushed me academically and my experiences there taught me to see myself as an intelligent and capable person. When I transitioned to a new school this translated into my refusal to settle for second best or good enough academically. Learning was so fun and absorbing at Sage and those positive experiences became a centering touchstone for me. When I was frustrated at other schools Sage reminded me how much I love learning and gave me a personal drive to excel simply because I was interested in the material. This drive served me well in high school and college as my studies became more self directed and required more self discipline.
What skills did Sage help you develop the most?
Sage taught me to value knowledge and learning over grade point averages. This gave me such a desire and passion for learning that good grades always followed, but it kept my priorities straight. It was that passion for knowledge that has helped me to become so well rounded today. I also think that the nurturing environment of Sage helped to foster a sense of compassion and selflessness in me that has ultimately led me to choose a career serving my country.
Fondest Sage Memory:
I have so many great memories but my first year as a Junior captures much of my emotion for Sage. I had Ms. Moore who taught us world history by having us live it. For the Egypt block we built pyramids, made Egyptian food, and dressed up one day as Egyptians (I think there are some mildly embarrassing photos of me with a lot of eyeliner floating around somewhere). For the Medieval block we turned the classroom into a castle with a draw bridge and everything. I loved how at Sage learning never stopped at the pages of a book but stretched into every corner of my imagination.
Words of Advice to Sage 8th Graders Preparing For The Next Step:
I know it’s a bit cliché but never be anyone but yourself. Take the time every so often when there is a big shift or event in your life, or just because it is a Thursday, to examine yourself and your life. Check that they line up and don’t be afraid of making a change to be true to yourself if they don’t. Also make the most of every situation life throws at you. Things will be tough or less than amazing every so often, but people and places can surprise you if you look for the bright side in everything and give them a chance to teach you something.
Previously Featured:
