It’s a memory many of us share: Getting dressed up, having our hair combed just so, standing in line with our classmates, sitting in front of a classic backdrop and smiling on the count of three. School photos captured a moment in time, allowing us to see how much we’d grown from year to year.
In honor of National School Photo Day—recognized each year on the second Thursday of September—we asked Case Western Reserve University staff members to take a trip down memory lane and share some of their old school photos with us.
Take a look below to see their then-and-now photos.
Joy Ward
Interim provost and executive vice president
High school class of 1988
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Biology
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Not surprisingly, a scientist.
What’s your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
My advice is to pursue what you are passionate about and be open to where that passion may take you.
Janice Gerda
Associate vice president for student affairs
High school class of 1985
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Social studies
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Actor
What’s your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Stay curious
Janée Kelly
Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs
High school class of 2011
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
History
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A cardiologist, according to my dad.
What’s your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
This is a journey of becoming, enjoy the ride! You may have come in with a plan, and that plan might change. It’s okay! You will end up exactly where and who you are meant to be.
Tiffany McNamara
Senior director of strategic partnerships, Sears think[box]
High school class of 1992
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Chemistry and biology
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Astronaut
What’s your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and surround yourself with people who challenge you. Growth is uncomfortable but so rewarding!
Gail Palombia Shipley
Compensation analyst, Department of Human Resources
High school class of 1981
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Social studies
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Postal clerk
What’s your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Be curious and find out, “Why?”
TJ Shelton
James C. Wyant Director of Athletics and chair of the Department of Physical Education
High school class of 1985
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Business management
What did you want to be when you grew up?
College athletic director
What’s your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Build authentic relationships with faculty and staff. They can become lifelong mentors/advisors.
Antonio Tate
Assistant director of residence life
High school class of 2009
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Science – biology
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Zoologist or personal trainer
What’s your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Go abroad! This is something I never did while I was in school, but during my own travels I have learned so much and can appreciate so much more just from experiencing a different culture and place.
Peter Whiting
Interim vice president for student affairs; professor, Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences
High school class of 1978
What was your favorite subject in school growing up?
Recess
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A lawyer
What’s your best advice for students as they continue their educational journey?
Be open to career detours.