abb 07 july 1 (ver_ 2) final - International School Manila

Graduating with a psychology degree from a tight-knight program and college, I felt ready to
tackle the world. Being one of many graduates around the country looking for jobs at the same
time, and being stubborn to want to find one without networking and “on my own”, I spent
several months looking. I quickly realized that our world has changed from when my parent’s
generation was job searching, and with online modalities and vast career opportunities,
networking was the way of the present.
I got a postcard in the mail from Wheaton with a networking opportunity for alumnae in the
New York City area interested in Marketing/Advertising. When I got to the event, there were
three different advertising executives who had graduated from Wheaton and were now
working at well-known agencies. It was there that I made the connections I needed to keep in
touch, attended informational interviews, and stayed on their radar when an opportunity for a
job came up.
When the phone rang, I was told that there was an opportunity to interview for a position. I got
the job. Not only did Wheaton spend four years preparing me and honing skills that helped
secure the job, but it was also Wheaton that got me the opportunity for the interview.
I worked at the ad agency for almost five years and continued to volunteer in a hospital once a
week. While I loved the people that I worked with and the department I was able to help build, I
decided to turn my volunteering into a career.
I reached out to staff at Wheaton College with whom I had maintained a relationship after
graduating, to see if they would serve as a reference for me. I applied to Bank Street College of
Education, the only school that offers a Child Life program in New York City. Fingers crossed, I
decided if I got in I would make the change, and if I didn’t I would stay where I was.
I got in.
Two months ago I finished a two-year program and a 29-week Internship at The Children’s
Hospital at Montefiore in the Bronx. (It was the) hospital that made international headlines
when a series of surgeries successfully separated conjoined twins from the Philippines.
As you can see, I feel that my education from stellar places such as International School Manila,
Wheaton College, and now Bank Street College of Education, has brought me full circle- from
ISM helping me find my passion, Wheaton College helping me explore it, and Bank Street
putting me in the field.
Sincerely,
Vanessa (Galan) Finnerty '02
Editor’s note: Should you wish to know more about Wheaton College or Bank Street College of Education,
email us at alumni@ismanila.org. Portions of the letter have been edited for brevity.