Milton Magazine - Milton Academy

Gratitude comes in many shapes and sizesJoanie Brewster ’82Offering to another student theopportunity that my grandfathergave me—to attend Milton,even though that was not within my ownfinancial capability—is crucial.While I am not a lawyer or a doctor oreven a mother, I have held the Miltonmotto foremost in my path in life: Dareto Be True. I am more grateful as timegoes on for all the ways Milton challengedme, as well as for the incrediblepeople I met there, many of whom arestill my friends. Milton required meto stretch myself and be more than Iever thought I could, even if that meantchoosing a way of life that might yearsago not have seemed “successful.” Ilearned to question, to reflect and toenjoy learning.That is why I choose to give to the AnnualFund and also to name Milton in myestate. While my donations are not large,I remind myself that consistent giving ismost important, and I hope that what Ican contribute will help others have theincredible experience I was given.* * *I came to Milton in seventh grade and graduatedin 1982. My grandfather valued educationhighly, and assisted me with tuitionfor both Milton and Amherst College. Iwasn’t conscious, at the time, of what a hugegift that was. For me, not the best or thebrightest student by any stretch of the imagination,the challenges of studying, competingin athletics, and managing the commutewere enough stress without having to worryabout the financial side of things.I have not chosen what might be consideredto be the traditional career path afterattending institutions such as Milton andAmherst. The proverbial “one ski seasonafter college” in Breckenridge, Colorado,ultimately turned into a lifetime of service inthat community. Plans to move to Chicagoor New York and become a famous advertisingexecutive yielded to my sense that Ishould choose a quieter, more simple life inthe mountains of Colorado.For 25 years, as administrative services coordinatorfor the Community DevelopmentDepartment at the Town of Breckenridge,I have immensely enjoyed serving co-workersand the public, whatever their needs andrequests.“ I am more grateful as timegoes on for all the ways Miltonchallenged me, as well as forthe incredible people I metthere, many of whom are stillmy friends.”82 Milton Magazine