Where are they now? Laura Lewis Jones - Class of 2001
Laura currently lives in Ramona.
Q: Current occupation
A: I am currently a special education teacher for TK-3rd grade students.
Q: What post-high school education did you pursue?
A: Bachelor of Arts
Q: Describe your career path and current occupation
A: I started out studying animal science at Cal Poly, SLO. However, I ended up switching majors and finishing at Cal State University, San Marcos with a liberal studies degree. I then went on to get my teaching credential.
Q: What JHS experience(s) helped prepare you for your future career?
A: Being a special education teacher means that I am always collaborating with teachers, psychologists, counselors, and families. I think that growing up in a small town showed me the importance of getting along and working well with others. I also feel that being in a small town teaches you the importance of accountability. I think that both of these things have helped me a lot in teaching.
Q: Do you have a favorite high school memory you would like to share?
A: I really enjoyed yearbook. Although we had deadlines, there was a lot of flexibility and fun. I also loved working on our float and helping to plan different events.
Q: How did attending JHS help form the person you are today?
A: I think that being the fifth generation in my family to grow up in Julian really made me feel the importance of a name. I felt a certain depth of living up to the name of those who came before me. I am also mindful of creating a lasting impression that can hopefully be felt by the generations to come.
Q: What are you most proud of achieving since leaving JHS?
A: I feel there can be a certain stigma with small towns and that it may be hard to find success in bigger arenas. I am proud that I have been able to adapt and do well no matter where I am. I am also proud of my family and the life we have created.
Q: What were you passionate about in high school?
A: In high school I was passionate about doing well in my classes and also participating in different opportunities that would, hopefully, help me get accepted into college. I really enjoyed community service opportunities, especially helping run the concessions at the Banjo and Fiddle Contest. I also had a lot of fun taking on some leadership roles. Although I didn’t like being in the spotlight, I liked being able to help make events or class activities successful. It was also fun to collaborate and work with my classmates.
Q: What are you passionate about now?
A: I am passionate about teaching and providing early intervention opportunities for my students. I am also passionate about my family. I find a lot of happiness and fulfillment in working on our house/property and raising our boys. I also enjoy gardening, reading, and crafting.
Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your high school self?
A: The advice I would give to my high school self is to stay true to yourself. That there is growth in discomfort or stepping outside your comfort zone.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: In 5 years, I see my family getting more settled into our community. I look forward to settling deep roots where we live and to start to build a family history in the community we live in. I also look forward to opportunities for travel and to show our boys what's beyond our immediate area.
