For Maura Dowd, the journey from student to teacher has come full circle. A proud member of the West Haven High School Class of 2020, Maura will begin her first year as a second grade teacher this fall, right here in the same district where her passion for education first took root.
At WHHS, Maura was deeply involved in both athletics and service. She played soccer her freshman year and was a dedicated lacrosse player all four years, while also participating in SADD, Peer Advocates, and the National Honor Society. Among those experiences, one stands out the most: her time with Peer Advocates.
“A club which left a lasting impact on me was Peer Advocates,” she shared. “Led by Mr. Paredes and Mrs. Goodwin, we were dedicated to supporting and making a difference within the community. This club not only taught me leadership skills and the power of compassion, but it has also inspired my teaching. It encouraged me to instill values like empathy and kindness into my future students.”
To current students who may be feeling the pressure of post-graduation plans, Maura offers encouragement and a reminder to breathe. “Take a deep breath! It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out right now. You’re going to discover so much about yourself and who you want to become,” she said. “Be open to change, stay curious, and do what sets your heart on fire. The path you follow after graduation is uniquely yours.”
If she could go back and speak to her high school self, the message would be all about saying “yes.” “Go to the football game. Join the club. Try that new hobby you’ve been thinking about,” she said. “Create endless memories to look back on. Four years goes by in the blink of an eye.”
This fall, Maura steps into a second grade classroom of her own, fulfilling a lifelong dream that was sparked by a teacher who changed her life. “My second grade teacher was full of love and warmth. Her kindness was contagious, and she inspired me to become a teacher,” she said. “Now, I’m eager to create a space where my students feel welcomed, curious, and valued.”
Her guiding principle is a quote she’s carried with her since senior year: “No matter where life takes me, find me with a smile.” For Maura, it’s more than just a motto, it’s a mindset. “It reminds me to stay grounded in positivity. When life gets tough, choosing to wear a smile reflects strength and hope. We can’t control the obstacles that come our way, but we can control how we respond. Find the light, be the sunshine, and enjoy the journey.”