Graff’s Grand Entrance
As the new addition to the Student Life Office, Ms. Graff, student life assistant, is excited to start the year at Western Reserve Academy. Graff studied at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she got her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Following school, she interned at the Youth Villages Adoption and Foster Care Organization, and in the Steubenville Public School District, where she developed her desire to be in an educational environment. After working a few jobs, one of which was working with at-risk kids in Nashville, Tennessee, she stumbled upon the job opportunity at WRAs’ Student Life Offices. Graff describes her reaction to the opportunity, emphasizing, “When this job opened up it was like an ah-ha moment, this is where I wanted to be.” Immediately when receiving news of the job opening, she was eager to seize the opportunity.
However, Graff also understands that with this new opportunity will come new challenges. She explained, “…I have no previous experience with boarding schools, so it [the job] is definitely a new challenge but I’m really loving it.” When asked what she wanted the community to know about her, Graff replied: “I was so surprised by how warm and welcoming the community is… actually experiencing the warmth of the community puts a smile on my face; a natural smile because I am so happy to be here.” In the SLO, Ms. Graff welcomes every student with warmth and acceptance. She helps make the SLO an inviting and joyful space for all students. We are excited to have a new face as part of our WRA community. So please do not be shy; stop in the Student Life Office anytime, whether it is to grab some candy or to say hello to Ms. Graff!
– Donald Heddesheimer ’24
The Reserve Record 