By:Jillian Marks
Newton South was established in 1960, and, since then, over 50 classes have graduated. We all know some of the bigger names that walked the same halls as we do today – such as The Office stars, John Krasinski and B.J. Novak- but Newton South also boasts tons of successful alumni that we seem to know little about: authors, journalists, a Nobel Prize winner, and even a Bollywood Actress. While most of us have never personally crossed paths with these people, we all do remember those who graduated just a few years before us; and honestly, who isn’t curious about how they’re making it in the real world?
“Alumni Spotlight – Where Are They Now” will feature a spotlight on a different recent South graduate each monthand shed a little light on where he or she is now and how South helped him or her get there. This week I interviewed Roxy Striar, a graduate from the class of 2009. At South she was really involved in theater; from acting to being an assistant director and stage manager, Roxy spent a lot time working on South Stage. Outside of school she participated in acting and voice classes and also performed in South’s annual Tertulia.
JM: What college do you go to and what are you majoring in?
RS: I went to the University of Southern California (USC) where I majored in Dramatic Arts and minored in Cinematic Arts.
JM: What was the biggest change you felt when you went from high school to college?
RS: Self motivation. When I was in high school I did my work because my parents told me to, because I wanted to get into a good college, and because I knew I would be in trouble if I didn’t. In college there is none of that. You have to want to learn. There is no one there to hunt you down, take you to class or tell you to study. Because I loved what I was doing, I felt self motivated and excited to do all of my work. Everything I did directly benefited my future.
JM: What are you doing now and how did South help you get there/how do you think South impacted you in deciding your career path?
RS: I do a lot of things right now, all entertainment related. My version of a 9-5 is working as an Associate Producer for Maria Menounos’ AfterBuzz TV Network. I also work as an on camera host, actress and writer. I pick up a bunch of freelance jobs, so between Producing and everything else I work close to 100 hours a week. If nothing else, South gave me the stamina to be able to do that. My workload at South was insane. I pulled many all nighters studying for tests and writing essays. Hard work and long hours are not foreign concepts to me. So I guess thank you NSHS for keeping me awake!
JM: What do you love most about what you are doing now?
RS: I’m a very creative person. My mind works in ways that wouldn’t be put to good use in 90 percent of the jobs out there. My job gives me the freedom to be as creative as I want. I love that I am excited to go to work everyday and use my creativity to benefit my company. It’s really freaking awesome.
JM: What advice would you give to students at South?
RS: Every single day you should do two things. One thing that benefits your career and another thing that caters to your level of happiness. Even on the darkest days, if you can accomplish those two things, you’ll end up ok. They can be small things like finally sending an email and eating a bowl of ice cream. Or they can be big things like finishing writing your first novel and traveling to Paris. Either way they are working to the overall goal of being happy and successful– and what could be better than that?
JM: Is there anything else you would like to add about what you are doing now?
RS: I met my boss sitting next to me on a plane when I was a sophomore in college. I was exhausted, hungry and probably a little hung over ( let’s be honest– I was in college). The last thing I wanted to do was spend my 6 hour flight talking to the 40 year old guy next to me. For some reason though, that’s exactly what I did. It was one of the best things that ever happened to me. You never know the moment your life is going to change, so just try and be open to the possibilities.
