Rachel Morrison ‘90
At Atrium, I remember a very free-form, collaborative, and supportive environment where teachers were friends and friends were teachers. I remember making messes, learning by doing, experimenting, and investigation. My teachers always knew the balance of when to nudge and push me further and when to sit back and let me discover the solution on my own. These were in the very early days of Atrium.
Recently, I was reviewing Atrium’s strategic plan and the four interconnected capacities:
Drive to solve problems and innovate.
Confidence in identity and voice.
Leadership through empathy and inclusivity.
Commitment to citizenship, sustainability, and impact.
I love these four interconnected capacities and feel they are very on-point for the complex world and times we find ourselves in. What resonates with me is the idea of respect and empathy, both for oneself and for others and the world at large.
Especially now as a parent, I recognize how much of who we are is formed in the very early stages of life. I think my early education at Atrium school gave me the confidence to believe I could do anything, even pursuing a profession where, as a woman, I was an anomaly. I think it also probably gave me the love for the arts and the empathy that drives my choices and my work
For a time, I was trying to pursue both a film and photography career. I was taking my photo portfolio around, trying to get photo-journalism work, and taking my cinematography reel around and trying to get film work. At some point, I was alerted to the fact that these were two totally different careers, and I had a very tough decision to make. I chose film largely because I loved the collaborative nature of the work.
Through film, I could tell stories and bring to life timely and important issues in our world. I credit my experience at Atrium for helping me develop the capacity to have confidence in myself and my beliefs. I hope that students and teachers at Atrium continue to be confident, take chances, and advocate for those who need it most.