“When I think back to my time at Waldorf, my memories have a rainbow tint to them. I don’t mean this in a fairytale sense in that there is a pot of gold, some secret formula to knowing the world, but rather that I learned to notice more than just one color and one surface at once. The focus of Waldorf education on the multiplicity of the senses and ways of experiencing the world furthers the creative mind, be it in artistic or scientific endeavors. I don’t like always keeping the two separate, which is why I decided to bring the two together, pursuing a doctorate in medical anthropology. Understanding different ways of approaching the world, of understanding sickness and health, of death and birth, takes more than a quantifiable approach. It takes knowing how to listen and to tell narratives as well as enter into another’s cultural vocabulary. Waldorf education has been integral in enabling me to do this.”

“My Waldorf education was unquestionably the spark that ignited my passion to pursue a career in the arts. It led me to discover theater set design, which in turn opened my eyes to a career in film design and art directing. Waldorf allowed me to create, explore, and discover at a young impressionable artistic age. I am forever grateful and wouldn’t be where I am today in the arts without it.”

“I’ve always tried to approach problems in my work or in my life with imagination, much of which I attribute to my years at Waldorf School of Baltimore. Many people don’t get the chance to experience an environment that fosters creativity, respect for others, and self respect the way Waldorf does. I think that’s been very beneficial to me.”

“My Waldorf education imparted to me a drive for creative problem-solving, which has served me well in both the arts and the sciences as I have continued my education. Additionally, at Waldorf I learned how to exist as a member of a group -- conscious of my role in the group, and of my classmates' contributions as well. The ability to operate in a group setting has proved vital, particularly recently as I begin to learn how to exist as a part of complicated healthcare teams in my current role as a medical student.”

“I am exceedingly grateful for the broad swath of historical cultures that Waldorf exposed me to, for their constant nurturing of my curiosity, and for teaching me that learning is a whole-body experience.”

“When I think of the ways that my Waldorf education has influenced my life, I tend to just get a bit confused. It has so much shaped who I am that it is impossible to extract the bits and pieces that are tangibly Waldorf. I take for granted things that I have come to realize are not necessarily part of everyone else's life. Things like the ability to problem solve and improvise in the moment, fine motor skills that help with so much more than just knitting - though I still do a lot of that - and most importantly, lifelong friends who know me better than anyone else and on whom I can always depend.”

“Waldorf education has instilled in me a sense of adventure, and a desire to experience another culture firsthand.”

“The ability for me to think outside of technology and incorporate the education of head, heart and hands into my work and teaching is just one of the many things that I treasure from my 11 years at The Waldorf School of Baltimore.”

“My experience at the Waldorf School of Baltimore continues to follow me through life - in my good friends, in the community, in keeping an open and creative mind. Waldorf fostered my love and respect for nature, and my interest in sustainability. My education has instilled in me an appreciation for the beauty in life, and has influenced me in my work to protect the earth, to express myself creatively, and to give back. Plus, I’m still an avid knitter!”

“In the past few years I have noticed a personal dexterity and coordination that is different from my peers. At first it seems like it is inherent, but a closer look at my biography and the output of my endeavors while younger, particularly while at the Waldorf School of Baltimore, would yield a different understanding; that I learned how to control my hands through the different explorations integral to the Steiner education system. I’m so grateful to have this physical proficiency as part of me for the rest of my life.”

“Carol Steil and Waldorf education helped make me a centered person. Growing up at Waldorf, I was accepted and given space to make my own way. Acceptance and love are so empowering. With this, I left Waldorf with my feet solidly rooted and the confidence needed to continue to branch out, explore, be different and always be myself.”

“What my Waldorf education taught me most of all was the ability to think for myself, and how to bake exceptionally delicious rolls.”

“The Waldorf School nurtured my curiosity and creativity to pursue different avenues in life.”

“I thank the Waldorf School for cultivating within me balance and curiosity and teaching me to be unafraid to go against the grain.”

“I carry my Waldorf experience everywhere with me, and it is a part of everything I do. Growing up in a small community of independent thinkers has shaped how I view the world and given me a unique perspective that informs my creative work. So much of my identity was shaped by the cultural traditions and values of Waldorf education, and it is a wonderful thing to have a positive community to belong to. I am still close with many of the friends I made there, and I couldn't imagine my children going anywhere else.”

“With each year that passes, I appreciate more and more the unique education I received. Waldorf instilled in me a life-long thirst for learning, a deep reverence for nature, the ability to truly listen, and a well-rounded, compassionate worldview. In my dealings beyond anthroposophical communities I have been most struck, however, by the blessing of intuition, the sense of self that is firmly rooted in Waldorf students. I am incredibly grateful to the talented teachers and staff of WSB for these many gifts.”

“Waldorf did a great many things in shaping who I am today. Perhaps what I notice most is Waldorf imbued me with a love of learning that keeps me constantly occupied, excited, and unwilling to accept the status quo. My most important takeaway from Waldorf, I think, is simply being able to look back on an outstanding childhood. While other kids were forced to focused on academics at an early age, I spent my time focusing on make believe and creativity. For some people that would not be positive; for me it’s essential.”

“After attending the Waldorf School for almost 15 years, it has left quite a mark on my life; teaching me different ways to think, and character building in helping me find out who John Richardson is. From the education aspect, independence is the main theme that has helped me throughout my first year here at Guilford. I believe that it was better to begin being independent in high school, making it an easier adjustment once college started.”

“I would definitely say that Waldorf has had a profound impact on my further education. Waldorf teaches an alternate way of thinking, one that I feel is sorely neglected in most other schools. It is a certain freedom from the structure of the classroom and curriculum. It is almost a sort of inner awareness brought about through the ability of the students to explore all aspects of learning for themselves, and this consciousness allows them to learn about their individual personalities while learning the basic facts and figures of the lessons simultaneously. Waldorf education allows the individual to bring a different viewpoint to a discussion, one that can easily see both the big picture as well as understand how all the tiny pieces fit into that picture. It is an overarching cognizance of the world around you.”

“Waldorf education has been the factor that set me free. My time with Steiner education has taught me that there is nothing I cannot do, no task I cannot complete — my will and simple determination make all things possible. The only limits I have are the ones I set for myself. I will know this for the rest of my life. Right now working with wood is my passion -it makes me happy and content. Working with wood keeps my hands and body active; it keeps my mind engaged and busy, and at the same time it keeps me relaxed. When I am working with wood I am free to think, to plan, to work through anything… or to just simply ‘be’.”

“I live each day with an appreciation for nature and people, and a curiosity that was developed while at WSB. In my work, I share lessons with my students that I learned from Ms. Daisy and Ms. Landgraf, my Kindergarten teachers. I teach recorder club and use techniques from Ms. Karp. I teach foreign language, which I was so lucky to have as an integral part of my education at such an early age. At home, I apply relaxation and movement concepts from my Eurythmy classes, and I make dolls and clothes for my son using the craftsmanship I picked up in handwork class.”

“I am grateful for Mrs. Nierenberg, my class and the WSB faculty who taught me with a care of wholeness, creativity, and the continual nurturing of my highest potential. It is from the solidarity of this foundation that I feel capable and called to help create equal educational opportunities for individual and community growth both inside and outside the classroom.”