Alumni Q+A: Yeshe Tungkhar '93
Yeshe Tungkhar ‘93 and her daughter, Rigzin Drolma ‘29
Name: Yeshe Tungkhar ’93, P’29
Current Occupation: Research Operations Manager at MAVERIC/ VA
GUS History: 1st – 8th grade, Graduated in 1993.
Why did your family chose GUS (for you!): As a first-generation Tibetan-American, my family was unfamiliar with the schools in the area however education was the priority. Although GUS was a private school with a longer commute, my parents thought it was worth the investment. They also loved the small class size, the teacher-student ratio and how open and welcoming the school felt during their visit.
How does it feel to be back at GUS?
I hadn’t been to GUS since I graduated, so coming back for the first time to take a tour of the school to see if it was the right fit for our daughter Rigzin Drolma was pretty wild. She’s now in what was once the first grade classroom, where it all started for me. Since then, when walking the grounds or in the carpool line – I’m reminded of my own time at GUS.
As you look around campus, what looks the same? What looks different? Anything catch your eye?
When driving into GUS, it looks the same as it did back when I was a student, as though nothing had changed, but there are some pretty noticeable differences like an upper school building, an actual gym (no more trips to the Hastings house) and the older structures, that once stored uniforms and athletic equipment, which have been updated and repurposed. It’s hard to imagine how assemblies used to take place in the front lobby!
Also – it’s a real treat that Mr. Emerson is still here – it’s one thing to be at GUS, but it makes it an even better experience to see a familiar face.
Who are the teachers you remember fondly when you were a student?
GUS, the students and faculty, always felt like an extension of our family but some memories of teachers that come to mind right away are: Ms. Krohn’s creative dance class held in the “barn,” Mrs. Williams music class – guitar always in tow and leading us in song, Señora Rogers and her catchy Spanish songs and the galletitas (small cookies) she would bring back from her yearly visit to Puerto Rico, Ms. Smith’s impeccable writing on the chalkboard, Mrs. Randolph’s love for the English language, Ms. Bullivant’s joy and energy in Latin class, Steve Kent’s kindness and patience, Mrs. Conway making the lines in our blackbooks with her trusty ruler and Mr. Feldman our Headmaster who was always welcoming and kind. When I think back to all the faculty at GUS - what they had in common was their engagement, their energy and their care, and that went beyond the classroom, and their role as a teacher.
What was your favorite field trip?
Mystic Seaport and climbing Mt. Monadnock!
In your personal opinion, why is a GUS education helpful or important in today’s world?
GUS encourages children to be critical thinkers and explore their interests, to respect and learn about/from people and places outside of one’s own circle, and gives them the tools and experiences to further nurture their kindness and compassion. We need more individuals with those types of qualities in today’s world.
What do you want your child to gain from the GUS experience?
I hope that Rigzin Drolma comes out of GUS feeling that she has a community where she is supported, and the confidence to continue to ask questions and speak up for herself and others when at times it may be uncomfortable to do so.
What does Rigzin Drolma have to say about GUS?
Rigzin Drolma is always excited to go to school, to see her friends and teachers. Recently she’s been telling us more about her day, and occasionally she’ll start singing a new song that she learned. She loves GUS. When she comes home with mud all over her clothes, we know it’s been a good day!
If you could wave a magic wand what would be the one, fantastic thing you would like GUS to have?
I would love GUS to have an endless amount of resources so that more children can experience GUS.