Alumni Spotlight: How Cornerstone Shaped Quinn Duisberg ‘13
Quinn Duisberg 13’ medical student at The University of Vermont.
Quinn started at age four at Cornerstone as a naturally curious child who was engaged in the world around them. Quinn’s parents knew they would do well in a school setting that honored not just the child, but also children’s natural curiosity, in addition to allowing them to engage and explore materials and beauty in the world.
To this day, Quinn still remembers some of the building block lessons because of the hands-on approach to learning a Montessori environment provides. The idea that a child can use different mediums to engage in learning was an eye opening experience. They mentioned, “Hardwiring in mental pictures of how something works. Mapping it to your brain. Motion to words.” The realization that learning can be fun is something that today Quinn says impacted their life forever.
Quinn starting primary at Cornerstone.
““I have to give Cornerstone a great deal of credit for where I am in life today! As someone who’s now had exposure to quite a few pedagogical approaches, I continue to appreciate what a privilege it is to have learning be framed as a fun, exciting experience to make one’s own, especially when aided by enthusiastic and invested teachers, rather than just a box to check.” ”
While at Cornerstone they appreciated everything their teachers did to make it a life-changing experience. Quinn mentioned her middle school humanities teacher, Chris, being so humble about her knowledge. She did an amazing job of demonstrating how many interests intertwine. Quinn remembered how powerful it was to see an adult want to find out the answer to something together and that the guide in the classroom does not hold all of the answers, but does show a love of being a lifelong learner. Quinn appreciated most was how she taught us to engage with not just literature but the historical and sociopolitical context around it.
From Cornerstone, Quinn matriculated to Phillips Exeter Academy, where they felt prepared to engage in discussions and active learning. Working independently, as a group and communicating with the teachers was a point of pride because of the foundation formed at Cornerstone. As Quinn transitioned from high school to college at Tufts, they realized that they were prepared for lecture classes, but these types of classes did not lend the opportunity to engage with other students or the information. Quinn sought out classes that were discussion-based or had a hands-on component, which helped keep their love of active learning alive even as their pre-med track required lecture-based classes.
Currently, Quinn is a medical student at The University of Vermont. As a medical student, Quinn shared that having hands-on experiences is second nature. In order to understand how a heart works, one has to pick it up and look at it from all angles. Quinn shared their admiration for Maria Montessori as a doctor and her understanding of the child’s cognitive process.
Quinn shared that Cornerstone has played an integral role in preparation for not only medical school, but life, by making the most of your education by taking ownership and pride in the work you are doing. One of Cornerstone’s core principals of finding beauty in the world has allowed Quinn to navigate a rigorous work load in addition to enjoying life outside of their studies.
As a future doctor, Quinn is hoping to take her many Montessori lessons into each appointment with a patient. Knowing the right questions to ask, showing humility when there is time to learn something new and showing a love for learning.
When asked about a child being sent to Cornerstone, Quinn said, "It can be such a joyful experience if the child is ready to be actively engaged and take ownership of their education.”