Prep welcomes Alumni Service Corps (ASC) member Ms. Emily Petro. Petro is a graduate from the Class of 2020, who has returned to share her love for science and give back to a community that shaped her. After graduating from the University of Washington, she balanced intramural basketball, soccer, and volleyball; lab work at Harborview; and being part of the sorority Pi Beta Phi. Reflecting on her time at Prep, she felt a strong desire to return and give back to the community that had shaped her. “I choose to come back because I loved it here,” she shared, “Prep has a really great foundation for life and school.”
Petro having attended St. Anne for grade school, she carries on with her passion for trying new thing during her four years at Prep. As a student, Petro participated in basketball, golf, book club, and Global Justice Coalition club (GJC), but it was basketball and golf that stood out as her favorites. “I tried to dip my toes into anything I could,” she said, and that spirit of trying new things has carried over into her work at Prep today.
Petro came to Prep with “also wanting an opportunity to teach or be involved in the science curriculum,” she told me. Currently she is teaching three Honors Biology classes and two AP Biology classes, fulfilling her dream. Reflecting on how her high school teachers and experiences motivated her to return. Despite the challenges of stepping into a different environment, Petro embraced her new role, “It feels weird being back because it’s such a different capacity,” she admitted, “but it’s fun to see myself in others, especially worrying about sports, school, and life overall.”
Beyond teaching, Petro offers support to students on their high school journeys. “It’s always nice when you can help people because I was once in their place,” Petro said. Whether guiding students through science concepts or providing reassurance, she’s a relatable mentor who understands their struggles firsthand.
When Petro was asked about her advice for current and incoming students, she shared, “Worry less. I know high school is stressful and can seem like everything you do has an impact on the future but have fun and enjoy it because the four years go by quickly.”
Looking ahead, Petro plans to apply to medical school and begin the next chapter of her career in medicine. Preparing for The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and her aspirations to work as a doctor, she’s making the most of her ASC year by teaching and connecting with students. Her passion for the Prep community and commitment to uplifting others have been evident in all that she has done this year.
Prep is glad to have her back, inspiring students in the classroom and beyond, while carrying forward the values of service and growth the define the Prep’s mission.
