Kevin Furhmann
What college/s have you attended since graduating Dana Hills?
UC San Diego
What degrees have you completed?
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
What is your current occupation?
Director of Development at Blind Children's Learning Center
What would you say have been your most notable accomplishments since leaving Dana?
"Accomplishments" is a big word, so I will just say that I am happy, diligent, and full of grit. I'm proud to play a pivotal role in sustaining an organization that transforms hundreds of lives with tremendous needs annually. When I have to quickly transition from planning major events to writing grants to leading presentations to managing staff to reporting to a Board of Directors, I do often think back to 17-year-old me. I suppose the accomplishment is that my adolescent brain took in enough to understand that remaining focused, flexible, and dedicated would serve me well in the future. This world demands so much of us to succeed, and I'm grateful the programs and classes available at Dana prepared me for that.
What classes/programs did you participate in while at Dana Hills?
Yearbook, Tennis, HMO
What recommendations would you make to current Dana students looking to duplicate your success?
Try everything, and get involved. Dana Hills provides many opportunities for teens to become well-rounded adults. I really mean it when I say that I still use skills learned at Dana. For example, English classes at Dana Hills transformed my relationship with language arts and writing. My profession requires both technical writing and compelling messaging and appeals. I borrow from the insights I gained in high school English classes frequently, and that's really just one example. The teachers at Dana were more dedicated to their students than we ever deserved; trust that they want the best for you. Be humble enough to understand that the things you are learning may be more relevant to your future than you might think, and enjoy that! Oh, and don't worry about what anyone else is doing.