Kelly Bordash Dopp '03

"Every day is an adventure into the unknown," Kelly Dopp says as she describes her work as a third-grade teacher in the Butler Area School District.

In a career that demands flexibility and creativity, Kelly credits Allegheny with teaching her how to juggle. "Allegheny provided me with many opportunities for leadership roles and extracurricular activities," she says, "so I am used to doing many things at once and prioritizing work."

The ability to juggle was also useful when Kelly attended graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Even with a student teaching internship during the day and classes four nights a week, Kelly maintained high standards. "Allegheny's professors taught me what high expectations mean," she says. "I was well prepared to turn in quality work."

Kelly describes graduate school as a place where students can zero in on their ambitions. "Graduate school is much more focused than undergrad. You are there to get that specific degree to go get a job," she says. "Come prepared to work hard, to participate in all classes, and to focus on the goals you have."

While at Allegheny, Kelly majored in English literature and minored in psychology. She now finds that her liberal arts education benefits her in all aspects of her career. "Emails to parents, notes to school counselors, conversations with my principal--it's all about communication," she says. "Having confidence in my oral and written communication skills helps me deal with these daily interactions with ease."

The First Five is a series of profiles celebrating the accomplishments of recent Allegheny College graduates in their first five years as alumni. Read more First Five profiles here.