HMS Alumni Spotlight: Gabrielle Wilkinson '12

Education Summary
High Meadows School: Grades 3-8, Class of 2012
Woodward Academy, Class of 2016
Texas Christian University, BA 2020
Emory University, Candler School of Theology, MDiv 2024

Current Employment
Associate Director at Georgia Tech's Wesley Foundation

HMS: What was your favorite place at High Meadows? Why?
Gabby: There was a gap in the woods behind Jones Gym near the Labyrinth where I would go and pick honeysuckles during Meadow Time. I remember that space feeling like a world in and of itself, where I could still hear my friends playing in a muted way. It was a magical space. 

Related to that was my 3rd grade classroom, which was under the building and felt like a safe cove, surrounded by glass and windows. I felt like I belonged there.

HMS. Are there things about High Meadows that have influenced your education and career path? 
Gabby: 100 percent! Academically, High Meadows built this foundation for me of critical thinking–of looking at systems and places and thinking through how we can make things better or easier or smoother in whatever capacity and not just taking things for face value. I learned how to get at what is right and true for myself.  

High Meadows also taught me what it means to care. I think part of why I am doing the philanthropic and nonprofit work I do now is because of the values and morals that HMS instilled in me. I learned to care about this world and how we interact and uplift one another. That started with how I saw my teachers interact with all of us. They genuinely cared about us and our learning. I was given the tools and a deep desire to make this world better.

HMS: Are there any specific memories that have stuck with you through the years?
Gabby: I remember a particular Middle Years student-led parent-teacher conference with my English teacher, Mr. Korb, being a catalyst for my growth as a leader. I was often congratulated for being a “helper.” My default mode was to sit in the back, observe, and let others lead. But during that conference, Mr. Korb said, “I think Gabby is a leader, and I’d like to see more of that.” I was surprised but began taking that advice. At the next conference, Mr. Korb noted that I had led my group presentation and that he was proud of me for that. That really made an impression–that someone cared enough to see my potential, bring it up, give feedback, and push me to live into my potential. That was the beginning of a chain reaction. My desire to be a leader started at High Meadows.

Another favorite memory was from 3rd or 4th grade when Mr. Ivey would join our group during Meadow Time to play whatever we were playing–wiffle ball, Gaga, soccer, etc. I remember thinking how cool it was that a favorite teacher was hanging out with me and choosing to spend his time with us. He was so present. That is something that I practice now in my work–being fully present with people and engaging with them.

The other thing that has stuck with me is the lasting friendships I developed at High Meadows. My best friend from grades 3-8 at High Meadows is still my best friend to this day. Even though we are in different states, we still talk almost every day. I ran into a few classmates by chance the other day, and that HIgh Meadows connection is still strong.

HMS: When was the last time you took a spin on the tire swing? 
Gabby: Wow! The last time must have been when I graduated in 8th grade, more than a decade ago. 

HMS: You know you (and all alumni) have an open invitation to come by and relive those memories!
Gabby: OK, thanks! How about tomorrow?

HMS: What’s next for you?
Gabby: My work at Georgia Tech is a stepping stone for my future goal of working full-time in the intersection of mental health and faith. I am considering various career paths, including working in a mental health facility or creating resources for churches to support individuals with mental health challenges. My end goal is to be a director or CEO. Stay tuned!