Where Futures Take Shape: Andrea Schwartz-Silvera ’17

Finding the right school can shape far more than a student’s academic path. At St. Benedict’s, students are encouraged to build confidence, form meaningful connections, and discover what inspires them. Alumni Andrea Schwartz-Silvera ’17 is a powerful example of how those early experiences continue to guide students well beyond graduation.

Andrea joined the St. Benedict’s community in fifth grade and graduated in eighth grade, stepping into a close-knit environment that quickly became home. In the video above, she reflects on the strong sense of community she experienced and the relationships she built with classmates and teachers. “The strong relationships that I built here at St. Benedict’s are something I still tell people about to this day,” said Andrea Schwartz-Silvera ’17. Those connections, including friendships formed in middle school, have lasted through high school and college.

Alongside those relationships was an academic experience that encouraged students to engage deeply and think beyond the classroom. Andrea shares that moving from St. Benedict’s into a public high school brought a noticeable shift in environment, but the values she gained helped her navigate that change with confidence. “The values I got from St. Benedict’s were really learning to connect with other people and understand other points of view,” she said. The ability to ask questions, engage with teachers, and connect learning to real-world experiences became an important part of her growth as a student.

Today, Andrea is completing her undergraduate studies at Georgia Tech, where she is majoring in neuroscience and minoring in French and health and medical sciences. She will graduate this December and is currently applying to dental schools, with the goal of pursuing a career in health care and serving underserved communities. Andrea credits her early excitement for science, fostered by supportive teachers at St. Benedict’s, with helping her feel prepared for the rigor of STEM coursework.

Looking back, Andrea sees her time at St. Benedict’s as foundational to the way she approaches learning and her future goals. “St. Benedict’s taught me how to think deeply, explore boldly, and chase what inspires me,” said Andrea Schwartz-Silvera ’17. Her journey reflects the lasting impact of an education rooted in connection, curiosity, and purpose.

We invite you to watch Andrea’s story in the video above and see how futures take shape at St. Benedict’s.