Meet the alumni of awakening seed school
Marguerite Mallory
Age: 22 | Location: Jacksonville, FL
I was a student at the Awakening Seed between the years of 1996-2002. I moved to Jacksonville, Florida, for the Disney Internship Program. I went to Batavia High School in Illinois and graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s in liberal arts communications media. I am excited that I moved out of the cold with my family and am happy to start my new life in the Sunshine State! I have had the best memories of the Seed growing up and I have made some life-long friends. The Seed taught me how to use my creativity to its fullest and how to work together, along with understanding our differences. It was such a happy, free, loving environment and it was one of my most precious memories as a child. I will never forget the winter solstice dances at the end of the year that I eagerly anticipated. Our Roxaboxen homes were the most unforgettable activity! We learned how to build a community, grow fruits and vegetables in our gardens, earned currency from our produce, and worked together in our makeshift society. My proudest moment was growing carrots with my partner, Traci Jackson, and buying tomatoes from our neighbors so that we could eat a fresh salad. I am very proud to be an alum of the Seed and it has helped shape me into the woman I am today.
Matt Gilbert
Age: 39 | Location: Raleigh, NC
I currently work as a senior staff engineer for Qualcomm Research and Development in Raleigh, NC. After receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona, I spent time in Oregon, Maryland, and Arizona before settling in North Carolina where I’ve spent the past nine years with my wife and two sons. I feel fortunate to have a job that I enjoy; it allows me to be creative in a field that interests and challenges me. I am grateful that the Seed nurtured my inquisitive nature and provided a place for encouraging and developing self-directed learning.
Michael Sommer
Michael Sommer Age: 33 | Location: Tempe, AZ.
I graduated from Tempe High, then attended San Diego City College. I am the owner of V2A Fitness (visualization to action), a personal training company and am passionate about helping coach and inspire as many people as possible to reach their goals regarding fitness and overall wellness. My son Hayden is my everything. Going on new exciting adventures with him is my favorite thing to do. Surfing, rock climbing, reading & spending time with my son make me the happiest. The Seed cultivated my creative spark and taught me compassion and how to truly be kind to the people in my life.