51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

Jess graduated from 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ in 2007 and attended the NYU Tisch School of the Arts where she majored in Film & Television. Currently, Jess is a writer, director, and producer, and owns a commercial production company in NYC.

How did you and your family decide that 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ was right for you?

My parents had a rivalry with another family, and they sent their daughter to the Academy, so they sent me to the Academy! I didn’t love the decision when it happened, but I would send my kid to the Academy in a heartbeat, because I learned more in high school than I did in all four years of college!

What’s one thing about 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ that you would like everyone to know?

Everyone should know that the Academy gives students a chance to discover their own voice. I certainly began to find mine while at Salem.

How does the Academy’s STEAM focus prepare students for college and careers?

I’ve always been in love with art, literature, and history; but I will say that the biology and chemistry classes were so good they convinced me, for a couple years, that I would be a bioengineer! Obviously, I stuck with my true passion and went into filmmaking. However, I did use my AP bio chops when interviewing the Nobel Laureate who discovered RNAi for a BBC documentary, and he said I asked excellent questions. Ms. Spencer would be very proud.

What’s your favorite memory of 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ outside the classroom?

My most vivid memory is taking the bus to away games for the soccer team. I loved spending time driving with my friends and playing at other schools.

How did 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ prepare you for college?

Dr. Cahill taught me most of the things I’ve ever needed to know about writing in AP English, and now I’m a writer!

What would be your recommendation to a student who is considering studying at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, but can’t decide if she wants to attend?

I would suggest thinking about the long-term advantages to taking high school very seriously. The Academy, more than NYU, prepared me for work in an extremely difficult film industry. Sincerely, I studied harder and pulled longer days in high school more than I did in undergrad. The classes required discipline and quick thinking — you will use those skills in whatever career you pursue or life path you follow.

Is there anything else you want to share about your experience at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ?

I still have dreams, now at 35 years old, about going back to Salem. Sometimes my homework is late or I’m worried about a test, but mostly I’m just walking around the halls talking to people. It’s an incredibly special place to me, even though I didn’t want to go initially.