FieldAR2023OnlineAll11.13 - Magazine - Page 19
ALUMNI
Making
a
Dif f erence
Transformative Experience
Myra McGovern ’94
Myra McGovern ‘94 only attended Field for her junior and senior years but speaks passionately about the
transformative impact of those two years. Coming from a large public high school, Myra was asked to cram
her schedule with AP classes to stay competitive academically but quickly realized that the competition was
getting in the way of pursuing true academic interests. She left the public school feeling frustrated and burnt
out. She remembers the joy she felt when her Field teachers engaged her in deep conversations in the classroom about a topic, a book, or an idea. She realized she had a voice and had much to say. This impactful
educational experience at Field inspired Myra’s lifelong journey of learning
and her career and life paths.
“I continue to talk to my friends that I made during my two years at Field. I still feel
that really strong connection to the Field community. I’m grateful for everything
I experienced—the teachers who kindled a spark in me.”
~Myra McGovern ‘94
Myra’s experience at Field made her realize different schools offer students
a variety of experiences. This understanding opened the path to her career
with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), an organization that represents over 2,000 independent schools with a broad range of missions. Myra gets to use her
passion for education and specialization in communications by working with different schools on a daily basis.
Whether that is helping a school through a crisis, talking to the media about independent schools, or doing
research to help schools plan for the future, there is never a dull moment. She discovered quickly that NAIS
fosters continual growth, a desire that was nurtured during her time at Field.
One of Myra’s most memorable life experiences was studying abroad in Ireland, attending University College
Cork. She loved the experience and extended her stay. She values this pivotal time in her life spent exploring,
socializing, learning about the world, meeting new friends, immersing herself in a different culture, and
understanding more about herself in the process. This adventure reignited her curiosity, which she credits
Field for nurturing and giving her the space to embrace it.
Myra earned her Bachelor's degree from Sarah Lawrence College and her Masters in Strategic Public Relations
from George Washington University. In addition to her role as the Vice President of Media for NAIS, Myra
gives back to Field by serving on its Board of Trustees. Myra and her husband live in Maryland with their two
children. In addition to family and career, she can be found reading (usually 2 or 3 books a week) and taking
care of lots of animals. She estimates she has cared for close to 100,000 animals over time, including bee
hives, hamsters, rabbits, and ducks. Myra forages for, and grows, much of her own food, an interest and
passion that she has enjoyed for years.