Mountain Laurel Waldorf School Class of 1998 – Mrs. Lunior
Title: Quality Assurance Manager – GMP
Organization: SK Life Science
Hometown: High Falls
Current Town/City: Ringwood NJ
Interests, Activities, Clubs, and Professional Organizations: Science, Biotechnology, Art, Coffee, Local Agriculture, Motherhood, and Family
1) What did you do right after you left MLWS? (college, competition, work, family?)
After MLWS I attended Rondout Valley HS where I focused on art and science. I went to community college after, where I achieved my Associate’s, as I figured out what direction I wanted to go with my studies. I transferred to Ramapo College of NJ where I earned my Bachelors of Science (BS) in Biology. Once I got into industry, I also earned my Masters of science (MS) in biology from William Paterson University, while working full time.
2) Tell us a little bit about what you’re doing now.
I’ve been in industry for over ten years now. Currently, I work for a company that recently received FDA approval for their first commercial product. My company primarily focuses on CNS, central nervous system, disorders. As the QA Manager for GMP my role is to support the commercial product and assure that the documentation and production are compliant with the applicable regulations. It sounds far drier than it actually is.
3) What was the most valuable lesson — inside or outside the classroom — you learned at MLWS?
Probably the most important lesson was to always feed my curiosity. But close second is to be yourself, I mean if you are going to feed your curiosity you have to be willing to ask the hard questions, and own your space while doing it.
4) What do you remember most vividly about your time at MLWS?
Most vividly? That’s a hard one. I loved the nature walks and field trips to the farm. Actually, I think my class had a lot of fun with our businesses as well. We also had a number of great speakers come in for specific learning modules. There were class plays and concerts. We certainly kept busy. I suppose one of the things that has stayed with me are the relationships. Many of my classmates I consider family. I may not see or speak with them all the time but when we get a chance to get together we fall back into step with each other like we see each other all the time.
5) Do you still stay in touch with friends from MLWS?
Less then I would like, but yes, definitely. I helped organize two class reunions and keep in touch regularly with one of my friends from MLWS. Considering how long it’s been, I’d say not a bad record.
6) When you think about the future, how do you see Waldorf students helping to shape that future?
Just within my class, which admittedly was very small, we have a psychologist, a doctor, two people in politics, a musician, some artists, and more. From my experience MLWS students can achieve the success and influence they desire. Sometimes it is far reaching, like in the case of politics and medicine, and other times maybe it is doing an awesome job raising the next generation. In any case, we leave a mark.
7) If you could come back to MLWS to teach a class what would it be and what would you call it?
Oh boy, I’m not sure. I’m not sure about a whole class but I could certainly do a seminar or give some career advice for any upper graders interested in the sciences. If it was a seminar type class, maybe I’d call it “Biotechnology, a Brave New World.”
8) What advice do you have for current students to make the most of their experience at MLWS?
Well, feed your curiosity! And take the opportunities that come your way. If your fortunate to be one of those individuals with a really clear vision of what you want your life to look like, then your blessed, and certainly pursue it. However, for the rest of us, who weren’t maybe so sure of what we wanted to be when we grew up, take advantage of the opportunities you get because they might open up a world of other opportunities and a life you couldn’t have imagined for yourself. I mean who dreams of being a QA Manager when they grow up? But I find my career incredibly fulfilling. I know I make a difference in hundreds of lives, even if they will never know it.
9) Anything else we might want to know?
Hmm, let’s see. Well, about me, in addition to my career I’m also a mom, wife, and artist. I think sometimes people, maybe myself included, wonder how I do it all. I think the honest answer is, one day at a time. We rarely know how strong we are or how much we can accomplish until we try, so try. And don’t be too afraid of failure or difficulties, they hold some of the most valuable lessons.