Meet Tammy Ott!

In honor of our 50th anniversary in the midcoast, we caught up with one of our very first Passages Program students, Tammy Ott! Tammy graduated in 1996 and currently resides in Camden. We interviewed Tammy at the beginning of the school year to find out what she's been up to!

WS: What have you been up to since graduation?

Tammy: Living life the best that I’m able. I am a very proud mom of a daughter, and a grandmother to a granddaughter and grandson. I’ve got two cats who I consider to be my fur-kids, Jeter and Sophie. I also have two hobbies/businesses, crafting and photography. Itz My Thingz: Crafts Made & Sold By Me, and Ocean Rose Photography. Both pages can be found on Facebook!

WS: How did The C-School/ Wayfinder prepare you for life after graduation?

Tammy: The Passages Program was very helpful because it didn’t only teach basic education, it also taught life skills that are needed.

WS: What was the most important thing you learned at The C-School/ Wayfinder?

Tammy: That there are other ways for young moms, like myself and others in the community, to get an education, even if that goal cannot be achieved traditionally for whatever the reason may be. Passages makes you set goals and work for them, and helps you succeed.

WS: Why did you choose The C-School/ Wayfinder?

Tammy: I was a single mom at 17 and after a few attempts at trying to be a mom and going to a regular high school at the same time, I knew I needed something different to get my high school education. It was my doula, someone that helped young moms, who told me about the Teen Parent Diploma through the Passages Program.

WS: What was your favorite outing, expedition or field trip and why?

Tammy: My teacher, Kristie, and I took a trip to Rumford, Maine to the Rumford Hotel to meet my biological mother. I was adopted when I was 18 months old. I did my Passage Project on my biological family tree, so going to meet Rose, my biological mother, and meeting a couple other biological family members was definitely a favorite that sticks out in my mind.

WS: What was your favorite class, core skill or workshop and why?

Tammy: Doing my Passage Project towards the end so I could graduate. It was a lot of work, fun, and very educational personally. It actually had great meaning.

WS: What was your favorite book or poem you read at The C-School/ Wayfinder and why?

Tammy: I don’t remember back then, but I’m really into Stuart Woods books now.

WS: What do you miss about The C-School/ Wayfinder?

Tammy: My teacher Kristie.

WS: What is your favorite C-School/ Wayfinder memory?

Tammy: Graduation because I knew I succeeded!

WS: What would you like people to know about The C-School/ Wayfinder?

Tammy: It’s a great place to go if you just can’t seem to do a regular school. The staff is helpful, people are friendly, and it’s a relaxed environment which makes it easier to learn.

WS: What would you like people to know about you?

Tammy: In May of 1996, I was the very 1st student to graduate from the Teen Parent Diploma Passages Program!

WS: Anything else you’d like to add?

Tammy: To all present and future students: keep your heads up high and keep reaching for your stars!

Buoys, photograph by Tammy Ott, Ocean Rose Photography