Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight! We are proud to highlight BHS Alumna Emily Fego, in our final installment in the series this school year. Emily graduated from BHS in 2017 and is an associate editor for National Geographic Kids at Penguin Random House.

Q: What did you study in college? What took you on that path?

A: I studied journalism with minors in creative writing and environmental studies at SUNY New Paltz. I was inspired by the idea of asking questions, digging for answers, and sharing those answers with anyone who wondered about the same thing.

Q: Tell us about your favorite work-related experience.

A: National Geographic hosts “Explorer’s Festival” each year in Washington, D.C. There were so many fascinating people in one place—from scientists studying wildlife outside of bustling cities to paleontologists discovering new dinosaurs. I listened to leading scientists and educators present their work and even got to meet some of them to discuss ways we could work together on a children’s book!

Q: Why do you enjoy what you do?

A: Reading gives you the power to transport anywhere in the world—real or imagined! I enjoy being part of a team creating books that even the most reluctant reader would want to pick up and flip through. I hope that our books create lifelong readers who grow up to make the world a better place . . . and maybe that starts with a nature guide about birds! Plus, it’s super cool that it’s my job to read about amazing people, places, and animals all day.

Q: What’s your favorite book?

A: The Hunger Games is an all-time favorite! Even 15 years after I read the trilogy, I loved the prequels just as much.

Q: Tell us a few accomplishments you have achieved.

A: I wrote two books for National Geographic Kids, which was a dream come true. One is an adorable board book called Wild About You. The other is a spin-off of the Weird But True! series, which was really exciting because I loved those books as a kid!

Q: What kind of student were you in high school?

A: I did well in school, but it didn’t come easily to me. I spent a lot of time studying and attending extra help sessions. Fortunately, that experience helped me develop great study habits that made me successful in college.

Q: What was your favorite class and teacher in high school?

A: I can’t choose! Mr. Kurtz and Mr. Mullane were both incredible teachers. They made me enjoy classes that I didn’t normally excel in (math and history). Mr. Ciavara’s environmental science class inspired me to do what I’m doing today!

Q: Any advice for BHS students?

A: Don’t worry about having it all figured out by the end of high school. That’s a lot of pressure! I changed my major a million times and still didn’t know what I wanted to do when I graduated college. Move at your own pace and follow the path that feels right for you.

Thank you for participating Emily!