Constance Blumenthal, Columbia University

Having grown up in multicultural city of Boston, Massachusetts, it is no surprise that Constance “Connie” Blumenthal grew up to love art and design. As a young girl, she started dancing at the Boston Ballet, dancing with some of who would be come the nations prestige ballerinas. However, nothing fulfilled Connie more than to share her passion of dance with young girls and teenagers. Her goal was to make sure she created a welcoming environment where they could express themselves, but what resulted was beyond Connie’s wildest dreams: a relationship with her students as both a mentor, and as a friend. 

With her younger students, this played out in various ways. For example, Connie’s one pupil, Mimi (Aged 6), stood by her side all day. Blumenthal recalls how one day Mimi seemed particularly quiet so she asked her what was going on and she revealed she was upset about something at home. Long story short, Connie took it on as her mission to make camp a space free of those anxieties and instead a place that exuded fun and youthfulness. 

Connie’s relationship with Mimi inspired her to continue working with children and so she took on a role as a counselor at her high school’s program, Concord Academy Summer Camp. Throughout the summer of 2013, she spent her days teaching dance to 6-16 year olds as well as working in the general camp where she spent time with 3-16 year olds. Connie continued to work with CASC up until the summer before her graduation year in 2015. 

At Barnard, Connie has brought her love of children to New York’s esteemed Barnard Babysitters, where she continues to work as a caretaker. She has also spent her time studying ancient Roman art, architecture, and archaeology with Barnard College.