Alumni Spotlight: Leigh’s Life of Purpose, Passion, and Paws

Introduction

Some people live so intensely, one interview could easily fill an entire book.
Leigh, a proud alumna of the Bonn American High School, is one of those rare individuals. Her story takes us from Europe to the Caribbean and across the U.S. — with stops as a flight attendant, Air Force member, IT specialist, animal rescuer, and now a living kidney donor. What drives her is a deep sense of compassion, unshakable determination, and a great sense of humor.

We are honored to share Leigh’s extraordinary journey — one filled with adventure, resilience, and no fewer than 13 dogs.

From Bonn to the Beaches and Beyond – An Interview with Leigh, BAHS Alumna

Q: Leigh, many of us remember you fondly from our school days. Can you share how your path unfolded after leaving Bonn American High School?

Leigh: After leaving Bonn, my family was transferred to Bermuda – which sounds amazing, but the Catholic school system there went to grade 13, and I was already a senior. That wasn’t going to work. So, we temporarily moved to Miami while my stepdad continued working in Bermuda. Eventually, we returned to Northern California, where I graduated with friends I had known since 9th grade. I had attended 10 schools in 12 years, so college didn’t appeal to me at that point.

Runion in Washington/DC in 2014, get together with lifetime Schoolfriends

My parents then moved to St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Before they left, they set me up in a cute little apartment. But as soon as they were gone, I sold everything I owned and bought a one-way ticket to join them in St. Thomas. I surprised them by knocking on their door—let’s just say “shock” is an understatement!

My stepdad got me a job at the IRS office, but I quickly transitioned to waitressing on the beach. It paid better, gave me a great tan, and was a lot more fun. After 18 months, they moved to Hawaii—and I followed. My older sister joined me, and we shared a fabulous apartment in downtown Waikiki. Life was a blast!

Q: Was there a moment during your time in Bonn that especially shaped you?

Absolutely. The entire experience helped me grow immensely. We were treated with respect and expected to behave—and we did, mostly! Traveling across Europe, learning from great teachers, and being part of a tight-knit community made me feel like more than just a student. I felt like a young adult. When I returned to the U.S., I immediately realized I had closed a precious chapter of my life. I still look back on it with deep happiness.

Q: What do you miss most about your time in Germany or at BAHS?

Everything! The friendships were deep and immediate. Since many of us moved frequently, we bonded quickly and strongly. There was a sweet vulnerability among us that made those relationships incredibly special. It was our one and only overseas assignment, and I truly treasure every memory. I’m grateful for the Facebook connections and our reunions. That experience changed my life forever.

Career & Calling

Q: You’ve had such a varied and impressive career—what paths have you explored professionally?

I’ve worn many hats and loved each role. On my 21st birthday, I joined the Air Force. I thrived in the competitive, structured environment. I had hoped to be stationed in Europe again but was assigned to Texas instead. Tragically, my boyfriend, who was also in the Air Force, died in a freak drowning accident during a camping trip. The lack of respect shown by the military in handling his death led me to leave and start over.

Next, I became a flight attendant for TWA and later United. It was a perfect job for a young woman with wanderlust. I flew primarily from JFK to London, Barcelona, and Frankfurt. The ‘80s were wild—we had a trick where we’d order “crew tea” at our London hotel, which was actually beer served in a teapot so we wouldn’t break uniform rules!

Later, I spent 16 years working in Disaster Recovery for T-Mobile, handling hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards. I created operations plans and trained engineers nationwide to keep networks running during emergencies.

Today, I work in Cybersecurity at a major university. I love it. Every day brings new challenges. Plus, I work remotely, which helps me maintain the work/life balance I need—especially for my animal rescue work.

Q: Was there a turning point when you realized you wanted to do more than just succeed personally?

Definitely. I always wanted to give back—I just needed to find the right ways. When my daughter was young and I was working full-time, I would still bottle-feed orphaned kittens through the night. When something is your passion, you don’t get tired.

Q: How do you balance professional life with your social commitment?

I’m lucky—my boss is incredibly supportive. We joke that I “work for dog food,” and honestly, it’s not far off! Having a supportive environment makes it all possible.

Life as a Mother

Q: You are also a Mother: how did that infuence your Life?

A truly important part of my life is my role as a mother. In 1998, I had the incredible blessing of adopting my daughter, together with my husband at the time – a moment that changed my life forever.

From the very beginning, Ciarra was something truly special to me. She brought meaning, depth, and endless joy into my life. Today, she is 27 years old and not only my daughter, but also my very best friend.

Every single day, I feel deep gratitude for being her mom. She makes me proud – for her strength, her warmth, and the wonderful person she has become.

Without her, my life just wouldn’t be the same.

Animal Welfare & Social Engagement

Q: You rescue dogs and give them loving homes. What inspired you to get involved in this work?

Animals have always been my heart. They can’t speak for themselves, and their love is so pure. After moving to North Carolina, I was horrified by the number of abandoned hounds—often left to die in the woods after hunting season.

One day, I saw an older hound online—he had severe heartworm and was near death. When I met him, he was completely shut down. But I knew instantly—he was my dog. I named him Charlie. He was so sick, I thought he wouldn’t make it. I gave him a cozy bed by the Christmas tree, expecting to lose him that night. But on Christmas morning, I heard his tail thumping. He had decided to live. Today, Charlie is healthy and happy—and I now care for 13 large shelter dogs. I couldn’t be happier.

Q: What does a typical day with your rescues look like?

My day starts around 5–6 a.m. I let the dogs out, give them treats, and enjoy a quiet morning coffee with them. I feed and exercise them before work and check in with them throughout the day. Mealtime feels like running a diner—each has their own bowl and place! After dinner, I head upstairs to relax and take seven dogs with me—they take turns!

Q: What’s been your most emotional rescue moment?

There have been many. So many arrive scared, malnourished, and unfamiliar with being loved. But when they finally trust you—that’s pure magic.

Q: What are the biggest challenges in rescue work?

The shelters are heartbreaking—noisy, scary, overcrowded. So many pets are abandoned or abused. We desperately need more foster homes and adopters. These animals give so much love and ask for so little.

Kidney Donation & Selflessness

Q: You’re planning to donate a kidney. That’s incredibly selfless—what motivated you?

I don’t see it as heroic—I see it as a gift. I’ve never needed both kidneys, and I’m in my 60s. Why not give one to someone who does? It’s been a five-month approval process—lots of tests and interviews. I’m donating anonymously to whoever matches on the waiting list.

Q: Have you had any personal experiences with organ donation?

None. But that didn’t stop me.

Q: How did your friends and family react?

Initially, they were concerned for my safety. But once they understood the process, they became supportive and proud.

Q: What would you say to someone considering organ donation but unsure?

You can literally save a life. How often does someone get to do that? Living donors offer better outcomes than deceased donors. Please consider it—and check out www.nkr.org for more information.

Reflection & Message

Q: If you could say something to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?

Trust yourself. Follow your heart. Don’t worry what others think—this is your story. You’ll make mistakes and have incredible adventures. Stay true, and never give up.

Q: What keeps you going during difficult times?

We all face hardships. Helping others—people or animals—always pulls me through. Giving love is the best way to heal.

Closing & Thanks

Leigh, we thank you wholeheartedly for your openness, your courage, and your humor.
Your story inspires and moves us — a reminder of how much good one person can bring into the world. Whether in uniform, above the clouds, troubleshooting IT crises, or surrounded by a pack of rescued dogs: you live life with heart and purpose.

On behalf of the entire alumni community: thank you for being — and remaining — part of the BAHS family.